Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Suarez (Antsiranana) in the north. There are no facilities of any kind on the boats, so bring
sun protection (an umbrella is handy), food and water.
Taxi-Brousse
Taxis-brousses heading south or north along the RN5 all stop here, so go to the station to
inquire, on the main road near the town hall. You will definitely want to read up on the
RN5 before you do (
Click here
)
.
Private 4WD
Taxi-brousse company
Kofifen
( 033 11 640 95) also rents private 4WDs. They quote
Ar685,000 including driver to Maroantsetra, and Ar1.25 million to Tamatave, but in our
experience hard bargaining can cut these prices nearly in half.
Maroantsetra
POP 27,000
If you were going to make a movie about old Madagascar, this would be the place to film
it. Set at the apex of the Baie d'Antongil, near the mouth of the Antainambalana River,
Maroantsetra is full of languid charm, enjoying both river scenery and ocean views. Locals
will tell you that very little has changed here in 30 years. And yet there is a lot for the
visitor to do. This is the perfect base for exploring the entire bay, including the forests of
Masoala, the island of Nosy Mangabe, and the humpback whales that visit and give birth
from July to September. Just be aware that Maroantsetra's climate is one of the wettest in
Madagascar, particularly from May to September, and there are no ATMs.
TOURS
Madagascar National Parks
TOURS
( 032 41 944 46) The local MNP has trained English-speaking guides with great local
knowledge who can organise any itinerary you want to the Masoala Peninsula, Nosy
Mangabe, or Parc National de Mananara-Nord for a reasonable price. A great example is
Augustine
( 34 16 490 32; vitimbary@yahoo.fr).
Relais du Masoala
BOAT TOURS
( 032 07 901 84; relais@cortezexpeditions.mg) Maroantsetra's most upmarket hotel has
several boats, and organises quality excursions with English-speaking guides, including
overnight stays. Options include a river cruise; trips to the Masoala Peninsula; Navana (a
beautiful wild creek and beach) and Nosy Mangabe; and trips in whale-watching in season.
The price per person depends on the size of the party.
