Nosy Ampela - Island Of Women

 
‘nosy’ meaning island and ‘ampela’ meaning woman, so literally ‘island of women’, is a village that has became well known for its waterfall and natural swimming pool, where the women of the village would come and wash their linen. Today, this stunning site has become a tourist spot.
 
The west of Madagascar, with its very arid climate, harbours a large number of heavenly spots, including a few oases. In this region of Madagascar, you can take a comfortable cruise in the area around Morondava, sailing up the Mahadilo river, an affluent of the Tsiribihina, which counts among Madagascar's largest rivers and which can only be navigated outside the cyclone season. This river
cruise includes some extraordinary sites: visitors can to stop off at villages and see the many crops grown here, such as tobacco. Feel free to hire a guide to take you on a short excursion into the hinterland. One of the trails will take you to the waterfall of Nosy Ampela, a little heaven on earth.
 
On arrival, take advantage of an afternoon's relaxation to stand under the waterfall or take a dip in the natural swimming pool. Discover the beauty and generosity of mother Nature, with the wealth of fauna and birdlife observed from the boat. Chat with the villagers who will be delighted to get to know you. From the Tsiribihina river, you can observe lemurs, bats and also crocodiles, wild ducks, as well as blue and white herons.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine January 2019

Useful Information

When to go

The average temperature in the region is 26°C. The site is accessible all year round. The best period to visit is between May and November. To visit Belo on the Tsiribihina river, it is advisable to book an organised trip through a travel agency or the regional tourist office of Menabe.

How to get there

The only way to access the destination is along the river. To get there, take a regular flight with Air Madagascar / Tsaradia to Morondava, then continue as far as Belo. From Miandrivazo, it is a day's journey to the site. More adventurous tourists can take a dugout or dhow. Certain tour operators organise round trips directly from Morondava.

Where to stay

In order to fully take advantage of your stay, you are advised to spend at least one night there. You will need to bring camping equipment. If you decide to stay in Belo, book at the ‘Karibo’.

Where to eat

In Belo, the Hotel and restaurant Karibo is well-known for its seafood specialities. At Ambakivao, the village women's association will welcome you warmly and prepare you a meal.

What to see

Visits of Sakalava Villages at Bedigro with a tobacco plantation and factory; baobab trees and pachypodiums are elements of the flora here. As for the fauna, there are different species of Lemurs living in this forest, such as the Verraux’s sifaka, also known as the white sifaka, as well as the common brown lemur (Fulvus rufus).