Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
hard-shelled, deep maroon fruit. I looked at them, looked again and wondered aloud:
'good grief - is this mangosteen?' They were indeed, and for the equivalent of 20
pence we bought a bag ofthem. Tucking in, Iquickly understood whyQueen Victoria
had offered that reward.
MANAMBATO
Manambato is a picturesque lakeside resort further north. The turn-off
is 11km beyond Brickaville on a 7km road which gets muddy after rain. Although easily
reached by private car, there is no public transport; you need to take a taxi or go on foot
from Ambila.
Lake Rasoabe is part of the Pangalanes Canal system, and, perched on its southwestern
shore, Manambato is popular with Tana families for weekend getaways (the bathing is
much safer than in the ocean). It is also an access point for boat trips up the canal to Lake
Ampitabe and Toamasina. A few hotels face the lake and there are wide beaches of white
sand.
Where to stay and eat
Chez Luigi
56 720 20;
m
033 02 720 20. Spacious & comfy bungalows, rooms &
excellent restaurant; en suite. Boat transfers & canoe hire. €€€
Acacias
2240429;
m
0331233835/0340424497;
e
info@acaciasbungalows.com
;
www.acaciasbungalows.com
.
Dbl, twin & family bungalows. Boat hire. €€€
RasoaBeach
(10bungalows) 5672018;
m
0320236187;
e
rasoab@dts.mg
.Rooms
for 2-6 people, some with lake views & a 'Tarzan' hut on stilts! Good food; HB only. €€€
AuBonCoinZanatany
Attheentrancetothevillage.Malagasy-runchaletsforbudget
travellers. Shared facilities. Great food. €€
Hibiscus
(4 bungalows) Simple bungalows with shared facilities & bucket showers. €
Beyond Brickaville, a few glimpses of the ocean and Pangalanes lakes convinces you that
you've reached the coast, beyond which it's a relatively uneventful 94km to Toamasina
through degraded forest and palm plantations.
