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North of the road lies [[Isalo National Park]], which likely has large deposits of sapphires, but as the area is nature protected and mining is not permitted there. Most mining activity occurs directly south and east of the main road.
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The mining work is primarily carried out by Malagasy workers who are managed by small businesses and temporarily resident dealers, many of whom are of Sri Lankan, Thai or Chinese origin. The rough stones are usually brought to either Thailand or Sri Lanka for cutting.
Various other smaller sapphire towns can be found along the road westwards, such as [[Antsotramadoro]] and [[SakarahaSakahara]].
== Accommodation ==
'''Friends Hotel'''<br>
Tel: +261 (0) 3314 95121 / 70676 / 7105033 14 951 21 or +261 (0)33 14 706 76 or +261 (0)33 14 710 50<br>
<!-- Email: [mailto:friendsbungal@yahoo.fr friendsbungal@yahoo.fr] BOUNCED! -->
== Photos ==
View all [[Ilakaka photos]]
== Additional information ==
* [[Madagascar Sapphire Rush]]
* [http://www.madagemstones.com madagemstones.com]
* [http://www.madagems.com madagems.com]
* http://www.thegmanifesto.com/2009/04/the-madagascar-sapphire-report.html
* [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-32962318 In pictures: Madagascar's sapphire mining rush] - BBC News, 4 July 2015
* [http://www.primemedia.international/madagascar-destinations-guide-ilakaka.html Ilakaka City: the Wild West is over!] - Prime Magazine, 4 May 2018
