If you’re not a fan of dazing in a hammock or tanning on the beach, there are plenty of possibilities to spark up your vacation with activities on our around the lodge. Whether you’re into cooking, crafts, sports or romance, we’ve got you covered. All activities can be booked in the reception, but we highly recommend you to let us know your wishes before you arrive – the better time we’re in, the more we can make of your vacation days.
Learn How to Sail a Pirogue
The pirogue is the most popular choice of transportation to and around Ile aux Nattes. It’s a traditional Malagasy boat, best described as a simple dug-out canoe.
In 3 hours you’ll learn how to move with the pirogue – which is harder than it seems! The lesson begins in the shallow waters until you’ve gotten comfortable with the technique. After that, you’ll take a trip to the lagune to show off your skills.
The lesson is 2-3 hours depending on you.
Price: 50.000/pax
Artisinal Workshop
Wood-crafting, raffia weaving, creating bowls of coconuts – and much more – are Malagasy handcrafts at their best.
Ile aux Nattes is full of skilled artisans – and they’re inviting you to join!
The workshop is between 2 and 4 hours depending on your choice of craft. You can carve a whale tale of rosewood, weave a lamp for your home, or polish a coconut into a bowl.
The workshop is right here at Aurora and lasts between 3 and 4 hours – and you, of course, get to bring home your handcrafted souvenir.
The price is 60.000 depending on the product. Ask our reception for the catalogue.
Traditional Braids for a Stylish Vacation
Treat yourself to a southern vacation style, with our hairdresser. She does a broad variety of exotic braids to match any personality – whether you like it sporty, artistic, or sophisticated, she’s got you covered.
In addition to offering you a new look, it also enables you to take an hour (or two, depending on the look you’re going for) to sit still and listen to the sound of the waves and the forest around you.
Price: between 20.000 ariary and 80.000 ariary depending on the style and the length of your hair. Ask our reception for an updated catalogue.
Malagasy Cooking Class
Here comes the ideal activity for food lovers who want to explore the local cuisine; A course in authentic Malagasy cuisine.
With our talented cook, Sacné, by your side, you’ll learn the secrets of traditional Malagasy recipes handed down from generation to generation. Together you will create a delicious dish using fresh seasonal ingredients. The selection of dishes will depend on the season and today’s catch – as it is custom here.
After cooking, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor over a convivial meal and have a recipé to take home.
The course has a duration of about 2 hours excluding lunchtime.
75.000/pax
The price does not include drinks for lunch.
Stargazing Stroll in Pirogue
When the weather allows it, and the sky is clear, there is nothing like experiencing the southern starry sky from the lagune in complete silence.
This divine 1,5 hour nature experience takes you out in a traditional pirogue after dark, where you’ll get lost in the sky to the calming sounds of the ocean.
It’s the perfect pre-dinner activity.
60.000/pax
Rhum Arrangée Workshop & Tasting
An old tradition on the East Coast of Madagascar is the Rhum Arrangée. This authentic drink is rhum flavored with anything you can think of – and find in nature.
Under the guidance of our barman and rhum arrangée enthusiast, Leva, you’ll learn how to make it yourself. The process is fairly easy, while the real challenge is picking out the flavor.
To decide on the taste you want to make, you, of course, have to try a few first. Therefore we start with a tasting of Leva’s favourites.
If the flavors of your choice are to be found in our garden, you then go and harvest them. And if not, you simply cut right to the chase, and start making rhum arrangée!
The workshop takes between 2 and 3 hours, and afterward the workshop, you’ll have a bottle of rum to show for it. What could be a better souvenir to bring home to friends and family?
Cheers! Salut! Santé! Skål!
75.000/pax
Barbeque Picnic with the Fatapera
We’ll set up a cozy garden environment and prep your meal, but you and your family will grill it yourself on a traditional Fatapera. This eating experience is an informal & tasty experience for all couples and families.
The Fatapera is a small coal grill used in most kitchens in Madagascar.
Using local equipment, and cooking the traditional way, you’ll get a clear idea of how Malagasy cuisine is shaped. All while sharing a lovely moment together in our garden.
Here on Ile aux Nattes, the “Fatapera” embodies the spirit of sharing, cooperation, and discovery. In other words: Family Time.
Price: 60.000 per person
The price does not include drinks
Nightwalk: The Nocturnal Life of Ile aux Nattes
Explore the rich nocturnal animal life on the island with an enthusiastic guide.
During the 1,5 hour walk you look for the amphibians, snakes, insects, and mammals, that rule the island when the rest of us go to sleep.
Bring a torch, a rainjacket, and a good pair of shoes – you’ll be exploring some wild parts of the island.
50.000/Tour
Visit the Vanilla Plantation
We’re lucky enough to a have a real vanilla plantation as our neighbor. It’s owned by Lionel and Linda who cultivate vanilla and other spices. Lionel is happy to give you a free guided tour, on which you’ll learn a whole lot about how vanilla is grown and processed.
The tour starts at Aurora and ends at Aurora. During the tour, you’ll stop by Lionel and Linda’s boutique, where you’ll have plenty of opportunity to buy vanilla, cinnamon, and other spices to bring home.
The visit is free of charge
Obs. Lionel only speaks French. If you wish, we’re happy to send an English translator with you. The price for the translator is 20.000 Ariary per person.
