Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SLEEPING & EATING
Sahasoa Bungalows
BUNGALOW €
( 033 19 671 81; d/f without bathroom Ar15,000/30,000, set menu Ar5000) These new,
clean bungalows on a tropical-paradise beach in Sahasoa are close to the park office, and
dirt cheap.
Chez Roger
BUNGALOW €
( 032 52 329 87; d Ar20,000) This is the best place to stay if you want to visit Aye-
Aye Island. The big and comfortable bungalows in back have bathrooms (bucket showers),
there are reasonable rooms available, and the restaurant does decent meals.
Hôtel Aye-Aye
BUNGALOW €
( 032 95 883 96; d Ar25,000; ) This hotel near the airport is also a good budget op-
tion, with basic ensuite bungalows among the palm trees, a small pool and a restaurant.
Cold water.
ENTERTAINMENT
Mananara is, surprisingly, a bit of a party town. For that Malagasy beat, try Volume 5 near
the Boutique Orange.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Boat
The
Melissa Express
( Maroantsetra 0320573358,Mananara0324600171,IleSainte
Marie 033 18 732 69) passenger boat offers a weekly service between Mananara and both
Maroantsetra (Ar40,000) and Soanierana-Ivongo (Ar60,000). This is the only service of its
kind on this coast, and inexpensive, but is subject to interruptions, particularly from June
to September.
Cargo boats sail occasionally between Mananara, Ile Sainte Marie, Maroantsetra and
Tamatave. There are usually several departures, depending on the weather, although there
are no set schedules. This journey is only really safe between September and March, due to
sea conditions. Inquire at the small port in Mananara. Boats often come in and leave again
fairly quickly, so you'll have to return often. Fares between Mananara and Ile Sainte Marie
or Maroantsetra average about Ar50,000; the trip takes at least eight hours, often sailing
through the night. Occasional cargo boats go as far as Antalaha, Sambava or even Diego
