Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Note: the trek from the park boundary to the second camp is a nature expedition. The
trail from Camp Two is a climbing expedition. If you prefer the former, there is no need to
go past Camp Marojejia, which anyone in decent shape can reach. Beyond it you must be
very fit, and prepared for cold weather.
A SCREAMING BARGAIN
Sometimes when comparing prices in terms of ariary, we forget how inexpens-
ive things really are in Madagascar. But consider this: for Ar70,000 a day, two
people can hire a porter, a guide, a cook, and lodging at Camp Two in Parc Na-
tional de Marojejy, one of Madagascar's top national parks and a Unesco World
Heritage Site. Meanwhile, the entry fees alone to an East African game park are
four times that
. So if you arrive in Tana with Mother Nature on your mind, we
suggest getting on the next plane to Sambava, and hailing a taxi.
SLEEPING
If you have to stay outside the park, Sambava is recommended. The only other option is
Andapa, a small town nestled in the hills some 40km away on the way to Réserve Spéciale
d'Anjanaharibe-Sud. It is closer to the park. but further from Sambava (where you must
return), lacks the appeal of the beach, and has little accommodation.
If you do choose Andapa, the best place to stay is the surprising
Hotel Beanana
(
88 072 20;
http://hotel-beanana.no-ip.com
;
d Ar35,000, breakfasts Ar7000), a bright-white
drive-in motel that is new, clean, and inexpensive, with hot water and decent Chinese food.
Hotel Vatosoa
( 88 070 78; d Ar16,000, mains Ar5000) offers more basic rooms.
GETTING THERE & AWAY
Taxis-brousses go daily between Andapa and Sambava (Ar7000, 2½ hours) and will drop
you off at the park office en route.
Antalaha
POP 40,000
Arelativelyaffluentcity,thankstothevanillabean,Antalahasurpriseswithitsstreetlights,
proper drainage and excellent roads. The airport closed in 2011 for renovations, however,
leaving the town marooned at the end of the paved road from its sister vanilla town, Sam-
bava. Beyond lies the Masoala Peninsula (
Click here
), which can only be crossed by foot.
