Antananarivo Market
20 – 25 June 2009
Saturday, 20 June 2009
Flight MD 125 – Johannesburg to Antananarivo
On check in we were invited by Pierre from Air Madagascar to the Premiere Lounge where we met up with the rest of our group. Our flight was delayed by 2 hours. I was seated next to 2 Moslem ladies who had requested a special meal. The air hostess was not aware of this, but quickly made a plan and with no effort at all warmed up a seafood meal for them. I was most impressed that they went the extra mile to accommodate their dietary requirements. It is important to note that there is no in flight entertainment on board the Air Madagascar flights. I advised the Air Madagascar representatives that should they wish to attract more of the ‘family’ market from SA, they would need to at least provide colouring in books and pencils for children. It is also necessary for us to inform our younger travellers of this so that they are prepared and can take goodies along to keep themselves occupied.
Antananarivo Shopping
On arrival in Antananarivo, we were welcomed by Maherry Andriamamonjy from Air Madagascar head office. We were advised that we had missed the connecting flight to Nosy Be and that he would accompany us to Hotel Du Louvre in the CBD of Antananarivo where we would be accommodated for the evening. After dinner we decided to explore the city and found a local Karaoke bar within walking distance of the hotel, where we experienced a true night on the town for the Malagasy’s. We had our own James Blunt, Hannah Montanah and Celine Dion in our party.
Hotel Du Louvre
The hotel is undergoing a general upgrade it seems. Rooms are comfortable – more of a corporate hotel, but ideally located with a view of the city and the Presidents Palace.
Sunday, 21 June 2009
We had the morning at leisure before our flight to Nosy Be and as a group we decided to take taxis to the market. We enjoyed good bargaining and shopping. Items mostly purchased were, woven baskets, tablecloths, gem stones, wooden crafts, authentic paintings and wired art. At no time during our stay in Antananarivo did we feel unsafe due to political unrest or see anything out of the ordinary.
At 13:10 we departed for Nosy Be on Air Madagascar flight MD 124 via Diego. The flight from Antananarivo to Diego was 1h30 where we then re-fuelled and continued our journey to Nosy Be a further 25 minutes flight. I highly recommend that until such time that there is a direct flight to Nosy Be, that clients itineraries include one night in Antananarivo otherwise you will have disappointed clients stranded due to possible delayed flights.
Cheryl with Brown Lemur Nosy Komba
What a warm welcome we received by Nosy Be Tourism. We were greeted by two Malagasy song and dance groups.
We spent the evening at the Nosy Be Hotel with our stunning host Elma Ross. We were treated to welcome drinks on the beach followed by a site inspection and dinner.
Nosy Be Hotel http://www.unusualdestinations.com/madagascar/itineraries/article/1254/it06-g-madag.html
Awesome property, with all the comforts you would expect from a 4 – 5 star hotel. Although I was surprised that the hotel only has a 3 star grading. The rooms are very comfortable, beautifully decorated and no attention to detail lacks. There is a boat house for the diving fanatics and every evening bookings are taken for the next days excursions, etc. The beach is well kept and from 06:00 in the morning the team is already raking the beach and ensuring that guests have the best possible ‘beach’ experience. From Nosy Be Hotel, you can see Nosy Sakatia.
Nozy Be Zebu
Monday, 22 June 2009
We had an early start and departed by bus to Madiorokely where we were transferred by boat to Nosy Komba. Visited the awesome Tsara Komba. Exclusive, well run property owned by a consortium of French owners who started the property more as part of a dream than for it to be a business. All lodges are private and have a sea view. From the airport, the transfer time is 1 hour to Tsara Komba. A recommended excursion from the property is a motorized pirogue that only takes 2 people for a trip around the island of Nosy Komba, including a stop off for lunch and a bit of shopping in the village. For the diving enthusiasts, there is a 27m deep wreck to be viewed not too far from the shore.
We continued our journey by boat to visit Floralies hotel Bungalows www.bungalows-floralies.com I loved this property. The bungalows are right on the beach, rustic, but comfortable. Not commercialized at all, although within walking distance to the local village. Whilst walking through the village, you can purchase handmade goods, vanilla and linen tablecloths. This is also the home of the Lemurs, who come and sit on your shoulder – my one tried to steal my sunglasses off my head. The visit to the Lemurs is a must and makes for good photo opportunities.
Nosy Be Hotel Welcome
We then boarded our boat and visited Domaine De Lokobe www.nosybe-lokobe.com where we did a site inspection and enjoyed lunch. The hotel is very French and clients will have a 4* experience although the property is officially only graded 3 star. Language can be a challenge as it was difficult to communicate with the owners who are very French and speak minimal English. The rooms are beautifully appointed and we were advised that the property is not very children friendly.
After lunch we were transferred by boat to Nosy Tanihely, which is home to Lemurs, flying foxes and wild life – no humans live on this island. At Nosy Tanihely, we connected with the Nosy Iranja boat transfer to Nosy Iranja. http://www.unusualdestinations.com/madagascar/itineraries/article/1254/it06-e-madag.html
We were met on the beach by a stunning team of Nosy Iranja staff, cocktails, etc. The 29 private suites are beautifully appointed, with an open plan setting. All suites have a sea view. Nosy Iranja is ideal for honeymooners, although a 7 night stay might be a bit too long.
Vanila Hotel New Spa
A visit to Nosy Iranja (Island of the turtles) will not be complete without viewing the newly hatched turtles – this was an amazing experience – just to see nature take its course and these little creatures make their way down to the ocean. The sunset from Nosy Iranja is unforgettable and not to be missed when visiting this very romantic spot.
It is important to note that the generators are put off between 23:00 – 06:00 daily. I was surprised that there were no torches available and that the candle provided was not in a container, but had to be erected in a saucer if used. We had a beach dinner whereafter it was low tide and the sand bank was visible between Nosy Iranja and as they call it ‘big’ Iranja. We all walked over to the other island. It is imperative to be aware that even though you are on a private island, you need to ensure that valuables are locked away in the safe provided in the suite.
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
We had an early start and departed Nosy Iranja at 07:00 to visit Nosy Sakatia, where we visited Sakatia Lodge and Sakatia Passions. At Sakatia Lodge, 75% of their business is from South Africa. There are apparently awesome coral reefs to be viewed. Sakatia Passions www.sakatia-passions.com caters for the fishing fanatics and families alike.
Across the bay, back on Nosy Be, we visited Chanty Beach http://www.unusualdestinations.com/madagascar/itineraries/article/1254/it06-c-madag.html
Nestled right on the beach and a beautiful garden, the rooms are looking a bit tired. They offer dinner, bed and breakfast although the rooms are also suitable as a self catering option due to the small kitchenette.
Tsara Komba
The visit to Amarina Hotel http://www.unusualdestinations.com/madagascar/itineraries/article/1254/it06-a-madag.html was my favourite. The team is so professional and although there is a strong Italian and French flair, once in this resort hotel, you feel like you are in Mauritius. The beach is lovely and from the minute you arrive, you feel welcome and at home although surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and comfortable, luxurious bedrooms. Amarina Hotel is ideal for conference and incentive groups and can accommodate 90 pax cinema style seating. From a recreation perspective, the hotel offers varied options, ie. Bicycle rental, volleyball court, fitness room, spa, etc. This hotel will be very suitable to the SA market and it is highly recommended that we offer our clients a fully inclusive option at this property.
Sangany Lodge is a relatively new property located on the south side of Amporaha Beach. Although our brochure indicated that they have a tree-house honeymoon bungalow, this is still very much under construction. The signature of this property, is definitely the fact that there is a variety of different bath tubs in the individual suites as well as awesome showers fitted in private courtyards. The furnishings and finishes are of a very high standard although I got the feeling that I was still on a construction site. In my opinion, the hotel still lacks atmosphere and the gardens need to still be developed, specifically on the sea facing side of the villas.
Nosy Iranja Turtles
A short boat trip brought us to Anjiamarango Beach Resort. The owners are very French and we were thankful for our guide Jean-Pierre would could translate. The villas are comfortable and spacious although the furniture was not of such a good quality and standard as which is the norm in Nosy Be. The suites are all private and sea facing and at no time will there be other guests walking past the front of your suite. There is a large mural of lemurs in the reception / dining area which I personally felt did not lend itself to a warm, upmarket ambience.
After a hectic morning of visiting ‘structures’ (as they call hotels in Madagascar), lunch was enjoyed at Table d’Alexandre Restaurent a Antosoha.
Our next stop was Explora Village www.exploravillage.com Rustic bungalows, ideally located for the launching of speed boats, etc. Also the ideal starting point for an Amazing Race programme for incentives. I liked the relaxed environment of Explora Village for clients that have budget restrictions and do not require all the fancy extra’s whilst visiting this amazing destination.
Our last ‘structure’ visit of the day was at Eden Spa www.nosybe-edenspa.com which is located right next to Explora Village. The property is definitely aimed at the traveller who is open to the more ‘holistic’ approach to life – spritual healing, colour therapy, etc. They also have massage facilities. The rooms are very basic and they can accommodate a maximum of 30 pax at the property. Eden Spa is not located at the beach and definitely caters for a specific client. Personally, not a property that I will recommend.
Vanila Hotel were our hosts for the evening. What a beautiful property. Loads of atmosphere with a professional team of hoteliers. The hotel has approximately 20 gardeners that manicure this immaculate tropical setting. They are in the process of building a spa (with 5 jacuzzi’s) that will probably open in September / October 2009. Vanila Hotel will then be the first hotel in Nosy Be with a spa. Vanila Hotel is also an attractive option for conference and incentive groups as they have a conference room that can host approximately 30 delegates. Here I had a lovely dinner with Nivo.
Wow, what a day this was – but really worth it. Due to the fact that we lost a day as a result of our delayed flight, Nosy Be Tourism tried their utmost to still showcase the island to us as per our original itinerary. Our agenda was jam packed, but worth it from a product knowledge point of view.
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Nosy Be Quad Excursions took us out on a 2 hour excursion to Mont Passot (the highest point in Nosy Be) – what a view. The quad trip was very enjoyable and I realized I do have a ‘Need for Speed’ and is ideal for that ‘adrenalin rush’. The team that took us out was very professional and cautious. An awesome way to experience Nosy Be and a nice inclusion for a corporate or incentive group, incorporating a Survivor or Amazing Race theme.
A site inspection was conducted at Auberge Orangea www.orangea-nosybe.com a typical Italian resort in accordance to the ‘Club Med’ resort style. This was also the only property which visibly had a substantial amount of tourists in house. They are normally full for the bulk of the year as they have scheduled group arrivals from Italy on a weekly basis.
Our visit to La Maison des Parfums was brief. Although rates are extremely attractive and they are prepared to offer us fully inclusive rates and complimentary airport shuttle, I am hesitant that we might receive guest complaints if we support this property. The maintenance is of a poor standard and gardens have long grass which has visibly not been given attention in a while.
The site inspection of Catamarans at Madavoile Yachting www.madavoile.com was definitely a highlight for me. Why not offer our clients ‘Island hopping’ in Madagascar – why do you need to go to Greece when you have Madagascar. Stunning for small groups and ideal for living in a sarong all day – diving off for a swim and stopping off for dinner at one of the islands or watching the sunset from your Catamarn or Yacht.
Hotel Gerard et Francine www.gerard-et-francine.com is quaint, homely and tranquil. Located on the beach and very competitively priced. From a location point of view, clients can walk to town for shopping or experience the night life.
L’heure Bleue treated us to lunch with a 180 degree view of the bay. This bungalow hotel has picturesque views and is tastefully decorated and within a very short walking distance to the beach. I can definitely recommend this property.
The afternoon was spent in a workshop with owners of structures, tour operators and members of the Nosy Be Tourism Authority.
Accommodation was at the Royal Palm – awesome 4* hotel www.royalbeach.mg. Highly recommended hotel with conferencing facilities for approximately 100 pax. 5 minutes drive from the shopping area and night life.
We were hosted for dinner at Madiro Hotel – site inspection was conducted although the rooms are all dark and very 2*. The restaurant has loads of atmosphere and lends itself as an ideal dinner option for groups. Unfortunately the food was not great. Regardless, we enjoyed our farewell Malagasy dinner, whereafter we went out for a night on the town to experience the night life.
Thursday, 25 June 2009
A heavy mood amongst the group, as we made our way first to town for a bit of shopping and then to the airport. Our flight, MD 321 (direct to Antananarivo) was delayed by 1h30 and the Air Madagascar staff were clearly concerned that should the flight from Antananarivo to Johannesburg not be delayed, we would miss our connection and only depart Antananarivo on Saturday, 27 June 2009. Regardless, all worked out well and they held the connecting flight to OR Tambo for us.
It was the end of a memorable educational trip to this beautiful island. I most definitely look forward to sharing my experience of this awesome destination with my clients, family and friends.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
- Past tourism statistics reflect that the bulk of their visitors are Italians, with the French in second place and SA featuring in the Top 10.
- In January 2009, Air Madagascar stopped their direct flight from Italy to Antananarivo and hotel occupancies have decreased tremendously as a result thereof.
- Hotels were all empty and on certain evenings, we were the only guests in the hotel.
- August – October is Whale Season and this also attracts visitors.
- During October – March annually, many international cruise liners visit the waters of Madagascar.
- Nosy Be ideal for wedding, honeymoon and family holidays.
- Elma is busy putting together ‘traditional Malagasy’ wedding packages – where clients can marry in country of residence and then experience a traditional wedding in Nosy Be – this could be a good selling tool for the traditional wedding clients that are looking for something totally different and ‘out the box’.
- Our tour guide, Jean Pierre can be highly recommended. He can be contacted at tourguides@yahoo.fr and works in association with the Tourism Board.
- South Africa is Madagascar’s closest neighbour that can assist in increasing their tourism statistics.
- The island is exceptionally quiet – certain hotels having no bookings in the system for the months of July and August 2009, as well as their peak period, December holidays.
- In comparing tourist arrival stats into Nosy Be for January and February 2008 to 2009, there was a 61% growth. The latter will probably not be the case for 2010 as a result of the economic meltdown and not necessarily as a result of the politicial situation in Antananarivo.
- As a member of the Unusual Destinations team, I was well received by all in Nosy Be and I now know that we are the true “Madagascar Specialists” in the South African market.
