Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
OVERNIGHT EXCURSIONS
In recent years the region around Tana has been developed for tourism. Travel-worn visit-
ors with some time to spare at the end of their trip should consider spending a day or two
winding down in one of the lake hotels at Itasy or Mantasoa.
MANTASOA
Some 65km east of Antananarivo is Mantasoa, on the western shore of a
largeartificiallake,whereinthe19thcenturyMadagascarhaditsfirsttasteofindustrialisa-
tion. Indeed, industrial output was greater then than at any time during the colonial period.
ThankstoJeanLabordeawholerangeofindustrieswerestarted,includinganironfoundry
which enabled Madagascar to become more or less self-sufficient in weaponry, thereby in-
creasingthepowerofcentralgovernment.Labordewassoonhighlyinfluentialatcourtand
he built a country residence for the queen at Mantasoa.
Many of the buildings remain, and although a one-day visit to Mantasoa is rewarding, a
stay of a few days would be even better. Mantasoa can be reached by direct
taxi-brousse
from Tana in about three hours. With your own transport, turn off RN2 near PK 48 or PK
59 and head south about 10km. The village and its attractions are quite spread out, but it is
a pleasant area for walking.
Where to stay and eat
Domainedel'Ermitage
(31rooms) 4266054.Theroomsareso-sobutthemeals&
old-fashioned atmosphere make it well worth a stay. The Sunday buffet is excellent value
with a small band playing 1950s songs. It is set up as a country club & offers recreational
activities including riding, tennis, boating, country walks etc.
Riverside
(12 bungalows) 42 660 85;
m
033 12 640 21;
e
riversidehotel@moov.mg
.
A resort-style hotel with an outdoor eating area overlooking the lake; the hotel of choice in
Mantasoa. Pool, ping-pong, bowling, jet ski, canoeing & bike hire. €€€-€€€€
Chalet Suisse
(8 bungalows) 42 660 95. Still Swiss-owned but now managed by
Mme Lala Razanadraibe. 'There's a lovely Swiss restaurant serving cheese fondue &
raclette - funny place to find it, but delicious.' Meals must be eaten there. The walk here
from the
taxi-brousse
drop-off point is a pleasant 1½hrs. €€-€€€
What to see
Beside the school playing field is a chimney, once part of the china factory.
The cannon factory still stands (part of it is lived in) and the large furnace of the foundry
remains. All are signposted and fascinating to see; you can just imagine the effort that was
required to build them.
