Difference between revisions of "Diego Suarez"

Revision as of 07:48, 19 March 2019

The town of Diego Suarez, or Antsiranana, is located in the north of Madagascar in the world's second largest natural bay with the picturesque Nosy Lonja (Sugarloaf island). Diego Suarez is named after the Portuguese explorer Diego Diaz who came to Madagascar in 1500 and the sailor Fernando Suarez who arrived at the bay in 1506. Unfortunately Diego Diaz was rather cruel to the locals and sold them into slavery.

Although since 1975 the official name of the town is Antsiranana, literally meaning "that is at the seaside" in Malagasy, many people still refer to Diego Suarez. In 1885 the French Navy built a military base on the location, given the strategic importance of a deep-water harbour.

During World War II Diego Suarez was under control of the French Vichy. In 1942 Britain and The Allies occupied Diego Suarez to prevent the Japanese warships and submarines from entering the harbour. Hundreds of British soldiers fell in the Battle of Madagascar. Until 1973, Diego Suarez served as a port to the French fleet of the Indian Ocean.

The colonial influence of France and particularly of its navy, which occupied Diego Suarez until 1973, is noticeable in the city's architecture. Straight and parallel roads lead visitors along impressive stone buildings with columns and large balconies, decorated public gardens and incredible views of the bay. The city has its own special character, which can not be found elsewhere in Madagascar.

Today Diego Suarez is Madagascar's 5th largest town and after the capital Antananarivo the most modern in terms of lifestyle, shops and entertainment. The locals are a vibrant mixture of Antankarana and Sakalava, Indians, Arabs, Creole, Chinese, Comorians and French. Most tourists discover only Colbert Street, which is framed by large, colourful colonial brick buildings with verandas. Most hotels, restaurants, tour operators and handicraft shops can be found along this street. The area south of Foch Square is more Malagasy, with local stores, street markets and the big fruit and food market. The entire town will go to sleep between noon and 3pm with its peak of awakeness during night time.

The climate around Diego Suarez is hot with seven months of dry weather a year. From May to October a trade wind contributes to a pleasant temperature. Almost all rain falls between end of November and April. In those months the landscape turns from beige and brown to lush green. However, bird lovers will enjoy the dry season as birds are more visible then.

Town Hall	Chamber of Commerce and Industry	Administrative block
Former Governor's Palace	Ny Havana building	School

Places to visit

There are quite a few attractions in Diego Suarez which are worth a visit. Since 2010 handwritten information boards describe in French, Malagasy and English monuments and other places of interest.

Mosque	Joffre Square	Marine Hotel
Bazary Be - Great Market Place	Foch Square	Kiosque à Musique

Joffre Square
Foch Square
Kiosque à Musique - park with stage overlooking the bay
Marine Hotel
Bazary Kely - market for fruits, vegetables, meat and everything else
Bazary Be - Great Market Place
Jacob Mosque
Rhada Krishna Hindu Temple
Town Hall
Cassam Chenai House
British war cemetery
French war cemetery
Hôpital Be - hospital area with wonderful views over the bay
Diego Suarez Bay - Antsiranana Bay

Day Excursions

The surroundings of Diego Suarez offer some of the most beautiful natural landscapes of Madagascar. For the active travellers there are many opportunities for trekking, climbing, swimming, snorkelling, diving, kite-surfing, fishing, bicycling etc.

Ramena Beach
The Three Bays: Baie des Dunes, Baie des Pigeons and Sakalava Bay
Cap Miné Lighthouse
Nosy Lonja / Sugarloaf Island
Emerald Sea - Mer d'Emeraude
Cap Diego
Salines d'Antsahampano - salt marshes
Montagne des Français
Montagne d'Ambre National Park
Tsingy of the Ankarana National Park
Red Tsingy
Courier Bay with Windsor Castle

Tour operators

Madaway Tours is a tour operator on Rue Colbert.

Diego Raid
Quad and 4x4

Toto Circuits Diego
Excursions & tours by 4x4 in the region of Diego Suarez

Vision Nord Madagascar

Bicycle hire and repair

Diego Cycles is a bicycle repair and hire service at the big market place. However, the available bikes are likely cheap Chinese imports.

Alain runs a small bicycle repair shop. The repair shop may look a bit messy, but the work done is of quality and inexpensive.

Tel: +261 (0)32 78 496 26 (mobile)

Diego-Mobile is the most well-equipped smartphone repair shop in Diego-Suarez.

Tel: +261 (0)32 462 7305

Tuk Tuk driver

Dolin

Tel: +261 (0)32 91 694 14 (mobile)

Restaurants and bars

Bar Sambirano
A small bar/restaurant at the end of rue Colbert.

Gargote Samiah
Lunch restarant. 100% Malagasy.

Sambravo
Drinks terrace

Bamboo
Lounge and shisha bar with good cocktails and delicious bar food

Le Taxi Be
Bar & nightclub

Le Balafomanga
Malagasy - Créole - Seafood

Pizzeria SU & GIU
Pizza - Pasta - Salad

San Diego Rock Café
Pasta - Pizza - Burger - Icecream - Café

La Terrine d'Argent
French food, homemade cooking, small informal restaurant with a few tables only. Rue Colbert, enter through small corridor in front of Le Colbert restaurant

Accommodation

Allamanda Hotel
Rue Richelieu - Ville Basse
Tel: +261 (0)20 82 210 33 / +261 (0)20 82 231 47 / +261 (0)32 07 666 15 (GSM)
Email: hotelallamanda@gmail.com
Website: allamanda-hotel.com

Hotel Le Petit Paradis
Rue de la Prison
Tel: +261 (0)32478913

Victoria Hotel
Rue Rigault 201
Tel: +261 (0)34 11 225 44
Website: www.hotelvictoriadiego.com

Hôtel de la Baie
Route Ramena, Diego Suarez
Tel: +261 (0)32 5077736 / +261 (0)32 6445782
Website: hoteldelabaiediego.com

Perle de la Baie
Tel: +261 (0)33 18 826 73 (mobile)
Email: perledelabaie@gmail.com
Website: perledelabaie.blogspot.com

Kartiffa Hotel (14 rooms)
Tel: +261 (0)32 04 185 83 (mobile)
Email: toto@kikoohotel.com
Website: www.kikoohotel.com/kartiffa-hotel-diego-suarez.html

Hotel La Terrasse du Voyageur
Tel: +261 (0)34 20 061 04 / +261 (0)34 20 061 06

Hotel de la Poste
Tel: +261 (0)32 04 785 75 (mobile)
Email: contact@diego-hoteldelaposte.com

Hotel de la Poste Ocean
Tel: +261 (0)32 04 785 75 (mobile)
Email: contact@diego-hoteldelaposte.com
Website: www.diego-hoteldelaposte.com

Grand Hotel
Tel: +261 (0)20 82 230 63
Email: grandhotel_diego@yahoo.fr
Website: www.grand-hotel-diego.com

Hotel Le Colbert
Tel: +261 (0)20 82 232 89
Email: hlcdiego@moov.mg
Website: www.hlcdiego.com

Central Hotel

Shopping

Big food market
Flowers at the market
Fresh coconuts
Homeopharma - Rue Justin Bezard
Madahoufi

Gemstones

SOTROMI (Société Tropicale Minière Madagascar)

Internet Access

Shipping services

Madahoufi Shipchandler
Avenue Philbert-Tsiranana
Diego Suarez

Contact: M. Fidaly
Email: marchedemadahoufi@gmail.com
Tel: +261 (0)32 07 098 21 / +261 (0)20 82 226 43 / +261 (0)32 04 631 45

Website: http://www.madagascar-shipchandler.com

Boat services

Samy Express

Passenger boat transfers between Diego Suarez, Vohemar, Sambava and Antalaha
Tel: +261 (0)32 52 429 17 (Patrica)

Map of Diego Suarez

Photos

View all Diego Suarez photos

Videos

Video about Diego Suarez by Antoine (French)
HAPPY we are from Diego Suarez by Geoffrey Gaspard to the music of Pharell Williams

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''The town of Diego Suarez is located in the north of Madagascar in the world's second largest natural bay with the picturesque [[Nosy Lonja]] (Sugarloaf island). Diego Suarez is named after the Portuguese explorer Diego Diaz who came to Madagascar in 1500 and the sailor Fernando Suarez who arrived at the bay in 1506. Unfortunately Diego Diaz was rather cruel to the locals and sold them into slavery.'''
+'''The town of Diego Suarez, or Antsiranana, is located in the north of Madagascar in the world's second largest natural bay with the picturesque [[Nosy Lonja]] (Sugarloaf island). Diego Suarez is named after the Portuguese explorer Diego Diaz who came to Madagascar in 1500 and the sailor Fernando Suarez who arrived at the bay in 1506. Unfortunately Diego Diaz was rather cruel to the locals and sold them into slavery.'''
 {| class="imageTable"
@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 During World War II Diego Suarez was under control of the French Vichy. In 1942 Britain and The Allies occupied Diego Suarez to prevent the Japanese warships and submarines from entering the harbour. Hundreds of British soldiers fell in the Battle of Madagascar. Until 1973, Diego Suarez served as a port to the French fleet of the Indian Ocean.
+[[File:Cap Diego 001.jpg|600px]]
+The colonial influence of France and particularly of its navy, which occupied Diego Suarez until 1973, is noticeable in the city's architecture. Straight and parallel roads lead visitors along impressive stone buildings with columns and large balconies, decorated public gardens and incredible views of the bay. The city has its own special character, which can not be found elsewhere in Madagascar.
 {| class="imageTable"
@@ Line 39: / Line 43: @@
 |align="right"|[[File:Diego_Suarez_146.jpg|196px]]
 |-
-|colspan="3" | [[File:Diego_Suarez_004.jpg|600px]]
+|colspan="3" | [[File:Diego_Suarez_129.jpg|600px]]
 |-
 |[[File:Diego_Suarez_144.jpg|196px]]
-|align="center"|[[File:Diego_Suarez_129.jpg|196px]]
+|align="center"|[[File:Diego_Suarez_004.jpg|196px]]
 |align="right"|[[File:Diego_Suarez_126.jpg|196px]]
 |}
@@ Line 102: / Line 106: @@
 * Tsingy of the [[Ankarana National Park]]
 * [[Red Tsingy]]
-* [[Courier Bay]] with [[Windsor Castle]]<br><br>
+* [[Courier Bay]] with [[Windsor Castle]]
 == Tour operators ==
-[[File:Madaway Tours 001.jpg|150px|left|link=Madaway_Tours]] [[Madaway Tours]] is a tour operator on Rue Colbert.
+[[File:Madaway Tours 001.jpg|150px|left|link=Madaway_Tours]] '''[[Madaway Tours]]''' is a tour operator on Rue Colbert.
 <br clear="all">
-[[Diego Raid]]<br>
+'''[[Diego Raid]]'''<br>
 Quad and 4x4
+'''[[Toto Circuits Diego]]'''<br>
+Excursions & tours by 4x4 in the region of Diego Suarez
+'''[[Vision Nord Madagascar]]'''<br>
 == Bicycle hire and repair ==
@@ Line 117: / Line 126: @@
 [[File:20171103_074557_DSC02831.jpg|150px|left|link=Diego_Cycles]] [[Bike Repair Alain|Alain]] runs a small bicycle repair shop. The repair shop may look a bit messy, but the work done is of quality and inexpensive.<br>
-Tel: +261 (0)32 7849626 (mobile)<br clear="all">
+Tel: +261 (0)32 78 496 26 (mobile)<br clear="all">
+[[File:Diego-Mobile 006.jpg|150px|left|link=Diego-Mobile]] [[Diego-Mobile]] is the most well-equipped smartphone repair shop in Diego-Suarez.<br>
+Tel: +261 (0)32 462 7305<br clear="all">
 == Tuk Tuk driver ==
 [[File:Dolin 001.jpg|150px|left|link=Dolin]] '''[[Dolin]]'''
-Tel: +261 (0)32 9169414 (mobile)<br><br clear="all">
+Tel: +261 (0)32 91 694 14 (mobile)<br><br clear="all">
 == Restaurants and bars ==
+'''[[Bar Sambirano|Bar Sambirano]]'''<br>
+A small bar/restaurant at the end of rue Colbert.
+'''[[Gargote Samiah]]'''<br>
+Lunch restarant. 100% Malagasy.
+'''[[Sambravo]]'''<br>
+Drinks terrace
 '''[[Bamboo]]'''<br>
@@ Line 134: / Line 155: @@
 '''[[Le Balafomanga]]'''<br>
 Malagasy - Créole - Seafood
+'''[[Pizzeria SU & GIU]]'''<br>
+Pizza - Pasta - Salad
 '''[[San Diego Rock Café]]'''<br>
@@ Line 143: / Line 167: @@
 == Accommodation ==
+'''[[Allamanda Hotel]]'''<br>
+Rue Richelieu - Ville Basse<br>
+Tel: +261 (0)20 82 210 33 / +261 (0)20 82 231 47 / +261 (0)32 07 666 15 (GSM)<br>
+Email: [mailto:hotelallamanda@gmail.com hotelallamanda@gmail.com]<br>
+Website: [http://allamanda-hotel.com allamanda-hotel.com]
+'''[[Hotel Le Petit Paradis]]'''<br>
+Rue de la Prison<br>
+Tel: +261 (0)32478913<br>
+'''[[Victoria Hotel]]'''<br>
+Rue Rigault 201<br>
+Tel: +261 (0)34 11 225 44<br>
+Website: [http://www.hotelvictoriadiego.com www.hotelvictoriadiego.com]<br>
+'''[[Hotel de la Baie|Hôtel de la Baie]]'''<br>
+Route Ramena, Diego Suarez<br>
+Tel: +261 (0)32 5077736 / +261 (0)32 6445782<br>
+Website: [http://hoteldelabaiediego.com hoteldelabaiediego.com]
+'''[[Perle de la Baie]]'''<br>
+Tel: +261 (0)33 18 826 73 (mobile)<br>
+Email: [mailto:perledelabaie@gmail.com perledelabaie@gmail.com]<br>
+Website: [http://www.perledelabaie.blogspot.com perledelabaie.blogspot.com]
 '''[[Kartiffa Hotel]]''' (14 rooms)<br>
-Tel: +261 (0)32 0418583 (mobile)<br>
+Tel: +261 (0)32 04 185 83 (mobile)<br>
 Email: [mailto:toto@kikoohotel.com toto@kikoohotel.com]<br>
 Website: [http://www.kikoohotel.com/kartiffa-hotel-diego-suarez.html www.kikoohotel.com/kartiffa-hotel-diego-suarez.html]
+'''[[Hotel La Terrasse du Voyageur]]'''<br>
+Tel: +261 (0)34 20 061 04 / +261 (0)34 20 061 06
 '''[[Hotel de la Poste]]'''<br>
-Tel: +261 (0)32 0478575 (mobile)<br>
+Tel: +261 (0)32 04 785 75 (mobile)<br>
 Email: [mailto:contact@diego-hoteldelaposte.com contact@diego-hoteldelaposte.com]
 <!--Website: [http://www.diego-hoteldelaposte.com www.diego-hoteldelaposte.com]-->
 '''[[Hotel de la Poste Ocean]]'''<br>
-Tel: +261 (0)32 0478575 (mobile)<br>
+Tel: +261 (0)32 04 785 75 (mobile)<br>
 Email: [mailto:contact@diego-hoteldelaposte.com contact@diego-hoteldelaposte.com]<br>
 Website: [http://www.diego-hoteldelaposte.com www.diego-hoteldelaposte.com]
 '''[[Grand Hotel]]'''<br>
-Tel: +261 (0)20 8223063<br>
+Tel: +261 (0)20 82 230 63<br>
 Email: [mailto:grandhotel_diego@yahoo.fr grandhotel_diego@yahoo.fr]<br>
 Website: [http://www.grand-hotel-diego.com www.grand-hotel-diego.com]
 '''[[Hotel Le Colbert]]'''<br>
-Tel: +261 (0)20 8223289<br>
+Tel: +261 (0)20 82 232 89<br>
 Email: [mailto:hlcdiego@moov.mg hlcdiego@moov.mg]<br>
 Website: [http://www.hlcdiego.com www.hlcdiego.com]
+'''[[Central Hotel (Diego Suarez)|Central Hotel]]'''
 == Shopping ==
@@ Line 175: / Line 229: @@
 * [[Fresh coconuts Diego Suarez|Fresh coconuts]]
 * [[Homeopharma]] - Rue Justin Bezard
+* [[Madahoufi]]
 == Gemstones ==
@@ Line 195: / Line 250: @@
 Contact: M. Fidaly<br>
 Email: [mailto:marchedemadahoufi@gmail.com marchedemadahoufi@gmail.com]<br>
-Tel: +261 (0)32 0709821 / +261 (0)20 8222643 / +261 (0)20 320709821 / +261 (0)20 320463145
+Tel: +261 (0)32 07 098 21 / +261 (0)20 82 226 43 / +261 (0)32 04 631 45
 Website: http://www.madagascar-shipchandler.com
+== Boat services ==
+[[File:Samy Express 001.jpg|150px|left|link=Samy Express]] '''[[Samy Express]]''' <br>
+Passenger boat transfers between [[Diego Suarez]], [[Vohemar]], [[Sambava]] and [[Antalaha]]<br>
+Tel: +261 (0)32 52 429 17 (Patrica)<br><br clear="all">
 == Map of Diego Suarez ==
 <googlemap version="0.9" lat="-12.27346" lon="49.291105" zoom="15" controls="large" style="width:100%;max-width:600px;">
+-12.281513, 49.292805
+[[Air Madagascar]]
 </googlemap><br>
@@ Line 209: / Line 272: @@
 == Videos ==
+<HTML5video type="youtube" width="600" height="338">6T6Gg-gc_oA</HTML5video>
 * [http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1s58s_diego-suarez-madagascar-antoine Video about Diego Suarez] by Antoine (French)

Difference between revisions of "Diego Suarez"

Revision as of 07:48, 19 March 2019

Contents

Places to visit

Day Excursions

Tour operators

Bicycle hire and repair

Tuk Tuk driver

Restaurants and bars

Accommodation

Shopping

Gemstones

Internet Access

Shipping services

Boat services

Map of Diego Suarez

Photos

Videos

External links

Navigation menu

Personal tools

Namespaces

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Views

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