The South - Madagascar - page 401

PORTUGUESE FORT/ILE AUX PORTUGUAIS The tour to the old fort involves a
pirogue ride up the River Vinanibe, about 6km from Taolagnaro, and then a short walk to
the sturdy-looking stone fortress (the walls are 1m thick) set in zebu-grazed parkland. This
is the oldest building in Madagascar, and worth a visit for the beautiful surroundings. Des-
pite its name it pre-dates Portuguese visitors and is probably of 14th-century Swahili ori-
gin. The fort is built on an islet in Lake Vinanibe (if you want to stay in the area, see below
for nearby accommodation).
MULTI-DAY TRIPS
LAKE VINANIBE Less than 10km west of Taolagnaro is this large lake, famous for
its prawns. The lake is perfect for sailing and the whole area of hills and dunes is
great for strolling. The upper-range Vinanibe Lodge ( 92 910 56; m 032 05 416 83;
e [e-mail] ; www.madagascar-resorts.com ; €€€) has charming
en-suite rooms and bungalows in a tranquil spot on the lakeshore.
BAIE SAINTE LUCE (MANAFIAFY) About 65km (3 hours) northeast of Taolagnaro
is the beautiful and historically interesting bay where the French colonists of 1638 first
landed. There is a superb beach and a protected area of humid coastal forest here under the
same ownershipasBerenty.Itispossible toreach Manafiafy by taxi-brousse orwithatour
operator such as Air Fort Services.
Where to stay
Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge
(6 bungalows) / f 22 022 26; m 032 05 619 99/00; e [e-mail] ;
www.manafiafy.com . A brand new community-based eco-lodge owned by Madagascar
Classic Camping. Entirely solar-powered, the en-suite luxury dbl & family bungalows
with huge beds are discreetly tucked into the forest a stone's throw from the water's edge.
Private terraces with hammock. B/fast, meals & soft drinks inc. Forest walks, whale-
watching, fishing & boat trips to nearby islands & canoeing in the mangrove. See ad after
page 408.
EVATRAHA AND LOKARO Evatraha is a very attractive coastal village to the north of
Taolagnaro, situated on the mouth of a small river just south of Lokaro. Day trips here,
by boat, can be organised through many tour operators, or a longer stay through Fy Tours.
There are two cheaply priced en-suite double bungalows if you decide to stay.