Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Scaling Maromokotro marked the completion of a four-year challenge in which
Nigel climbed the seven highest mountains of the world's seven largest islands; see
CONTINUING SOUTH FROM AMBANJA TO MAHAJANGA
For a description of
this journey see
Chapter 16
,
Click Here
.
BAYS AND INLETS ACCESSIBLE TO YACHTS
Thebaysbelowcouldbereachedbyadventuroushikersorcyclists(
m
anyarenearvillages)
but are visited mainly by yachties (lucky devils!).
RUSSIAN BAY (HELONDRANON' AMBAVATOBY)
This is a beautiful and remote
place opposite the Nosy Be archipelago. It provides excellent anchorages, all-round shelter
and is a traditional 'hurricane hole'. The marine life in the bay itself is terrific, offering
wonderful snorkelling and diving, especially on the reefs outside the entrance. There is ex-
cellent fishing too and in the right season (October to December) whales are commonly
sighted. This is also one of the best spots in which to seek the very rare whale shark. The
beachesareknownturtle-nestingsites.Themoisttropicaldeciduouswoodsharbourabund-
ant birdlife, reptiles and lemurs, and there is a choice of trails for day hikes.
The bay's name dates back to the 1905 Russo-Japanese War when a Russian fleet spent
nine weeks harboured there. On their departure, they left behind a leaky transport ship to
sink at anchor in the bay.
BARAMAHAMAY BAY (MAROAKA)
The Baramahamay River is navigable for about
3km inland and provides a beautiful, well-sheltered anchorage with verdant hills behind
sunny,white beaches. The wide bayisconspicuous asalargegapinthe coastline. Yachties
should approach on the north side of the bay and anchor near the villages in 8m over sand
and mud. These villages are known also for their blacksmiths, who make large knives and
pangas, and another is famous for its wild honey. Your chances of seeing rare Madagascar
fish eagles here are good.
BERANGOMAINA POINT
The bay inside this headland is an attractive, well-sheltered
anchorage.Goodvisibilityisneededtoaccessthebay,however,astherearemanyscattered
reef patches. The channel is at its deepest on the north side, where the depth exceeds 15m
right up to the reef. Anchor off the beach before the village, in 10m over a mud bottom.
This place is for self-sufficient travellers only; no provisions are available.
