Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EMERALD SEA
A little way to the north, opposite the headland, are the gorgeous tur-
quoisewatersofLaMerd'Emeraude,reachableonlybyboatfromRamenaorAntsiranana.
The shallow water is perfect for swimming and snorkelling, and windsurfing and kitesurf-
ing are also available. Come for a day trip or stay at the newly opened
Babaomby Island
Lodge
(
m
0325500939;
e
babaomby@hotmail.com
;
www.babaomby.com
;
)whichhas
ten 'African safari'-style furnished tents.
EXCURSIONS WEST FROM ANTSIRANANA
WINDSOR CASTLE
A few hours' drive due west from Antsiranana, this 390m-high
monolith is steep-sided and flat-topped, so made a perfect lookout point during times of
war.Theviewsfromtherearesuperb.ItwasfortifiedbytheFrench,occupiedbytheVichy
forces,andliberatedbytheBritish.Aruinedstaircasestillrunstothetop(ifyoucanfindit)
but it is a hot, shadeless climb so take plenty of water and sun protection. There are many
endemic succulents including a local species of pachypodium,
P. windsorii
.
To get there, a 4x4 is advised, but ordinary taxis can just about make it in good weather.
TaketheroadthatrunswestacrossthesaltpanstoAntsahampano,thenturnnorthfor12km
before making a left turn and heading a further 5km.
COURRIER'SBAY
Courrier'sBay,halfanhourbeyondWindsorCastle,isanexception-
ally fine beach. This west-coast area of rugged beauty is the starting point for a number of
hiking, fishing, climbing and diving activities, as well as visits to Nosy Hara.
NOSY HARA
Nosy Hara, together with its surrounding islets, is a new marine reserve in
Courrier's Bay where dolphins and turtles are often sighted. The area is reached by a two-
hour drive through salt pans and mango plantations, then a tour of the islands can be made
by pirogue. A camping trip of at least three days is recommended. To arrange a visit en-
quire at Note Bleue or, if you are interested in climbing, contact New Sea Roc who have a
base there (contact details for both are on
Click Here
).
CAPD'AMBRE
Remoteandrarelyvisited,Capd'Ambre-thenorthernmostpartofMad-
agascar - is reached via the route to Windsor Castle. Driving from Antsiranana to the dis-
used lighthouse at the point of the cape takes about seven hours in a 4x4, the best route
being via Bedarabe and Ambatonjanohavy.
The area has fantastic views, with both the Indian Ocean and the Mozambique Channel
visible at once. There are good opportunities for hiking or mountain biking and areas of
tsingy
to explore.
