Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
three distinct circuits (each taking 3 hours or more) showcasing the dense sub-humid
forestsofthewest,crocodilecaves,canyonsandsavanna-habitatsforanimpressivearray
of wildlife. Among them are 81 species of birds, including the endangered Madagascar
teal (
Anas bernieri
) and the crested ibis. The 30 species of reptile include a black-and-yel-
low striped nocturnal snake (a species of
Stenophis
) endemic to Namoroka, and the locally
endemic side-necked (or big-headed) turtle,
Erymnochelys madagascariensis
. Lemurs in-
clude Decken's sifaka, red-fronted brown lemur and western grey bamboo lemur, as well
as nocturnal species.
Guidefeesare10,000Arpercircuitforgroupsofuptosix.Manyofthecavenetworksin
Namoroka are unexplored and unmapped and should be entered only with a guide. Access
arrangements are the same as for Baie de Baly (see above).
THE ROUTE NORTH
THE ROAD TO ANTSOHIHY
From
Ambondromamy
(where RN6 meets RN4) parts
of the road are not in great condition. Heading north, after about 1½-2 hours/84km, you
reach
Mampikony
- the centre of onion production in Madagascar. The best hotel is the
very basic
Cocotiers
.
The next section of road is the worst; it will take 2½-3 hours to travel the 82km to
Bor-
iziny
(Port Bergé). Here onions give way to tobacco and cotton, and the best place to stay
is
Le Monde
. Continuing to Antsohihy is a further 2-2½ hours/133km.
ANTSOHIHY
This uninspiring town is a good base for exploration. It is also important
for travellers, being at the crossroads of four important centres: southwest to Tana, north
to
Ambanja,
northeastto
Bealanana
andsoutheastto
Befandriana
and
Mandritsara
.It's
also possible to travel west by sea or (adventurously) by land.
Antsohihy is 3½-4 hours/217km from
Ambanja
on a good road.
Where to stay and eat
Biaina
Thatched bungalows with en-suite bathrooms. By far the best accommodation
in town. If you need help organising anything in the region, ask here for Philippe Robinet.
€€
Vona Vatolampy
(5 rooms) Clean, with mosquito nets. No restaurant but it is next to
Biaina. €€
Hôtel de France
Cheap rooms in the upper town, by the main square. €