Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EATING
The only fine dining is to be had at Relais du Masoala. Coco Beach provides some hearty
meals that are good value. For budget eating, locals praise the Chinese food at
Florida Sn-
ack
, on the main road near the Bank of Africa, as well as the chicken and fish at
Baguette
d'Or
(300m north of the market on the main road, then right 50m.)
ENTERTAINMENT
There are three discos that comprise Maroantsetra nightlife:
Eden Club
,
Miami
, and
Vatsy
, all of which attract a young and amiable crowd that dances into the wee hours.
Miami edges out the rest as the renowned location of the annual Miss Maroantsetra beauty
contest, a September tradition. As you'll be going at night, a taxi is the only way to find
these places.
INFORMATION
Bank of Africa has a branch here for changing cash and travellers cheques.
MNP office
( 032 41 944 46) Located near the market.
Orange
(per min Ar70;
7.30am-noon & 2.30-6pm) Internet on the main street.
GETTING THERE & AWAY
Air
Air Madagascar flights connect Maroantsetra a few times a week with Antananarivo (€184,
45 minutes), Tamatave (€128, 30 minutes), and Sambava (€88, 30 minutes). The Air Mad-
agascar office is a few kilometres from town on the road to the airport. Flights to/from
Maroantsetra are often full, especially between June and November - be sure to reconfirm
your ticket. Weather may affect plane schedules, particularly during the rainiest months
(July to September).
Boat
The
Melissa Express
( Maroantsetra0320573358,Mananara0324600171,Tamatave
032 44 743 03, Ile Sainte Marie 033 18 732 69) passenger boat offers weekly service
between Maroantsetra and Mananara (Ar40,000), Soanierana-Ivongo (Ar 100,000) and Ile
Sainte Marie (Ar120,000). This is the only service of its kind on this coast, and inexpens-
ive, but is subject to interruptions, particularly from July to September.
There are also unscheduled but regular cargo boats sailing between Maroantsetra and Ile
Sainte Marie (10 hours), Tamatave (two days), Antalaha (12 to 15 hours) and Mananara
(nine hours). Enquire at the port in Maroantsetra, and then be prepared for inevitable
