Prime Magazine Madagascar - Madagascar Destinations Guide

Drink all you want, but in moderation, at Ambilobe

For those wishing to find out more about sugar-cane as a crop in Madagascar a visit to the town of Ambilobe is a must. Ambilobe is a well-known for its rum production, a side-product of sugarcane, to be consumed in moderation.

The region is rich in plantations and it is fascinating to discover the methods and techniques used to process the sugarcane by the local populations, notably that of Antakarana. The activity of the rum refinery is a flourishing one, and the surrounding shady terraces are exceptionally lovely. As for the sugar-refinery, it is currently being set up. A vast open space covered by cocoa plants, the raw material used for the production of the world's best chocolate, awaits you on arrival. Apart from this specific characteristic, the region has a large number of extraordinary landscapes, carved out by the retreat of the sea and millions of years of erosion. The other reason for visiting this Madagascan town is the river of Mahavavy. The panorama is stunning, with large stretches forming a natural backdrop, but the area is accessible only in winter. This is the final stopping place for those travelling to the Tsingy in the Mountain massif of Ankarana.

A stay in Ambilobe, the last large town along the RN6 highway before arriving in Diégo-Suarez, will be true a delight, with the wealth of its craftwork, the Antakarana culture and the warm welcome given by its inhabitants.

This article was featured in Prime Magazine January 2019

Useful Information

When to go

Ambilobe is characterised by a tropical savannah climate, with dry winters. Precipitation is more abundant in summer, with an average temperature of 27°C. The best time to visit is between April and November.

How to get there

An Air Madagascar / Tsaradia flight from the International airport of Ivato takes under an hour. The more adventurous can take a bush-taxi from Antananarivo, a trip that takes 22 hours, during which you can discover the natural beauty of the scenery along the RN6 highway.

Where to stay

There is a whole range of hotels in Ambilobe. Florias Eden Ambilobe offers accommodation in bungalows, as does Chez Noor, where the rooms have en-suite bathrooms and hot water.

Where to eat

The restaurant of the Florias Eden Ambilobe hotel offers dishes based on traditional Madagascan, French and Chinese recipes. The Relais de Ankarana also offers quality food.