Our hikes

Hiking

Kismany Bay

“An easy walk

that you can do on your own to explore the coastline.

The final 500 metres cross a beautiful hill offering stunning views over the mouth of the Kismany River and the nearby islets.”

Hiking

Ampasimena
→ Bay of Russians

“A long and

extremely varied hike crossing the entire eastern peninsula of the Bay of Russians. The walk begins in Ampasimena, a small fishing village beside a beautiful stretch of sand, where our guide Gervais lives.

After an ascent of around 1.5 km, we reach a ridge and follow it south-west along an undulating trail. Along the way, several viewpoints offer spectacular views over the Bay of Nosy Be and the Kismany islets in the foreground.

“Halfway through,

a high point reveals magnificent views over the Bay of Russians. A fairly steep 1.5 km descent then takes us to the beautiful village of Mahariha, set slightly back from the coast.

We continue towards the Marolay Peninsula, passing through a mangrove area. After a series of small valleys over approximately 1 km, the trail follows the beach.

One final climb up a hill of around 50 metres brings us to the end of the peninsula, where the boat will be waiting for you.”

Hiking

Ampohana loop

“A beautiful and varied walk

following a circular route around Ampohana and its stunning beach, where those who prefer a more relaxing day can unwind — unless they would rather put on their fins and mask to explore the coral reef that begins right at the shoreline! Perfect for children!

After a flat section behind the beach, the trail climbs gently but steadily towards the ridge overlooking the Bay of Russians. Along the way, several streams and beautiful natural pools offer the perfect opportunity to cool off.

“From the top of the ridge,

you can enjoy an extraordinary view over the bay, 100 metres below. The well-preserved forest descending towards the south-east is filled with traveller’s palms (Ravenala).

The trail then descends gently towards the south-east, before turning north and reaching a beautiful valley crossing pastures and cassava fields. The walk ends on the other side of the village.

Several shorter walks are also possible around Ampohana.

Guide: Gervais

Hiking

Crossing the western side
of the Bay of Russians

“A beautiful hike

from one beach to another, taking you from sweeping views of the open sea to panoramic views overlooking the Bay of Russians. The hike ends on Ankatafa beach.

After 30 minutes of flat walking, a steep 500 m climb leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Mozambique Channel and Nosy Iranja on one side, and the bay with its rolling coastline on the other.

The trail then follows the eastern slope through magnificent remnants of primary forest. A few streams provide welcome opportunities to cool off before a short descent to the bay, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.”

Hiking

Baramahamay
→ Marotony Bay

“Early departure

from Baramahamay by pirogue with Théophile, or by tender. We travel for around 30 minutes along the first branch on the right bank of the river, through beautiful mangrove vegetation.

We arrive at a village before beginning a 12 km, highly varied hike, passing through several small, isolated villages. The climbs are never particularly steep, with an estimated total elevation gain of around 500 m.

Several streams offer welcome opportunities to cool off. After passing through a raffia forest, the trail crosses a marshy area where crocodiles can sometimes be spotted!

The descent towards the village of Marotony offers magnificent views over the bay. This very welcoming village has a few small local eateries where you may occasionally find a cold THB beer!

The beach is perfect for a refreshing swim, with some beautiful rolling waves. The village is also renowned for the quality of its lakas, traditional outrigger canoes.

Guide: Théophile

Hiking

Bay of Russians
→ Marotony

“This magnificent

hike offers the opportunity to discover the inner reaches of the Bay of Russians and its spectacular mangrove forest.

After anchoring in a secluded spot south of the Mahariha Peninsula, an early start is recommended to make the most of the sunrise over the mangroves and explore the winding Amboananay River. This is also the best time to observe the wildlife of this unique ecosystem.

“The hike begins

at a bend on the left bank of the river. The first 2 km are flat, winding between stretches of mangrove. A short climb leads to the top of the hills, revealing superb views over the Bay of Russians.

The trail is never particularly difficult and follows a network of small, shaded valleys. Numerous water sources, including streams and ponds, provide welcome coolness along the way.

We pass several isolated villages, where the inhabitants are often curious and surprised to see Vazaha (foreign visitors). The vegetation is varied, with numerous raffia palms.

Turning due west, the trail crosses a vast, flat savannah. As we enter denser vegetation, we soon reach the first cultivated fields belonging to the fishing village of Amporaha.

A stop here provides an opportunity to meet and chat with the villagers and find a pirogue to cross the 300 m-wide Milahorano River estuary. We then reach the southern shore of Kakambana Bay, where our final destination, the village of Marotony, is located.

The final 2 km take us between mangroves and deserted beaches, perfect for a well-deserved swim.

Guide: Valery

Hiking

Coconut Beach

“A beautiful

deserted beach, just a 1-hour walk from Baramahamay. Beautiful views over the estuary and the village.

Distance: 1.8 km
Elevation gain: 150 m

Hiking

Baramahamay crossing
→ Bemaneviky

“A long

and more challenging hike requiring careful logistical preparation.

This west-to-east crossing of the peninsula takes 1 to 2 days, with the option of spending the night in Bemaneviky.

We leave very early by pirogue to reach the upper reaches of the Baramahamay River, followed by a hike of around 20 km to Bemaneviky. Depending on the tides, a laka (traditional outrigger canoe) will then take you back to the Djebel Amour II.

“A spectacular route,

including a long crossing through primary forest, home to lemurs, lizards, snakes and numerous species of birds.

Along the way, you will enjoy magnificent views over the Baramahamay estuary and Andranomatavy Mountain (668 m), the highest point in the region. While travelling through the mangroves of the two estuaries, you may even spot crocodiles!

This is a demanding hike, with the possibility of an overnight stay in basic accommodation. During the dry season, you may also have the opportunity to taste grilled Pingys (large cicadas), whose unmistakable chorus will have accompanied you throughout the day.

Enjoy!

Guide: Théophile

Hiking

Small waterfall

“A short

and refreshing walk following a beautiful river upstream, with several natural pools where you can enjoy a swim.

You can follow either the riverbed or the banks. A circular route allows you to return along another equally charming river.

The return walk can also be extended via the large waterfall.

Hiking

Ambaliha
→ Great waterfall

“A surprising

hike in the south-west of Ampasindava Bay, from the charming village of Ambaliha to the coastal village of Ampasibitika, following ridges and waterfalls along the way.

Opposite Nosy Mamoko, the Djebel Amour II takes you in around 30 minutes to the mouth of the Ambaliha River.

At high tide, we travel by tender through the mangroves to the village. The hike begins in this charming fishing and farming village, hidden in a bend of the river. A short, steep climb leads into a valley, where forests alternate with areas of traditional slash-and-burn farming.

The trail follows a stream beneath the shade of large mango trees and bamboo. A steep climb with an elevation gain of around 200 m then takes you to a ridge.

“A magnificent

viewpoint overlooks the surrounding valleys. The trail then descends gently south towards the hilltop village of Ankobabe.

We cross magnificent orchards filled with orange and lemon trees, coffee plants, banana trees, jackfruit trees and mango trees. Tasting the local fruit is highly recommended!

Along the way, you will meet warm and welcoming local people, delighted to encounter a few adventurous Vazaha (foreign visitors).

Leaving the village, the trail crosses a rice field and a river that feeds the Great waterfall.

The descent towards the sea then begins, revealing a vast panorama over Ampasindava Bay, with the Djebel Amour II alone on the water in the distance.

To the left, several trails lead down to the river and its beautiful waterfalls, offering the perfect opportunity for a well-deserved swim.

After another kilometre, we reach the coastal village of Ampasibitika, known for its traditional dhow building. The tender will be waiting for you on the beach.

Guide: Gervais

Hiking

Kalakajoro loop

“This beautiful

circular walk takes you on a journey through the fishing villages along the west coast of Nosy Kalakajoro.

The walk begins and ends on the beach opposite our anchorage. After crossing the big-game fishing camp, the trail climbs briefly and steeply through a beautiful forest before reaching the summit plateau.

To the west, the view stretches across vast savannah-covered slopes interspersed with small wooded valleys. The trail descends gently towards the first village, reached after crossing a large coconut grove. The villagers may well offer you a taste of palm wine.

“Continuing

north along the beach, we cross a small hill before descending towards a secluded cove. A second headland is skirted along the shoreline across a vast expanse of rocks with fascinating natural patterns.

We then arrive at the largest beach on Nosy Kalakajoro. The first family we meet provides the perfect opportunity to rest in the shade of the palm trees while enjoying fresh coconut water.

A little further on, in the main village, the trail quickly climbs again through laterite gullies. The views over the coastline are magnificent.

The return across the plateau is relatively easy, although care must be taken not to lose the way, as the trail occasionally disappears beneath the vegetation.

Eventually, we reach the ridge bordering the island’s east coast, offering spectacular views over the neighbouring islands, the mainland and our anchorage.

We then rejoin the outward trail, which takes us back down to the beach in around 15 minutes.