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→Mananara Nord National Park
Among these environments are the inner flats and the external slopes north, south and west which are the richest in fish species.
== How to get there ==
'''By boat''' from Mananara to the park (1-1.5 hour by speedboat, 3-4 hours by slow boat), or from [[Antanambe]] to the park (45 minutes by speedboat). From Soanierana Ivongo or [[Sainte Marie]] to Mananara it takes 5 hours by boat respectively. The sea is calm from April to October.
== Guides and entrance fees ==
There are two park offices located in Antanambe and Mananara (Mahambolona). There you can get all the information regarding guides, tours, admission fees within the park and guide rates.
There are several guides available for your visit to the park. They all speak French and English and have received training in guiding techniques and flora and fauna.
The admission fee for visiting the park for foreign tourists is 45,000 Ariary per day, children pay 25,000 Ariary per day (prices 2015). Guides are obligatory. The fee for a guide depends on the chosen tour (circuit). There are also porters available. The fee for a porter is 12,000 Ariary per day, including his meals and accommodation.
== Circuits (Tours) ==
=== Verezanantsoro Circuit ===
Medium circuit, 20km in one day. Sudden climate change: rain, temperature difference between sunny area and in dense forest area.
'''What to see?'''<br>
You will cross cloves and vanilla plantations in a beautiful landscape along the coast, amazing panoramic view before diving into the heart of a low-altitude forest with exceptional biodiversity such as lemurs (Indri, Black-and-white ruffed lemur), birds…<br>
Guide with car: 30,000 Ariary, porter: 15,000 Ariary (2015)
=== Nosy Antafana Circuit ===
Easy circuit, 16km trekking for half a day during the calm sea period (October to April).
'''What to see?'''<br>
First marine site created in Madagascar and among the most beautiful reefs of the Indian Ocean, Nosy Antafana is like a giant aquarium where beach, mangrove, coastal forest and dive site are wonders of nature.<br>
It is a day of swimming, diving and relaxing. During a walk in the coastal forest you will see seabirds and their nests and flying foxes. Be curious to hear about the legend of Nosy Antafana and that of "Rangotsy".<br>
Guide with car: 30,000 Ariary, porter: 15,000 Ariary (2015)
=== Ivontaka Sud Circuit ===
Difficult and sporty circuit, 16km trekking from Sahasoa. Steep slope on the eastern side. Abrupt climate change, big temperature difference between the sunny zone and under dense forest area.
'''What to see?'''<br>
Through the development of agricultural lands for cash crops and food crops you will climb slowly with beautiful panoramic views. In the dense forest you will see lemurs (Indri, Black-and-white ruffed lemur, Brown lemur), flora (endemic plants, orchids) and birds (Helmet vanga, Madagascar crested ibis). You will also pass a natural swimming pool and coastal landscape.<br>
Guide with car: 30,000 Ariary, porter: 15,000 Ariary (2015)
=== Varary Circuit ===
Difficult circuit, 16km trekking, 2 days.
'''What to see?'''<br>
Enjoy the agricultural landscapes and discover a rich fauna and flora and the best panoramas of the park.<br>
Guide with car: 30,000 Ariary, porter: 15,000 Ariary (2015)
=== Combined Fanihy Circuit - Rangontsy Circuit, Diving Circuit ===
Guide with car: 30,000 Ariary, porter: 15,000 Ariary (2015)
== Tourist attractions in the area (outside the protected area) ==
=== Antanambao Mandrisy Community Tours for village tourism ===
Accessible by 4x4, motorcycle or foot. The terrestrial tour starts 1.7km west of the village Antanambao Mandrisy. Near the village are mangroves and the beach.
'''What to see?'''<br>
The tour is managed by a women's organisation in collaboration with Madagascar National Parks. On location, there is a lodge with two bungalows, family room, restaurant and information boards about the proposed tours. You can either go on a mangroves and beach tour or you can visit the coastal forest and discover agro-ecological landscape, a waterfall and the Betsimisaraka culture.
=== Sahasoa Community Tour for village tourism ===
1km from the village of Sahasoa.
'''What to see?'''<br>
This tour is managed by a women's organisation in collaboration with Madagascar National Parks. On location, there is a seaside lodge with two bungalows, family room, restaurant and information boards about the proposed tours. You can go on a tour through agro-ecologial landscape, visit a historic cave and learn about the Betsimisaraka culture.
=== Andavakandrehy Tour ===
Accessible by 4x4, motorcycle, mountainbike or foot. The terrestrial tour starts 1.7km west of the village Antanambao Mandrisy. Near the village are mangroves and beach. The tour starts 6km south of Mananara (3km driveable).
'''What to see?'''<br>
You will see National Culutral Heritage - an ancient tomb and historic cave. You will walk through agro-ecologial landscape and discover the Betsimisaraka culture.
== Habits and customs in the region ==
''Tsaboraha'' is a widespread traditional custom in the Eastern region. By bringing the whole community together, it is a ceremony that strengthens social bonds. During those three days, the ''tsaboraha'' requires the participation of all.
After the initiating family has obtained the permission from ancestral spirits, men, women and children of the region actively participate in the preparation of the ritual. At each of the many steps, large quantities of ''[[betsabetsa]]'' (traditional rum) are distributed. The men will cut the wood that the children collected in the surrounding forests, while the women prepare the rice.
The young men of the village participate in ''tolon'omby'', a form of bullfighting with a strong young bull which is marked with a white spot on the forehead. Once tamed, the animal is taken to "Fijoroana", a sacred place where it will be sacrificed the next day after a festive vigil and the search of the sacred tree during the night. After the killing, the body of the zebu is shared and prepared for a feast that can gather up to a thousand people.
A ''Jôro'' consists of making an offering to the ancestors as a recognition of the benefits they have kindly granted or wish to grant in the near future.
''Rasariagna'' is a kind of ''joro'' by the Betsimisaraka to commemorate the good deeds of their ancestors. They do this to thank their ancestors and to signify them that they are not forgotten. The ''rasariagna'' always takes place on a Saturday.
''Tsikafara'' is a ''joro'' that the Betsimisaraka perform when faced with difficulty. Before an examination or any test, they will make an offering to the ancestors to ask for their support in solving the task without obstacles. It is a vow made in private or in public. But in every situation, if successful the vow must be fulfilled.
== Cultural highlights in the region ==
* '''Historical'''
** The story of Nosy Antafana is much attached to a certain ''Rangontsy'', a seer who lived in the village of Sahasoa in the mid-nineteenth century, originally coming from the Vohemar region in northeastern Madagascar. Nosy Rangontsy, the second island of Mananara Nord Biosphere Reserve, is named after him. It is also the place where his tomb is located.
** the origin of the village of Antanambe and the town of Mananara and its name
** the unification pact of the Betsimisaraka in Ambitsika by Ratsimilaho
** history of the origin of ''zanamalata'' (son of a mulatto)
** history of Ambatifitra and Amboavavy
** history of Antivarikandana with the Sambiarivo of Andavakandrehy
** history of Ambatonakolahy
* '''Custom'''
** respect towards the elders (''olombe'')
* '''[[Fady]] (forbidden, tabou)'''
** fady days: Tuesday and Thursday
** fady food: goat meat, beef without horns (''omby bory''), a certain pea (''voanjobory''), pig meat (for some people)
* '''Holy places'''
** Nosy Rangtonsy, tombs and ancient tombs (Sambiarivo)
* '''Legend'''
** about Rangontsy (originally the name of the second island of the marine park)
** of Soalahy (the origin of the name of the village Sahasoa, that is to say Sahanisoalahy)
** of Zafindrainibanda (the descendants of pirates)
** Amboavavy (Antsirabe Fontsiarivo)
** Antivarikandana (Sahave)
* '''Anecdotes'''
** the origin of the word ''zanamalata'', which designates the tribe considered as owners of the town of Mananara and its surroundings, comes from the French word ''mulâtre'' (mulatto)
** the origin of the word ''zafindrainibanda'', which designates the tribe considered bloodthirsty, comes from the French word ''bandit'' (bandit)
== Specialties of the region ==
* '''Crafts'''
** basketry, carpentry
* '''Cuisine'''
** coconut based cuisine (octopus with coconut, coconut fish, coconut cassava leaves, ''sahoaba'' - banana with coconut,...)
* '''Vegetables and fruits'''
** coconut, banana, breadfruit, lychees, jackfruit, ''anamalao'' (flowering herb), ''angivy'' (little eggplant)
** clove, largest producer in Madagascar
** vanilla, 1st producer in Toamasina province
** coffee
* '''Farming'''
** cattle
** poultry (chicken and waterfowl)
** beekeeping
** pigs (more and more popular)
* '''Market'''
** takes place during the ''fady'' days of Tuesday and Thursday, when it is not allowed to work on the fields, especially to grow rice. It is gaining momentum during the green vanilla season in the months of June to September.
The majority of the population consists of the [[Betsimisaraka]] ethnic group with a strong presence of [[Tsimihety]] and Métis Chinese (mixed-race), Betsileo and Merina. Most of the people live in the fertile valleys of Mananara, Sandrakatsy, Saharamy and Manambato.
== Accommodation in the park ==
'''Ecotourism lodge of Nosy Antafana'''<br>
Bed & breakfast
'''Community Lodge Antanambao-Mandrisy'''
== Mananara Nord National Park ==
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Mananara Nord National Park
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[[Nosy Antafana]]
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