Hi,
Going to Madagascar in June/July this year. Really keen to see Masola Peninsular but don't think it will be possible as flights are so expensive and we dont have all that much time, making the long road trip questionable.
I have heard that boat trips from Ille Sainte Marie to Maroantstra are not safe at this time of year. I was wondering if that was still the case, or is there some fantastic new, safe boat available!?
Any help would be appreciated. .
:)
fenmick
1
marogisa
Hi there,
There is a pretty safe boat service called the Melissa Express which runs once a week in each direction (Saturday Ste Marie-Soaniarana-Mananara-Maroantsetra, Sunday back).
One of the reasons it's so safe is that it doesn't run if conditions are bad, which unfortunately means you can't rely on it!
I'll try and remember to bring the contact details next time I manage to get online here in Maroantsetra.
The alternative - booking a passage on a freighter - is for very good reason forbidden, although of course skippers and passengers completely ignore this and routinely use this form of getting around. Wouldn't do it myself, but it's up to you of course!
2
carafa
I went in July 2 years ago. The boat was not recommended then. I flew into Maroansetra, then did a hike around the peninsula (very easy hiking, you can do a LOT more than they recommend) You HAVE to hire a guide... you will need one as sometimes you have to cross rivers up to your chest/ shoulders and the guides will help you carry your bag overhead.
You can do a hike all the way around the peninsula to Antalaha from Maroansetra and then make your way up the north eastern coast (highly recommended, maybe pop over to Andapa) and across to Diego (from Vohemar to Ambilobe.... very interesting taxi brousse ride)
sorry, that didn't really give info about the boat ride, but this was an amazing part of Madagascar!
3
marogisa
Contact details for Melissa Express:
Maroantsetra office: +261 (0)32 0573358
Mananara office: +261 (0)32 4600171
Tamatave office: +261 (0)32 4474303
Ste Marie office: +261 (0)33 1873269
Trouble is, you may need French to communicate with them.
If you can't speak French, try this e-mail: Landry.botikamaroantsetra@yahoo.fr
It belongs to the guy who runs the Maroantsetra agency, and even if he can't handle English, he'll know someone who can.
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