The Domaine de la Cascade of Manantantely, a pleasant park in a paradisiacal valley
A real haven of peace, the Domaine de la Cascade of Manantantely, meaning a place of honey, is the ideal place to relax. Indeed, it is an area with a green landscape, a waterfall which is finished by a natural swimming pool. The Domaine also allows the practice of outdoor activities as the trekking or the camping.
This pleasant park, about 9km from the Total station on the road to Ambovombe from Fort Dauphin, is an easily overlooked spot. Almost 100 hectares in size, it consists of a nursery set in a paradisiacal valley with several walking trails, including one to a pretty waterfall where you can take a dip. Most people come on a day trip, but there's a large bungalow, with kitchen for rent – we’ll probably have the whole place to yourself.
Bordered by the last low altitude primary forest in the south of Madagascar, for approximately 1700 hectares, the Domaine de la Cascade has been trying for fifteen years to contribute to the development of the region, to protect and enhance the environmental heritage, in partnership with local associations and public authorities.
17 km of paths, roads and forest routes, embellished with two natural pools, the construction of a bridge to open up several villages, the protection of primary forest, endemic plants and rare woods, the Domaine is a player, involved in all aspects of their environment.
About 300 rural residents took part in large-scale works: 8 hectares were recycled for growing rice, exploited by the poorest families of neighboring villages. 17 hectares were cleared for cultivation of 5000 plants, the Domaine de la Cascade becomes the largest producer of the region.
1300 м2 of vanilla, 400 м2 of lychee, and recently, in partnership with GIZ (German International Cooperation Agency) under the Honey Resistance project, 50 hives were created, training and monitoring of surrounding beekeepers for 300 additional hives.
In addition, in the agricultural valley of Ranomafana, located 80 km from Fort Dauphin, the Domaine planted 1000 м2 of Baies Roses (Pink peppercorn) to start the economic development of this region.
Watch more photos about The Domaine de la Cascade of Manantantely here.
