Antananarivo and Area Looking - Madagascar - page 278

in recognition of its importance as a wetland habitat. A total of 27 water bird species and
36 other birds have been recorded there, including several herons, egrets and teals. Early
morning visits are best for birdwatching. A variety of chameleons are found here too. Near
the main lake an information centre has field guides for visitors' use.
CROC FARM ( 22 030 71/007 15; f 22 070 49; e [e-mail] ; www.reptel-
mada.com ; daily09.00-17.00incgiftshop&restaurant;entry10,000Ar,under-8sfree )
Situatedtenminutesfromtheairport,thisFrench-ownedplaceisworthavisit.Asitsname
suggests, it is a working farm, raising crocodiles for leather, meat and other products. But
the 3ha park is also a zoo, home to some 80 animal species. Crocs of every size are top
of the bill with many hundreds in residence. Visit during feeding time (around 13.00 on
Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) to see the most activity. Croc Farm also informs visitors
aboutthethreatsfacedbythefewwildcrocsleftinMadagascarandlocalsuperstitionssur-
rounding them. For an unusual culinary experience, try grilled crocodile in vanilla sauce
- or cooked some other way - at the restaurant Coco d'Iles Taverne (non-croc dishes
also available) overlooking the main lake. Other animals on display include lemurs, fossa,
chameleons, tortoises and parrots.
MUSEUM OF ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY [146 C6] ( 17 Rue Dr Villette, Isoraka;
e [e-mail]; Tue-Fri 12.00-17.00, Sat-Mon closed ) This lovely little
museum in Isoraka is supported by the University of Antananarivo and has changing ex-
hibitions of archaeology and ethnology, as well as art.
ANTSHOW ( Androndra, about 20mins southeast of city centre; 22 565 47; m 033 11
258 68; e [e-mail] ; www.antshow.nu ) This Malagasy cultural arts centre is the
brainchild of Hanitrarivo Rasoanaivo, the lead singer of Tarika (she also founded the char-
ityValihaHightopromotetheteachingofthe valiha -see ClickHere ) .Itcomprisesalarge
exhibition space, a performance area, the first professional music studio in Madagascar,
and a restaurant serving Malagasy food. Five rooms provide luxury accommodation (see
hotellistings). Livemusic,danceworkshops,poetryreadingsandcraftshowscontribute to
the rich cultural experience of Antshow.
AKANY AVOKO ( 22 441 58; e [e-mail] ; www.akanyavoko.com ) A visit
to this heart-warming halfway house and orphanage offers an insight into the tremendous
work being put into helping the disadvantaged girls and women of Tana. Akany Avoko is
notfarfromtheairport,sowhynotscheduleavisitonyourlastdaytodonateyourleftover
ariary,clothesormedical supplies?Varioushandicraftsareproducedandsoldhere,includ-
ing screen-printed T-shirts. And you can also give something back by having a meal at the