LOCATION | SIGHTSEEING:
Mahajanga is located in the region of Atsimo-Andrefana and is also the regional capital of this region. Atsimo-Andrefana capital Toliara (Toliara) is approximately 891 km away from Mahajanga. The distance from Mahajanga to Madagascar's capital Antananarivo (Antananarivo) is approximately 377 km.
Apart from different ethnic groups from all over Madagascar, descendants of Comorian, Indo-Pakistanese and Chinese migrants live in harmony with native Sakalava Boeny in Mahajanga, plus Europeans. This cosmopolitan atmosphere makes Mahajanga the ideal place for first time travellers and adventurers to acclimatize to different culture.
Ranked among Madagascar’s top tourist destinations, protected areas like Ankarafantsika, Baie de Baly or Tsingy de Namoroka National Parks are home to fauna and flora endemic to Boeny Region whose administrative center is Mahajanga. Breathtaking Waterfalls, impressive caves, rivers and mangroves wait to be discovered and enjoyed with villages along white sand beaches and the city of Mahajanga. Put together, it is all of these aspects and more that make Mahajanga a wonderful place to volunteer.
Sights & Surroundings:
North of Mahajanga lays almost unbroken and sand cover beaches. As long as one goes far from Bombetoka Bay, Mahajanga’s Eastern boundary, and its red-water delta, white sand beaches are waiting those who are looking for sun, sans and sea.
Here is our list of beaches to try during you Mahajanga weekend gateways. Although some of them may seem out of their way, you’ll be glad for the peace and quiet when you get there:
- Petite plage Beach
- Maroala Beach
- Grand Pavois Beach
Nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers certainly find a lot of enjoyment around Mahajanga. Diurnal and nocturnal endemic lemur species, unique bird species, reptiles found nowhere else or indigenous baobabs can be spotted in breathtaking landscapes during your Mahajanga weekend gateways. Here is list of protected areas and wildlife you'll be able to enjoy:
- Mariarano Community Forest and around Anjohibe Caves and its waterfall, a forest
- Antrema New Protected Area
- Mahavavy-Kinkony Wetland Complex
- Baie de Baly National Park
- Tsingy de Namoroka National Park
- Ankarafantsika National Park
Last but not the least, don’t miss a 3 month humpback whale watching period off the coast of Antsanitia, 15 km from Mahajanga Airport, from July to September. Other whale species have also been encountered off Antsanitia, like the Blue Whale.