The great "Red Island" lying off Africa's east coast is an exciting yet virtually unknown gamefishing destination, thanks to socialist rule that closed the island off to the world for two decades until the early nineties. A new government is now trying to develop the 1 600 km island's massive tourist potential; at this point it remains friendly but primitive. Because so little fishing has been done it's difficult to give an accurate picture of seasons, but April through July seems to be peak sailfish time, with 100 fish a day visible finning on the surface, an incredible sight. And these are BIG sails, many over the 100 lb mark. Marlin are also plentiful, it seems mostly black, though these are most often hooked by mistake on sailfish baits. December through March are the rainy months, but we're talking about heavy tropical rain that mostly falls at night, leaving the days clear. Madagascan seas are generally very calm, and the area we market is well protected by many small islands. |  |
MADAGASCAR The TERRE ROUGE (Red Earths) BEACHCAMP on Madagascar's Nossi Be island continues to be a popular winter destination, with fishing there hitting it's peak between June and November; in December the rains start, but they seem to fall mostly at night, and though the fishing definitely declines somewhat during the rainy season (December-March), you're still going to get plenty of action. The group of Grahamstown's Judge Jim van Rensburg got it right in September, with three marlin (one of which took a sailfish bait on 10 kg line), seven sailies and a wide variety of other species. Says Mr. Justice Jim, who's been there before: "We love the Beachcamp because of its seclusion and the healthy food. The boats and tackle are always in good shape, the fishing's great, and that Madagascan rum is not bad either." |  |
The Beachcamp is NOT for those wanting civilization, roads and shops. It is for those seeking a desert island experience -- with home comforts and seafood-based French catering. The beaches are pristine, forest walks fascinating, the snorkeling superb. But if that sounds boring, then Nossi Be is not for you, because from the Beachcamp there's nothing else to do but go fishing. Now the French owners of the Beachcamp are opening a second lodge on the mainland, about an hour by boat from the present camp, which means that one can stay at either or both places during a one week trip. ANGADOAKA will be rather more upmarket than the Beachcamp, consisting of 15 en suite bungalows, with bar, pool and other amenities. We're told the drop-off is very close to the new lodge and the fishing much the same; guess we'll just have to check it out. Fred Faure, popular former manager of the Beachcamp, is also about to start live-aboard yacht charters in the Nossi Be area, with onboard Scuba facility, which adds a further option to Nossi Be trips -- maybe a few days cruising between stays at Terre Rouge and Angadoaka. A full board seven night Nossi Be Beach camp trip, with final night b/b in the capital Tana, is French francs 5,703 to Ff 6,002, depending on season (to end Nov ‘98). Charter costs are then Ff 2,500 per day for a seven meter skiboat, or Ff 3,500 pd for a 13 meter marlin boat, including tackle and meals. We don't yet have prices for the new operation, which will only open in Easter 1999. Price are subject to change without notice. $ Currency Exchange $ |
