Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chez Sika
(5 bungalows)
m
032 42 478 86/032 41 656 98. Dbl & family bungalows;
communal kitchen for guests' use.
Pandanus
In a prime seafront spot, these Malagasy-owned bungalows were totally
wiped out in Cyclone Ivan. At the time of writing they are still trying to raise funds for
rebuilding from their now-reopened restaurant.
Paradisa
(8bungalows)
m
0320792078;
e
paradisa@franef.net
.Newen-suitebunga-
lows; the ones set back are cheaper than those nearer the beach. Tennis court, bar & snack
bar; a good stop-off when walking the coastal circuit.
Lémuriens
(10 bungalows) 57 401 25;
e
leslemuriens@vanivola.com
. The bunga-
lows were destroyed in the 2008 cyclone but are being rebuilt. In any case it's worth the
walk down here for the excellent restaurant & fantastic view across the lagoon. Nice bar
with pool table.
Budget €€
Chez Titi
(5 bungalows)
m
034 04 362 03. Simple but nice huts, some en suite (cold
water). Visa accepted.
Bar de la Marine
(4 bungalows) 57 910 80;
m
032 41 041 02/032 46 233
18;
e
contact@bardelamarine.com
;
www.bardelamarine.com
.
Basic accommodation with
shared cold showers. New restaurant & boutique right at the pirogue crossing point.
Bonne Etoile
(2 bungalows & 4 rooms)
m
032 02 886 84/034 13 198 88;
e
enock-
paul@yahoo.fr
.
Very cheap sgl & dbl rooms; also dbl & family bungalows. The hotel sup-
ports a local orphanage.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
The circumference of the island is 8km, and it takes at least
three hours to walk round it, but some parts are impassable at high tide.
Thereismuchtoseeduringashortwalkingtour,includingtheisland'suniqueandamaz-
ing orchid,
Eulophiella roempleriana
, known popularly as
l'orchidée rose
. It is 2m high
with deep pink flowers.
The best beaches are in the north of the island: calm, shallow, crystal clear water, with
soft white sand overhung by picture-postcard palms.
A small trip to the interior of the island is also recommended. Aniribe village at the
centre is pure unspoiled Madagascar. Head south from there up to the old lighthouse. At
thejunctioninthepath200mbeforethelighthouse, stoptovisit
EspaceVert,
asmall shop
sellingcloves,lemongrass,honey,vanilla,cinnamonandotherlocalspices.Ralai,theown-
er, loves to practice his English and if you ask he will proudly show you the English gram-
mar book he has written in Malagasy.
