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Hilary Bradt
Publisher, travel writer, lecturer and sculptor
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Hilary Bradt 
Minor correction for the next edition: CALA stands for “Complexe Agronomique du Lac Alaotra” rather than “Centre Agronomique du Lac Alaotra” as stated on page 191 of the 13th edition.
Marie Guesthouse & Restaurant in Andasibe is expanding. When I was there in October, construction was well under way on the second storey of a new building next door, which I understood is going to be more rooms.
None of the diademed sifakas in Analamazaotra Forest (Andasibe National Park) is radio-collared anymore. There are ten in the group now. This large group is in the process of splitting into two (with four and six individuals), but for now they largely share a territory.
Oty Motel is located just west of Moramanga, close to PK 105 on Route Nationale 2.
The graphite mine north of Andasibe ceased its operations about six years ago. It had been running for decades (under the same ownership as the nearby Vakona Hotel, which remains operational). Graphite was first exploited at Andasibe in the 1940s.
Andasibe Hotel remains closed since the pandemic, although it is said that they are hoping to reopen eventually.
Six new passenger railway carriages painted in red-and-white Madarail livery have just arrived at the port of Toamasina. They will soon be put into service on the Moramanga–Ambatondrazaka/Moramanga–Toamasina line.
The long-awaited renovation of a 40km stretch of the RN44 road running north from Moramanga to Lac Alaotra is now completed, reducing the travel time between Marovoay and Vohidiala from eight hours to three. The second phase of the construction project, a further 73km stretch, is already under way, with completion scheduled for July 2023.
Starting from 17 December 2021, Cotisse Transport will start operating a new taxi-brousse route between Antananarivo and Ambatondrazaka. The journey takes 11hrs (07.00–18.00) and costs 30,000Ar each way. Online booking: https://cotisse-transport.com
Newly opened in Andasibe, Manjarano Lodge & Spa brings the standing of accommodation available in the area up yet another notch. Located next to Vakona Lodge, it takes its name from the graphite mine nearby that has been operating for decades. Set amongst trees and alongside a lake, the hotel boasts a swanky main building with dining area and swimming pool. There are 12 luxurious bungalows of 50m², each with a lounge, sat-TV, safe, minibar, AC, Wi-Fi, terrace & king-size bed; private bathrooms with bath & shower, his-n-hers basins & hairdryer. These are priced at 920,000Ar per night for duble occupancy or 600,000Ar single. Contact mob 032 11 038 39, 034 72 222 61; email resa@manjarano.com; Facebook Manjarano-Lodge-Spa.
For Sahatandra River Hotel in Andasibe, the phone number 034 14 019 29 is no longer operational.
The correct contact details are now: mob 034 38 019 29, 033 80 019 29, 033 81 019 29; email sahatandra.river.hotel@gmail.com