National Route 5a is only national in name. This is how we can qualify the section of road that connects Ambilobe, in the North-West of the Big Island, to Vohémar, in the North-East. It is a 160 km track, nicknamed "the track from hell". During the months of January and February, in the rainy season, it is difficult to pass. The track then becomes a real obstacle course which is normally done in two or three days, but which often can take more than 15 days. Ruts. Mud pools. At times, the track is too narrow to allow two trucks to pass. This is one of the reasons that prevents buses from using this route.
