Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Thisadmirable project beganin2001,following agovernment initiative encouraging com-
munities to manage their own natural resources. The local Tandroy people allow wood-
cutting for fuel, building and cattle grazing in some parts of the protected area, while pre-
serving sacred and environmentally important areas for ecotourism. All the characteristic
animals of the south (including Verreaux's sifakas and ring-tailed lemurs) can be seen here
at a fraction of the cost of Berenty, while visitors have the happy knowledge that their fees
go directly to the local community.
Owen Beaton, who has worked here since it opened, explains that 'Ifotaka is not for the
fainthearted; it is usually very hot and dry, and the living conditions are quite basic. But
for the adventurous visitor who prefers to see lemurs in the wild and wants a real taste of
Tandroy village life, Ifotaka is an unforgettable experience.'
A variety of treks can be organised in the area, costing from 5,000Ar for a visit to the
forest to 12,000Ar for an overnight camping trip. Porters are also available for 4,000Ar.
GETTINGTHERE
ICFistothenorthwestofAmboasary,110kmfromTaolagnaro.
Taxi-
brousses
leave Amboasary between 12.00 and 17.00. If you start from Taolagnaro you
should leave before 08.00, in order to make the connection in Amboasary.
Taxi-brousses
return to Amboasary between 17.30 and 19.00.
WHERE TO STAY AND EAT
For those on a budget, there are eight wooden
bungalows (no electricity or running water) built by the Tandroy Conservation Trust with
the community of Ifotaka. There is also a campsite. For food you should either be self-suf-
ficient,ororganisemealswithalocalfamily,whocaneithercookwithingredientsthatyou
bring or prepare local food for you.
Alternatively, much more upmarket accommodation may be found 3km from Ifotaka
village at
Mandrare River Camp
( /
f
22 022 26; 032 05 619 99/00;
e
erika@madaclassic.com
;
www.madaclassic.com
;
), owned by Madagascar Classic
Camping. There are six luxury furnished tents here, with solar electricity and ensuite facil-
ities. See ad after page 408.
