Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SAVA REGION
The SAVA region (known for its four principal towns, Sambava, Antalaha, Vohémar and
Andapa) is disconnected from the rest of the country, with the exception of a single airport
(Sambava) and one rough road to Ambilobe on the RN6 (which continues to Diego Suarez
and Ambanja).
The only overland route from Maroantsetra is by foot, requiring several days of trekking.
Havingsaidthat,theairportmakestheregion'sprincipal attraction, thesuperbParcNational
de Marojejy, easily accessible. The area is also better off economically than most, as its prin-
cipal crop is the valuable vanilla bean, and you can pull together a decent beach break here,
too. So this is a pleasant place to be marooned, particularly as there are very few tourists to
be found.
Sambava
POP 38,000
Sambava is one of those places that is not set up for tourism but contains a good weekend
if you know where to go. There's a nice secluded part of town just two blocks off the main
street with good accommodation just steps from the beach. The beach itself is very long, and
nearly unoccupied, with enormous crashing waves. Take care with currents (and, some say,
sharks). If you have been travelling hard, Sambava is an inexpensive place to recharge your
batteries, particularly after a tough trek in Marojejy. It is also the best place to stay prior to
visiting the park, as it can be reached by taxi from Sambava with an early start; you don't
need to overnight in Andapa.
TOURS
For Nosianna river trips, plantation tours, pirogue trips, or simple transportation, call
Dylan
( 032 04 059 05, 033 04 779 15; randria.dylan@yahoo.fr), a professional driver and guide
who speaks English.
Bruno
( 032 07 610 28) at Mimi Hotel, on the road to the taxi-
brousse station, can also help plan tours.
SLEEPING & EATING
Staying on the beach is highly recommended. Otherwise there is some very inexpensive
budget accommodation nearby.
Hôtel Orchidea Beach II
HOTEL €€€
( 88 923 24, 032 04 383 77;
http://orchideabeach.marojejy.com
; Plage des Cocotiers; d
Ar70,000, bungalows Ar37,000, mains Ar9000; ) This is a charming, quiet and leafy
hotel with whitewashed buildings and a manicured courtyard tucked away on a pleasant side
