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Marolambo is a corner of Madagascar, located in the Atsinanana region. Ambodinonoka, a beautiful village typical of the East region, is among the 14 municipalities that make up this district.
The more the destination is difficult to access, the more it retains its authenticity. And if both national and international visitors are rare (they are called vazaha by the villagers).
Ambodinonoka's name is derived from the Nonoka, a tree of the fig family, whose leaves, taken as an infusion, are used in the treatment of stomach aches and labour during childbirth.
The remoteness, purity and surprising landscapes are all the treasures of this destination.
The Nosivolo River runs through the village of Ambodinonoka. 130km long, it is a classified RAMSAR site with its estimated tributaries of 70km.
Its catchment and hydrographic basins, wetland and swamps are also classified as part of the RAMSAR criteria.
This river flows through the Atsinanana Region but actually crosses three other regions: Vakinankaratra, Amoron'i Mania and Vatovavy-Fitovinany, and flows into the Mangoro River, near the town of Mahanoro.
It is the home of five species of fish classified as 'vulnerable'. Other unusual species, primates, arthropods and reptiles, have also been recorded.
This article was featured in Prime Magazine April 2018
Useful Information
When to go
The climate is hot and humid. Stormy rains are frequent between November and April, with the possibility of hailstones.
How to get there
This site is 570km from the capital. The easiest way is to take a regular flight from Air Madagascar to reach Toamasina and continue the 4x4 trip to Mahanoro (315km) then Marolambo (130km of mud, adventure and beautiful scenery). Prepare for ferry crossings. Ambodinonoka is also accessible from the city of Fandriana. It takes a day to walk through the villages of Ambodivoara, Miarinavaratra and Sahakevo. Motor cross and mountain biking are the safest ways from Androrangavola or Miarinavaratra.
Where to stay
The closest hotels are in Mahanoro: Hotel Tropicana or Eden Lodge.
Where to eat
The Auberge de la Nosivolo, a very modest restaurant in Marolambo offers a varied menu. Alternatively, enjoy freshwater fish or simply prepared local crayfish.
What to see
Before reaching Ambodinonoka, discover other villages especially if you choose the Marolambo-Fandriana circuit, most of which is on foot (more than 100kms). Go through Menagisa, Androrangavola, Ambalapaiso. Everything is natural and so pure, an unpolluted atmosphere accompanied by the harmonious noise of insects and amphibians, shrouded in the ethereal mists of sunrise.