Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
or cycle around most of the island and take your chance on places to stay, but during peak
seasons most of the hotels may be full. The bad road north of Lonkintsy requires a motor-
bike or 4x4.
CROSSING FROM WEST TO EAST
From Ambodifotatra or Ankirihiry the walk
across the island takes about 2½ hours. Although possible to do on your own, it's easy to
get lost, so several young men make a lucrative business of guiding visitors; many over-
charge and have no information except for the route, so be sure to agree the price first.
It is well worth taking a pirogue trip to explore the coast around the northeastern penin-
sula with its Forêt d'Ampanihy. Most of the northern hotels run excursions there.
WATERFALLANDNATURALPOOL
At the far northeast, beyond the end of the road,
is a beautiful and impressive
piscine naturelle
with a waterfall, a big pool and enormous
basalt rocks. The beach here is spectacularly beautiful. Also in the area is Albrand Light-
house, dating from colonial times.
PARC ENDEMIKA
(
Entry 15,000Ar, under-10s 5,000Ar, under-5s free
) A small park-
cum-zoo at the village of Vohilava in the south of the island. The owner, Arnaud, rescues
animals (
m
ainly lemurs) that are captured for sale or are kept as pets by hotels. His aim
is to establish an educational centre for the island, but in the short term he has opened the
zoo to visitors. There's a good guide, Prosper, who is knowledgeable about the plants and
animals.
HORSERIDING
(
57 905 45;
m
032 43 739 45
) Mandrakata Ranch, 750m north of
Lakana hotel, is an Italian-owned horseriding centre. It costs 25,000Ar for an hour or
100,000Ar for a full day.
PANORAMA
AtthesoutherntipofSainte Mariethereisaviewpoint fromwhichyoucan
see Ile aux Nattes and watch the sunset. Head 1km or so past the airport and follow the
signs for 'Panorama'.
ILE AUX NATTES (NOSY NATO)
To many people this little island off the south coast of Sainte Marie is even better than the
main island. Being car-free it is much more peaceful. Debbie Fellner reflects: 'If I were to
do the trip again, I'd split my time equally between both islands. Nosy Nato is about as
