Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Where to stay and eat
Antsaha (27 bungalows) 44 050 02; m 032 40 564 69/033 12 220 46; e ant-
saha@freenet.mg . Off RN7 near Tombotsoa, this is a relaxing place to get away from the
city. Numerous activities: tennis, ping-pong, badminton, bowling, bikes, swimming pool
etc.
Rendez-vous des Pêcheurs (7 rooms) 42 492 04. Renowned for its large restaurant
which caters to tour buses (can get crowded at lunch). Rooms are simple but comfortable,
mostly with shared bathrooms (with a big bathtub) & a few en suite.
Manja Ranch Lot B 153, Mandrevondry; m 033 II 993 70/032 04 648 57; e bi-
jouxline@yahoo.fr . About 2km south of town. Owned by an American-Malagasy couple.
Rooms & bungalows. Camping permitted. Bike hire. B/fast inc.
Njara The cheapest place in Ambatolampy, close to the market.
TSINJOARIVO ROVA From Ambatolampy a road leads southeast to Tsinjoarivo. Johan
and Clare Hermans write: 'Check conditions before setting out; although only about 50km
it takes a good three to four hours by car and is not an all-weather road (an alternative road
on higher ground bypasses some of the boggiest stretches). The journey is worthwhile for
the series of waterfalls and the rova of Queen Rasoherina; in her time it took three days
from Tana by palanquin. There is a guardian who will show you round the buildings: one
for the queen with the remains of some fine wooden carving from her bed, and others for
the prime minister, chancellor and guard. Situated on a promontory overlooking the falls,
the site has spectacular views.'
MANJAKATOMPO FORESTRY STATION A road leads west and then north from
Ambatolampy to Manjakatompo, an hour's drive (17km). The road passes through alu-
minium smelting villages - worth a stop to watch them at work. Entry to the forest costs
5,000Ar and guides are not obligatory. Walks are well signposted and there was even a
handy guide booklet published in 1995, with a good map of the trails, still available from
some bookshops in Antsirabe and Tana.
It is possible to get there by taxi-brousse , but they don't run every day. Local hotels
should be able to find a driver to take you there for around 20,000Ar.
MUSÉE DE LA NATURE ( 08.00-17.00; entry 5,000Ar ) Near to Manja Ranch is a
small museum with an extensive collection of over 6,000 butterflies, moths and other in-
sects (mainly Malagasy and some French) set in a labelled botanic garden. It is signposted
from RN7.
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