A Stopover at Antsampanana

 
Antsampanana ("crossroads") is an essential stop-by in Eastern Madagascar. The village is the point of intersection on the national road between Toamasina and Mahanoro, Vatomandry. After the fatigue caused by the kilometres traveled by car, the village atmosphere, rich in all the Malagasy products presented, will provide a very relaxed time.
 
In its restaurants, Malagasy cuisine is in the highlight. Rice with fish, pork, crab, chicken or beef. Not to mention the vegetables, the nuts and of course the romazava which enhances all tastes.
 
Beautiful artisanal products, made with care by the Betsimisaraka are for sale at reasonable prices. Among the materials used are rafias, rabanes, stones and wood, to craft mats, baskets, traps, hats, handbags, sandals and decorative items – Malagasy craftsmanship becomes manifest in a variety of forms.
 
Since exotic fruits are the favourite food of Madagascans, many well-loaded cars supply the capital from here with: Chinese litchis, coconuts, cinnamon, bananas typical of the coasts, carambola, pineapple, etc...
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine June 2018

Useful Information

When to go

Antsampanana's climate is classified as tropical. Even in the driest seasons, occasional showers can occur. Let's go there during the hottest period, that is from April to November.

How to get there

Discover the rural landscapes of Madagascar during the 200 kilometres that separate Antananarivo from Antsampanana. The road sometimes narrows down to a rough path (small car only) thus these parts are not very comfortable even though remaining drivable.

Where to stay

A great experience of nature is ensured at the Bushhouse Lodge in Brickaville, about 50 kilometres after Antsampanana, where everything is set for a quiet stay in the heart of a lush forest. If you prefer a more plush hotel, opt for Ambila's "Nirvana" with its comfortable rooms 16 kilometers off Brickaville. It is located at an exceptional site between a lake and the sea.

Where to eat

The kitchen at the Bushhouse is very popular and of the same quality level as Ambil's "Nirvana". Excellent cuisines indeed and very nicely presented dishes.

What to see

Look for Andevoranto, a town on the banks of the Pangalanes, 14 kilometres south of Ambila Lemaitso. A small place, but documenting the history of slave trade before the reigns of Radama I. It was also the residence of Jean Laborde, an adventurer and Consul of France in Madagascar, during the colonial period.