Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
mangrove swamps, cleared woodland and a little rainforest towards the end as well as the
scars of previous cyclones. Plenty of rivers to ford, either with log bridges, pirogues or on
foot. On entering villages the children tended to run away screaming. It seems their moth-
erstellthemthatiftheymisbehavetheywillbetakentomarketandsoldtothe
vazaha
who
willcookandeatthem!FromMasoalavillagethereisanirregularboatservicetoMaroant-
setra, 10,000Ar per person, slow going and very heavily loaded. Visitors should budget for
an additional few days whilst awaiting the boat.'
ANTALAHA AND BEYOND
ANTALAHA
This prosperous, vanilla-financed town suffered devastating damage from
cyclonesGafiloin2004andIndlalain2007.IntrueMalagasyfashionitwasswiftlyrebuilt
after each one.
Getting there and away
The only easy way to get to Antalaha is by plane (the Air Mad
office is on the seafront) or by road from the north. The alternatives are to trek across the
peninsula from Maroantsetra, or come by sea (there are regular cargo boats from Maroant-
setra and Toamasina).
Where to stay and eat
Océan Momo
m
032 02 340 69;
e
momo@moov.mg
;
www.ocean-momo.com
.
AC
bungalows. Boycotted by some tour operators as a result of the owner's alleged involve-
ment with illegal rosewood logging. €€€€
HazoVola(Palissandre)
m
0320500065.Upmarket withfridge,minibar,safe&TV.
The owner of this hotel has also been implicated in logging. €€€€
Vitasoa
m
032 40 765 74. A good-value hotel with hot water & good restaurant. €€
Chez Nanie
m
032 40 051 89/032 02 232 51. Basic bungalows, right next to the sea
opposite the pier. The more expensive ones have AC. €€
Cocotier
&
Florida
are other inexpensive options. €-€€
Fleur de Lotus
A recommended Chinese restaurant.
Corail
French/Malagasy-owned. Good for b/fast & pizza.
Moneyandcommunications
Antalahahasatleastonegoodcybercafé(attheKodakshop,
100Ar/minute), a post office and branches of the main banks (BFV, BNI and BOA) with
ATMs.
