Ambila: A green oasis between the Pangalanes Canal and the Indian Ocean

Ambila est un de ces villages pittoresques malgaches auquel on accède en bac, traversant un cours d’eau. Ceux qui connaissent les voyages à Madagascar en ont certainement gardé un excellent souvenir ! Les minibus, vans et 4x4 sur les bacs, les radeaux de bambou, les pirogues monoxyles et les bateaux à moteur… Les paysages d’eau et de verdure sont magnifiques et singuliers !

Ambila-Lemaitso: A haven of fish-rich waters and lush nature

The name Ambila means "where there are vila," referring to the wooden fish traps dotting the Pangalanes Canal. These traps, scattered along the waterway, never fail to intrigue visitors. The crossing itself is a delightful prelude to reaching this serene destination. 

From Antananarivo, Ambila can be reached via a right turn 1 kilometer past Brikaville (PK 266). After navigating 18 kilometers of relatively rough road, you’ll board a ferry or raft for a 20-minute crossing. 

Upon arrival, a sense of peace, lightness, and joy envelops you as you take in the view of the beaches framed by dense vegetation. It’s clear why the village is named Ambila-Lemaitso, with Lemaitso meaning "the green." 

As you head to your hotel or villa, you’ll find yourself smiling at every turn—the warm welcome from the villagers, the stunning scenery, and the cozy accommodations. At night, the distant roar of the ocean will lull you to sleep.

A charming little village

Besides swimming and relaxing, the highlight of a visit is a motorboat or speedboat ride along the Pangalanes Canal. You’ll never tire of dipping into its freshwater, admiring the scenery, and fishing. 

Inland, there’s plenty to explore, including clove plantations. A gentle hike through the forest offers a refreshing escape, with the subtle aroma of cloves wafting through the air, the scent of orchids near the old airfield, and occasional sightings of lemurs. 

A walk along the beach is equally delightful, especially at sunset. End the day with a grilled fish dinner at your hotel—these are the ingredients of a perfect stay in Madagascar. Don’t forget to visit the women’s workshops, where they craft sobika, woven baskets used for storing fish and other goods.

Exciting and scenic excursions

There’s no shortage of excursions around Ambila, with the Pangalanes Canal serving as the main route. Some notable destinations include:

-  Anjanaborona: The closest village.

-  Ambava-kanala (Andavakimena): A charming spot for swimming

-  Andovovao: A craft village on the canal’s banks.

-  Ambodiampaly: Known for rice and orange cultivation, as well as cinnamon and noni (dog-apple juice) production.

-  Ambinanimaty: A village featuring a geyser.

- Andovoranto and the Estuary: Where the canal meets the sea, offering exceptional seafood.