We reach the boarding point of Ankify in a bad cyclone day, we are the 5 th mars 2017. We stop at the hotel, the Baobab to better appreciate the route we have just taken in the rain. We contacted our skipper for the latest sailing information and finally the verdict is reached, we postpone the departure for the next day for a better window.
We spend the next day preparing ourselves but above all visiting the places a bit. We quickly make a little rowdy friends, they keep moving from tree to tree and above all, they love seasonal fruits. Yes, the lemurs practically accompanied us throughout our short walk through the vegetation of Ankify.
In the evening, the weather seems to be much milder and the hope of a departure is taking shape more and more. We decide to water this good news as it should.
Early in the morning, we have the happy surprise of having our dhow moored practically under the coconut palms which are leaning in the sea. We get to know the small team that will accompany us along our journey 5 days to the Radama. We have Jean-Pierre as captain and two mosses who will accompany us, we are five, two couples of friends and me as a guide.
After loading our luggage and a few provisions, we weigh anchor and set sail for our first anchor in the evening which we will reach at the end of the’ afternoon. We cross the whole tourist area of Nosy Be, we pass near the small reserve island of Nosy Tanihely before tacking and heading south.
We decide to drag a few lines before our first stage of the day. We go up two beautiful trevallies and a bonito that will serve us for dinner. We drop anchor on the south face of the Baie des Russes, well sheltered from the winds and especially provided with a small straw hut which will serve as a shelter for the first night under the stars.
Second day of navigation. After a breakfast prepared by mosses, we are at sea again, we stay along the coast, always within sight of the earth. The sea is still quite deep, we decide to do a little fishing. Which is very conclusive because we manage to get out some common sea bream and two dolphin fish. We prepare one of the Tahitian sea breams and we start the aperitif quite early. Morale is at the top.
In the afternoon, we arrive in the region of the Radama archipelago and drop anchor on one of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Kalakajoro. We visit a small fishing village inside the small island and we spend the night under a fiery sky.
Third day of navigation, we are still in the Radama, the panorama is simply breathtaking. We are now in shallow water and the colors are breathtaking. We can easily recognize the fish from the top of our small boat. We decide to snorkel all afternoon. We manage to take out some lobsters and three fish for dinner, a delight.
Fourth day: On the le cap sur Nosy Valiha. We are accompanied by a large family of dolphins, the waters are still clear. We arrive at our stopover early enough to allow us to rest under the casuarina trees between each swimming session. We spend the evening celebrating all this beautiful crossing in such good company with dignity.
Fifth day and last day of navigation. It is quite long but allows us to land in good conditions in Analalava with the rising tide.
Jean-Pierre and his small team are professional, they know this coast very well and on top of that they are very helpful. Big thanks to this team.
