Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Watersports
With some of the most superb coastline of the Indian Ocean, the south of
Madagascar offers fantastic surfing opportunities. Some ofthe best places to surfare in the
Bay of Monseigneur (beyond Libanona beach) and Baie des Galions. Based at the latter is
AnkobaSports
(
9221515;
m
0331251417;
e
ankoba@fortnet.net
;
www.ankoba.com
)
whohaveinstructorsandhireoursurfinggear.Theyalsoofferboathire,windsurfing,fish-
ingandwhale-watchingexcursionsplustripstoLokaro/Evatraha.Themainofficeisonthe
airport road (down the side street opposite Total).
Pic St Louis
The mountain that dominates the town is scaled by a rewarding climb up a
good path and offers nice views. The hike can be demanding, and the trail is not always
clearly marked, so if you are not up for an adventure by scaling several peaks it is recom-
mended that you take a local guide. The trail starts opposite the SIFOR sisal factory about
3km along the road to Lake Lanirano. It takes 1½-2 hours to reach the summit, so allow at
least a half day for the round trip. The view from the top is spectacular: on a clear day you
can see as far as Baie Sainte Luce.
DAY TRIPS FROM TAOLAGNARO
LA DOMAINE DE LA CASCADE, MANANTANTELY
(
m
032 07 678 23; entry
10,000Ar
) Meaning 'place of honey', this tranquil park contains tree nurseries, fruit plant-
ations, anapiary andanatural waterfall. There areroomsifyouwant tostay andcampsites
too. Located about 8km west of Taolagnaro, on the way to Amboasary, this is a great place
to take a picnic, hike, or swim in the waterfall pools.
NAHAMPOANA RESERVE
(
Entry 16,000Ar pp inc guided tour, min 2 people
) This is
aneasilyaccessiblezoo-cum-reserveandbotanicalgardenownedbyAirFortServices(see
opposite) who can provide transport to get there. The 67ha park is just 7km (15 minutes)
from Taolagnaro on the way to Sainte Luce. Although some species are from other parts
ofMadagascar,it provides the usual tame lemurs, reptiles andregional vegetation. Allow a
full day for a visit or stay in one of the en-suite rooms (70,000Ar including breakfast).
RANOPISO ARBORETUM
(
92 213 25;
e
sear_ftu@yahoo.fr
)
About an hour out of
Taolagnaro lies this 2ha botanical garden, founded in 1980 by the Société d'Exploration
Agricole de Ranopiso (SEAR). The arboretum harbours 160 species, including more than
60 endemic to the south of Madagascar. Nearby is a factory where SEAR produces leuk-
aemia drugs from the endemic Madagascar periwinkle.
