Things to see and do Vanilla Coast

This camp managed by the Fanamby Association is located in an area of incredible biodiversity: the rate of endemism is estimated at 84% for plants and around 40 to 90% for animals! This includes 1 273 plant species, 74 reptile species, and at least 11 species of lemurs. Moreover, there was little new lémurien, belonging to the genus Phaner. A wonderful immersion in a preserved nature, in contact with the local population.

This coconut grove stretches along the beach to the north and south of the town. Hybrid species of coconut palms are grown here. The visit is divided into 3 sites: the reception area, near the airport, where you can buy your entrance ticket and visit the 3 artisanal processing workshops (straw, trunk and bark); the plantation, 5 km to the south, where you can observe the male flower emasculation process and the nursery; then, a few km further south, the copra ovens and the coconut oil distillation workshop. Insist on seeing it all - it's a fascinating visit!

A haven for many Dutch during the ^17th century, Nosy Mangabe was used to supply ships with food or slaves. In the following century, the French turned it into a trading post. Today, the "very blue island" is home to a 520-hectare special reserve. It is densely covered by secondary forest. The presence of mango and ravenala trees attests to human interference. You can observe 5 species of lemur, tenrecs, chameleons, snakes and fruit bats. An ideal day trip!

The park of Farankaraina with its 1 650 hectares protects in particular the aye-aye, a species of lemur rather rare. Four circuits allow to discover it: one goes to the beach of Vohilingoza, three others follow the river of Farankaraina. Note that this park is twinned with the zoo of Champrépus in France, in partnership with the NGO Antongil Conservation, which works to protect the biodiversity of the bay of Antongil, in collaboration with the 10 villages along the shore. Accessible by pirogue from Maroantsetra. Lodge and camp on site.

At 20 minutes from Sambava towards Vohémar, you can first visit the plantation «Vola Maitso» (vanilla, pepper, cocoa, many species of palm trees and fruit trees). Then begins the descent of the Bemarivo River on board a flat-flat metallic canoe. Beautiful vegetation, visit of the village of Antsakajoy and its coffee plantations, scenes of everyday life… Count a good day of walking, with the return of the visit of the Cocoteraie de Soavoanio and the cross-canoe of the lagoon of Sambava.

4-day tour.

Day 1 - Mantella circuit: linking the park entrance to Camp 1, this circuit takes you through the primary rainforest, with a lovely natural pool for cooling off. Allow 2 to 3 hours' walking for a 4 km circuit. The Humbert waterfall is 30 minutes from the camp. Bamboo lemurs are a regular sight in the mornings. Sports enthusiasts can combine the Mantella and Simpona tours in a single day, starting early in the morning.

Day 2 - Simpona circuit: connects Camp 1 to Camp 2 and allows you to discover the 2 ecosystems of lowland and mountain rainforests. The "Simpona" is in fact the white-furred silky sifaka lemur. Allow 2 to 3 hours' walk for 2 km, as the slope is steep and there are many distractions. Beautiful views of the granite cliffs. The camp is pleasant, surrounded by a river and waterfall, and frequented by mongooses, red-fronted lemurs and reptiles.

Day 3 and 4 - Marojejy summit (2,132 m altitude): it takes 3 hours of steep ascent to reach the^3rd camp. We cross the territory of the silky sifaka. Beautiful panoramas on the ridge and before arriving at camp. Be careful, it's cold here, we're at altitude. It takes another three hours to reach the summit of Marojejy, 4 km away. It's a fairly strenuous climb, but the rainforest and panoramic views over the region and the emerald forest are breathtaking. It's possible to make the round trip from Camp 3 to the summit in the morning, before starting the descent to the park entrance.

Practical tips. A four-day trip to Marojejy is a real expedition. Bring warm clothing. Marojejy is a humid forest, so frequent downpours are not uncommon. What's more, Camp 3 is located at altitude, so if blankets are provided, a good fleece and coat will be welcome. No food on site or on the way. Remember to buy everything you need in Sambava before you leave. Rice, pasta and dried fruit are essential. Please note: meals for guides, porters and trackers will be at your expense, so plan for them too, or pay extra. Don't forget your sleeping bag or comforter, as there are no sheets on the beds. Bring gloves for the ascent to the summit: its flanks are covered with stinging bamboo, which is very useful for clinging to the slopes. Alternatively, wear a pair of socks at the end of your hands. Water purification tablets are also welcome. The presence of a cook, at extra cost, may seem superfluous. However, it's important to bear in mind that night falls early, and so does fatigue, so the task proves more difficult than at home if you're not extremely well organized and equipped. The same goes for the tracker: it's hard to spot animals without one. Don't forget your flashlight. Last but not least, there are leeches in the forest.

Accommodation in the park. There are three campsites in the park: Camp Mantella at 450 m altitude (4h30 walk from the Manantenina entrance gate), Camp Marojejya at 775 m altitude (1h to 2h walk from the previous camp) and Camp Simpona, at 1,250 m altitude (another 3h walk). Allow 4,000 Ar with your own tent, 10,000 Ar to rent an equipped tent, and 15,000 Ar per day per person for a bed in a dormitory. From 8,000 Ar to 25,000 Ar for use of the kitchen, depending on the number of people.

In downtown Antalaha, enthusiasts can stop off at the artisanal shipbuilding yard. It's here that you'll learn the most about vanilla. You'll learn all about the different phases of production, from planting to the making of "boots", as well as the ancestral know-how of the craftsmen. The vanilla-weaving workshops are well worth a visit: the artisans form figurines by weaving the pods - how original!

From September to December, traditional exhumation ceremonies are reminiscent of those in Imerina or Sakalava country. Find out more at the fivondronana (town hall) or from your hotel or guide.

Recently restored, the seafront promenade between the residence and the boat harbour is dedicated to the past (beautiful colonial buildings, most of them in ruins). The weather station on a knoll to the west of the town offers a panoramic view after a walk through the countryside. Take a cab there and walk back down.

The main colorful markets are held on Thursdays in Tanambo and Tuesdays in Ankoalabe. Vanilla, coffee and cloves rub shoulders with all the seasonal fruits of the region. Baskets, mats, straw hats and handcrafted wooden boats are just some of the souvenirs you can take home with you.

Cap Est: The road here is beautiful (but also in bad shape); a stop at the vanilla plantations to learn a little more about the cultivation of this orchid is well worthwhile.

The region abounds in superb sites: the green lake nearby with its crocodiles (go there by 4x4 and come back by walking along the sea, count 5 hours of trek); to the northwest, 75 km away, the Daraina (or Loky-Manambato) reserve, near the village of the same name where gold seekers flock, sanctuary of a rare species of lemurs in danger of extinction, the golden-crowned sifaka(propithecus tattersalli) as well as the ala vato, the largest black scorpion of Mada; to the west, the first foothills of Tsaratanana; to the south, the luxuriant rainforest..

Navana is a very small, wild and tropical cove, whose granite rock beach will remind some of the Seychelles. It is an ideal place to relax for a day, especially if the weather is good. You can also visit the small traditional village, where coffee, vanilla and cloves are grown. Very nice pictures in perspective. Count 1 hour of fast boat to reach it from Maroantsetra, for at least 200 000 Ar (price likely to increase). A guide on the spot asks around 20 000 Ar.

The domain of Ambohimanitra spreads over 60 hectares. You will learn all about vanilla, but not only: clove, pink berries, ylang-ylang, pepper and cinnamon scents are on the program... You will discover the vanilla plantation and the different varieties of vanilla trees, as well as the nurseries of local varieties. The guided tour details the process of fertilization of the vanilla flower as well as all the phases that make the flower become a vanilla bean. A vanilla-scented meal is finally served on the terrace with a beautiful view!

It is nearby; we can walk there from there. For more hiking, enter the park to the Cascade waterfall. For "total", the entire tour of the peninsula will take you to Maroantsetra.

20 km to the north, on the road to Sambava, this lake is a waterfowl hunter's paradise (waterfowl abound: teal, humpback ducks, wild geese). But beware! There are also crocodiles. The Parc d'Andranoanala is nearby and can be reached on foot. For a longer hike, head into the park as far as the Bevontsira waterfall. For the "total package", a complete tour of the peninsula will take you as far as Maroantsetra.

Bruno and Germain are unspoiled on their region and develop many activities focused on hiking and the environment. They can help you organize your activities and contact local operators.