TAILORMADE TRAVEL
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TOAMASINA, MADAGASCAR
Eastern Madagascar is one of the most challenging areas of Madagascar for travelers due to harsh weather conditions (rain and cyclones). It is recommended that travelers avoid the wettest months of February and March. June to August also tend to be very damp. Be aware of sharks and dangerous currents. There are however beautiful beaches (swimming is safe only in protected areas).
ABOUT TOAMASINA
Toamasina Perinet (Analamazaotra or Andasibe) is Madagascar’s most visited reserve, due to its accessibility. It holds a large variety of rare rainforest animals, notably the baboon-sized indri, largest of the lemurs. All sorts of rainforest-dwelling birds, reptiles and other animal oddities abound also. Set in lush mountain rainforest, Perinet is 3- ½ hours from Antananarivo by good road. Its trails are well mapped. Forest guides will invariably find many animal and plant oddities. The nearby Mantadia National Park holds a select band of rare mammals and birds, which find sanctuary in the spectacular rainforest. Keen naturalists can also visit one of the nearby marshes (like Torotorofotsy or Ampasopotsy,) for endemic birds, reptiles and frogs. The trip may be done throughout the year.
Masoala Peninsula is the largest remaining coastal rainforest reserve in Madagascar, and despite difficulty of access and unpredictable weather, this is perhaps the leading destinations for eco-tourists wanting to see Madagascar’s important natural habitat in terms of biodiversity. Access is by air (flights once or twice a week). The recommended hotel is the Relais du Masoala, a 3-star lodge based in the lager town of Maroantsetra. All excursions to the reserves and camping overnights are organized with guides. The most popular excursion is to the island of Nosy Mangabe.
Nosy Mangabe is a rainforest-clad lemur reserve island, with large populations of black and white ruffed lemur, white-fronted lemur and the bizarre Aye Aye sanctuary. There are beautiful sandy coves, marvelous trees with huge buttress roots, and strangler figs. Most famous are the Aye Aye, which were released on Nosy Mangabe in the 1960’s. The campsite on Nosy Mangabe has been upgraded and staying there for at least a night is recommended.
Sainte Marie Island (Ile Sainte Marie) and Ile Aux Nattes: This narrow 60km long island sits off eastern Madagascar. Today, Sainte Marie is one of the most popular beach holidays Madagascar has to offer. Along its coral-fringed coast are several hotels, secluded coves and relaxed islanders. The balmy Indian Ocean island ambience contributes to Sainte Marie’s magic. Whale watching in July to September is a highlight. Ile Aux Nattes is a small island south of Sainte Marie. Off its idyllic beaches are some of the best reefs in the Malagasy region.
Wooden bungalows built on a cliff overlooking the famous Madirokely/Ambataloaka Bay. Comfortable sea facing bungalows with arty design each with their own little veranda.
Anjajavy is so remote that it enjoys its own time zone, an hour ahead of the rest of Madagascar. It is set in its own sandy bay with limestone cliffs at each end, an hour and a half by private plane from Tana.
