Ilakaka
A mining town that boomed overnight after sapphires were discovered in 1998. Shops selling gemstones line the streets, and you can watch people panning for stones.
Ilakaka lies beside National Route 7, about 27 kilometers south of Ranohira. After sapphires were found in the riverbed in 1998, the population grew from a few dozen people to tens of thousands, earning the town the nickname “Madagascar’s gold rush town.” Wooden houses and gemstone buying shops line the main street, and in the valleys outside town you can see people digging and panning for stones. It is fine to stop briefly while passing through. Buy gemstones only from licensed shops that provide certificates, and be wary of fakes. Security in town is average, so avoid staying after dark, and do not take photos of miners without permission.
Opening hours
All day (visit during daytime)
Nearby sights
- La Fenêtre de l'Isalo
- La Reine de l'Isalo
- Piscine Naturelle
- Piscine Noire & Piscine Bleue
- Cascade des Nymphes & Namaza
- Isalo National Park
- Canyon des Makis & Canyon des Rats
- Grotte des Portugais