What a way to end 2024.
This photo was taken through the window of the plane my wife and I were on as it landed on the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar.
The airline we utilized only flew in/out on Sundays, and this particular fact almost prevented us from extending our stay at 293 On Komba Guest House, which was to be our home for the duration of our stay.
When it comes to international destinations, I always leave the ‘research’ to my wife who, being an academic, does an excellent job.
Hence I peered out of the window on the plane and looked down in amazement at what lay beneath.
Could I raise an issue here that keeps me awake at night?
Why are the windows on aeroplanes placed so low on the fuselage? Surely they could be placed at a more convenient height for passengers without affecting the structural integrity or aerodynamics of the plane?
We landed at the Nosy Be airport and had to take a shuttle ride from there to the harbour, followed by a reasonably short boat ride to Nosy Komba where our accommodation awaited.
The ride was uneventful and pleasant and rounded off our land, sea, and air transport that were all experienced on the same day.
There were no jetties where we and our luggage were to be dropped off, but the water was both shallow and warm enough to wade to shore while willing staff brought our suitcases to the beach. (And taken to our room at the guest house which was a short walk away.
I did enquire about docking facilities or the lack thereof.
The answer I was given was that it would spoil the atheistic of the beachfront properties and after spending time there, I have to agree that they would be intrusive and unnecessary.
The Ylang-Ylang Room (The honeymoon suite) was to be our accommodation.
Set slightly apart from the main house, it was close enough for us to feel safe and secure. It offered an en-suite bathroom and a private deck that looked out over the ocean.
The deck was the perfect place for us to have breakfast or enjoy a drink before dinner.
Towards the end of our stay, the island was locked down due to a cyclone warning and our host decided that we should move to the Tortoise Room, which was situated within the main lodge.
It was just as comfortable as our original room and had its own entrance and a private terrace.
At this point Marcine, the owner as well my wife and I became weather experts, tracking the path of the cyclone and wondering if the airport would be open for us to get back to South Africa.
As it turned out the cyclone missed Madagascar and the airport which had closed for one day was reopened in time for our return flight on Sunday.
However, had the airport been closed on Sunday, then we would have been ‘stuck’ on the island for another week! Not a terrible place to spend another week, but I would like to see the airline offer midweek flights as an option.
Instant decor collected from the beach. It can be added to or subtracted from at a moment’s notice.
Although the cyclone missed Madagascar, it did leave behind detritus on the beach, some of which have been included in the guest house design palette.
The main public space of the guest house is a great area to sit and relax.
Read a book or just look out over the ocean until the hypnotic ebb and flow of the Indian Ocean puts you to sleep.
Dinner and breakfast are included in the rate and the food for both meals was both exciting and unexpected.
I think that my wife might have mentioned my aversion to certain types of vegetables as this quickly became a source of fun for both her and the owner.
But there was more than enough on offer for me to enjoy my meals sans the vegetables that I don’t like.
How fresh was the fish on offer? THIS fresh… Fish can be added to the menu if the fishermen that go out daily have been successful.
The guest house menu offers a fusion of the local Malagasy food and South African flavours.
Owner Marcine Cooper is originally from South Africa and her cooking finds inspiration in her garden and the local food markets.
The menu was changed daily and is season-dependent.
Big YUM! Dinner is served.
Looking out over the pool and the beach.
The air was still and quiet, with only the sound of the waves lapping on the beach. Although there are other establishments on this stretch of beach, none of them were intrusive from a noise point of view.
We had breakfast in a different spot every day.
A breakfast of champions to start yet another day of exploration and adventure.
A trio of Zebu.
This particular animal plays a vital part of Malagasy culture, economy, and daily life
It can be used for meat, milk, and work as well as draught animals or being ridden.
I did try a Zebu burger while on an outing to Nost Be, and I would classify it as an acquired taste. It does taste different from the beef that we are used to in South Africa, but when in Rome…
This guest house certainly became our home away from home and is highly recommended.
To find out more about the property, click on the logo above.
Travel is the proud winner of this prestigious award from the digital British lifestyle magazine Luxlife. The award is for Best Travel & Experiences Blog 2024 – South Africa.
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