Northwest

Mahajanga & the Northwest

The birdwatching haven of Ankarafantsika, Mahajanga's vibrant coastal culture, and rare wildlife in Sahamalaza, Baie de Baly and Bemanevika — from coral reefs to crater lakes.

Ankarafantsika — Bird & Lemur Sanctuary

The 'Kingdom of Birds' spans over 130,000 hectares of lakes, canyon and dry forest, sheltering 129 bird species and eight lemurs such as Coquerel's sifaka. Its Ampijoroa station is the world's most important breeding site for the endangered ploughshare and flat-tailed tortoises.

Mahajanga — The City of Flowers

A vibrant port city founded by Arab traders, Mahajanga blends Arab, Swahili, Comorian and Indian influences and is famed as Madagascar's culinary capital. Palm-lined boulevards, colonial façades, a 1,000-year-old baobab and the lively seaside 'Bord' define its tropical charm.

Sahamalaza — Marine & Forest Treasure

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve spanning 260 km² (half marine), Sahamalaza combines coral reefs, mangroves and dry forests where 40% of species are endemic. It shelters the blue-eyed black lemur and, offshore, 170 fish species, sea turtles and dolphins.

Baie de Baly — Coastal Gem

This 58 km² park of forests, mangroves, beaches and reefs is the last refuge of the critically endangered ploughshare tortoise. White-sand beaches, nesting turtle sites and baobab thickets host eight lemurs, 120 birds, dolphins and dugongs in a pristine coastal setting.

Bemanevika — Lakes & Rare Birds

An untouched sanctuary of crater lakes, marshes and highland forests, Bemanevika is world-famous as the only home of the Madagascar pochard, once thought extinct until rediscovered here. The Madagascar red owl and serpent eagle add to a paradise for ornithologists.