Things to do in Western Madagascar
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Sunshine Restaurant & Bar
Chez Maggie's thatched-roof restaurant, with fabulous sunset views of the Mozambique Channel, offers a rotating daily menu of fresh-caught fish and seafood, delicious cheese and lots of fresh fruits and veggies. Barbecue jumbo shrimp, and anything with crab, are the house specialities. The bar has a wide selection of scotch, whiskey and delicious homemade coco rum. It's a good place to settle in for a night of drinking.
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Jean le Rasta Tours
Charismatic Jean le Rasta, or Rasta Jean, speaks English, is reliable and owns a 4WD. He runs, or organises, a range of tours including to Parc National des Tsingy de Bemaraha and Réserve Forestière de Kirindy, and transfers to Belo-sur-Mer or further south down the coast. Look for him at the grungy backpacker dive, L'Oasis.
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Le Parad'Ice
Some say it serves the best ice cream in Madagascar, with lots of fruit flavours - the passionfruit has been recommended. Just down the road from Air Mad's office, it is also known for great breakfasts and a menu of burgers, grills and sandwiches. There's a bar.
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L'Oasis Hôtel
Presided over by an affable local guy called Jean le Rasta, or Rasta Jean, the bar and restaurant at this hotel is definitely engaging. There is live music, including drums and reggae performed by Rasta Jean and other local musicians. The food is great.
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Nosy Kely Beach
The beach at Nosy Kely is fairly attractive, although it has also suffered severe erosion over the last decade. Check out the southern end for the most sand. Strong currents prevent swimming in many areas, and views are marred by concrete pilings.
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Boulangerie Zapandis
A true French patisserie serving wonderful cakes, pastries, croissants and creamy ice cream. Locals stop in to pick up crispy loaves of French bread in the morning, and usually end up lingering, chatting with friends over juice and real espresso.
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Mozea Akiba
Preserved fish and dinosaur bones are on exhibit at the Mozea Akiba. It also has a few small displays including photographs and explanations (some are in English) about the Grottes d'Anjohibe, the Parc National d'Ankarafantsika and Cirque Rouge.
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Restaurant Kohinoor
Serving great Indian food amid super-kitsch décor, this small place is popular with expats, tourists and vegetarians - it does a veggie special every day. Carnivores will dig the delicious curries, many with a coconut-milk base.
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La Capannina
Run by an Italian and Malagasy couple, this place serves yummy, and consistently reliable, Italian food - think lots of pastas and different sauces. Sit outside on the attractive terrace; look for La Capannini on the beach road.
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Fort Rova
Fort Rova, at the end of Rue du Maréchal Joffre, was built in 1824 by King Radama I and extensively damaged during the French-Malagasy wars of the late 19th century. The Rova offers good views over the city and bay.
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Betania Beach
The best beach is quiet Betania beach at the southern end of the peninsula. There is now one place to stay, but even if you don't, it makes a good day trip. To get to the beach arrange transport with a pirogue captain.
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Mada Bar
Fresh fruit juice, excellent ice creams and pizzas are all the specialities at this little place with a full menu and relaxed ambiance. It's also great at multitasking - kayaks and motorbikes are available for rent.
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Baobab Tours
This respected, upmarket, agency specialises in deep-sea fishing and diving trips; it also organises reliable trips to Parc National des Tsingy de Bemaraha, Belo-sur-Mer and boat trips up and down the coast.
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Maderi Tour
Catamaran sailing trips as far north as Nosy Be, plus 4WD excursions and longer trips around Madagascar. It has just opened the Antsanitia Beach Resort, an hour north of town, that's getting good reviews.
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Remote Rivers
Chez Maggie is an agent for Remote Rivers, which runs sustainable-travel-focused trips down the little-explored Mangoky, Mahavavy and Manambolo Rivers.
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Maki Tours
An upmarket company that runs 4WD day trips as well as longer, tailored holidays around the region. It also rents cars.
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La Ravinala Discothèque
Popular nightspots in town include Jacaranda Nightclub and La Ravinala Discothèque at Hôtel Le Ravinala.
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Jacaranda Nightclub
Popular nightspots in town include Jacaranda Nightclub at La Piscine Hôtel and La Ravinala Discothèque.
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Alliance Francaise
Alliance Francaise has a programme of films, exhibitions and concerts.
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