Travelling Mahajanga
Before You Travel
· * Vato Mirehitra
At the kilometre 45 on the road from Ambondromamy to Mampikony a mysterious phenomenon occurs every night in the same place for decades. A brighten light it is said to shine on the far horizon Local people call it the "vato mirehitra" and of course none knows the origin of explanation for this unusual light (which is not a myth, since it has been seen by reliable witnesses), since the region is fady and nobody dares to defy the legend and venture into this terra incognita. If you are adventurous enough take your compass. You can overnight at one of the many basic road motels.
· * Port Bergé
The new town was built on a hill after floods destroyed the ancient towen built near the Bemarivo River. There are several hotels very suitable for those heading to the North.
For those interested in discovering this beautiful region walking maybe the best way of doing it. The surroundings of Port Bergé are extremely pleasant, with many lakes and rivers as well as giant mango and palm trees. It is useful to be accompanied by a guide.
· * Analalava
Analalava, 150 km from Mahajanga, is a charming coastal town over the Mozambique Channel, north of the Narindra Bay, at the mouth of the river Loza. It has a huge beach, which virtually disappears when there is high tide. In the evening villagers use to meet at the old pier to welcome new comers disembarking from tied up vessels.
~~ What to see
Actually, there is nothing much to do here, rather than lazing on the beach, renting a pirogue to explore this off the beaten track region or joining the old men of the village at the pier. However there are still some interesting sights in surrounding area, which are well worth a visit.
The old governor residence
It is an old wooden building of the early 19th century in the hills above the city, which is unfortunately no longer maintained.
· Le ballon de Loza
This small hill of 200 m offers a nice panoramic views over the bay and it is an ideal setting to enjoy a lovely sunset. The lighthouse can be visited too.
· The palace of the Soazara princess
It is located in the South of the town and with its modest and unattractive architecture made of local materials does not match exactly our image of a palace, but it is certainly not the palace the reason why the place is so important. It is (guess!) about the princess, who plays an important role in the local traditions and has an undeniable authority in the region, which has been obviously reinforced by the isolation of the village. Princess Soazara is a "Mpanjaka", which means that she descents directly from the ancient Sakalava kings and that deserves especial worships and big celebrations that are held every year in her honour and the ancestors’ honour.
What to see in the surrounding area
The northwest coast of Madagascar halfway between Mahajanga and Nosy Be is still almost unknown to tourists and this despite its obvious natural wonders: Small creeks of astonishing beauty, Tsingy of all sizes, spectacular rock formations, hospitable villages and –its greatest attraction- fabulous, empty beaches of golden sand.
· Inlets Nosy Faho and Nosy Longo
These two small uninhabited inlets are located just a few miles from Analalava. You can hire a piroguier to get there (it takes one hour to cross).
· La cuvette de Doany (40 km)
This place near the Loza River is a sacred place of the Sakalava, where Sakalava soldiers preferred to die drowned rather than become prisoners of the Merina. It is “fady” to bring ginger or speak “Merina” dialect.
· Nosy Lava (8 sea miles)
The island of Nosy Lava is hosted the local prison, so previous authorization is required to visit the island. There is an old lighthouse with fabulous views on Nosy Saba to the north, Analalava to the east and the tip of Maromony to the South. There are some tombs Sakalava kings too (get the help of a guide to get there).
· Nosy Saba (19 sea miles, 50 km south of Nosy Be)
Nosy Saba is a tiny island belonging to Radama Archipielago surrounded by a coral reef which is a paradise for divers. Plan half a day for the trip on a sailing boat or two hours on board of a motor boat. This discovery tour offers you a superb coastline with scattered fishing villages and coconut trees. Nosy Saba offers a large variety of landscapes: white sandy beaches with coconout palms and casuarinas trees, limestone cliffs, many small coves and protected primary forest which hosts lemurs, butterflies, chameleons, frogs and 40 species of birds.
Mahajanga Tours
