The Highlands South of Tana - Madagascar - page 320

which more than half is exported to Kenya. Guided tours of the factory take about an hour,
cost 7,000Ar, and end with a tasting.
The nearby mid- to upper-range Lac Hotel ( 75 518 73; f 75 519 06;
e [e-mail] ; www.lachotel.com ; €€€€) has 35 bungalows, including a honey-
moon suite and fantastic tree house! All rooms are en suite and some are built out over
the water. The lakeside location is a peaceful and romantic spot, safe for swimming. Other
activities include horseriding, pedalos, boat trips, cycling and hiking.
Vineyards The famous Lazan'i Betsileo ( 75 901 27; m 032 05 292 29/032 02 313 75;
e [e-mail] ; Mon-Fri ) produces red, white, rosé, and 'grey' wines, as
well as some liqueurs and aperitifs. It is located some 12km south of Fianar. It's best to
book ahead for a visit.
Alternatively, you can also witness the wine-making process at the Cistercian-Trappist
Monastery of Maromby . You can get most of the way there by taxi-brousse (1,000Ar) or
taxi (40,000Ar return).
Andrambovato PeaceCorpsvolunteersBenandKendallBadgettsentmethisinformation
about a ecotourism project 45km from Fianar and accessible by rail.
'Andrambovato is a small village in the rainforest. A Malagasy NGO is working with
the locals to establish ecotourism. The villagers are very excited about the project and are
welcoming to all visitors. The emphasis is on hiking, with short and long walks to suit all
levels of fitness and ability.
'The easiest hike, which can be done as a day trip from Fianar, is an hour's walk to a
gorgeouswaterfall.Bringapicnicandsoakyourfeetinthecoolstreams.Morestrenuousis
the hike to the top of the granite rock face. You'll get to see wildlife as well as a breathtak-
ing view of the valley below. The trail is the same as that used in colonial times to extract
timber from the forest for the construction of the FCE railway. Another hike takes you to
the Tanala village of Ambalavero, where you can see traditional village life and meet the
local mpanjaka (king). Finally there's a two-to three-day trek through the forest corridor
from Andrambovato to Ranomafana. Along this route you will see typical Tanala villages,
wonderful flora and fauna, and traditional agriculture.'
A local guide is obligatory and an entrance fee is payable to the local community asso-
ciation. Provisions in the village are quite limited so bring what you need with you. If you
have your own tent there are plenty of places to camp, or you can find lodging with a local
family. Alternatively, there are basic bungalows nearby owned by Lac Hotel (Sahambavy)
and Tsara Guesthouse (Fianar), which can be booked via those hotels.
The train is the only way to get to Andrambovato (unless you hike in from Ranomafana
or Sahambavy); it takes about two hours.