Majunga, the most beautiful city in Madagascar

Madagascar has many destinations worth visiting, and Majunga is one of the most beautiful, if not the most sublime, of them all. Its cosmopolitan population, beautiful…

Madagascar has many destinations worth visiting, and Majunga is one of the most beautiful, if not the most sublime, of them all. With its cosmopolitan population, beautiful beaches, exceptional fauna and flora, and heavenly landscapes, Mahajanga is the destination to think about for a total change of scenery.

Majunga, a cosmopolitan city

A port city located on the north-west coast of the Big Island, on the shores of the Indian Ocean, Majunga has always been one of the Malagasy’s favourite holiday destinations. It is the capital of the eponymous province and the administrative centre of the Boeny region. Because of its beauty and the wonders it contains, the City of Flowers has also become a key destination for tourists travelling to Madagascar. The remains of Arab trading posts, colonial architecture and the Indian mosque bear witness to the city’s history and show just how cosmopolitan it is. Malagasy, Comorians, Indians, Chinese, French and other foreigners live together in Majunga.

You’ll need at least a full day to visit the whole town. Some places are not to be missed, such as:

• The Mahabibo district, where you’ll find the cathedral of the Mahajanga diocese and the Indo-Pakistani mosque;
• The Corniche, to admire the enormous baobab tree, 14 metres in diameter and eight hundred years old;
• Le port aux boutres, to see these rudimentary boats so essential for small villages not accessible by road;
• Le Square Poincaré, to admire the sunset by the sea while enjoying kebabs.

Beautiful natural sites to discover

Lovers of idleness will be delighted to learn that Majunga has magnificent white sandy beaches. Grand Pavois, Tourist Village, Amborovy, Ampazony, Ampasindava, the choice is wide. Antsanitia certainly has the most beautiful beaches, with its warm, clear waters. But the province of Mahajanga also has a number of natural attractions.

The Cirque Rouge, 12 km from Majunga, will dazzle your eyes with its shapes carved by the waters and winds, and its various shades of sanguine, ochre and pastel. Lake Mangatsa, a sacred Sakalava lake, is 18 km from the town centre.

Located 80km from Majunga, the caves of Anjohibe, which is Madagascar’s most important speleological site, offer the chance to observe exceptional limestone concretions. The site also features a natural swimming pool with Lake Andranojoby, waterfalls and a small forest where lemurs can be spotted.

Nature lovers can admire some of the island’s flora and fauna, including some of Mada’s endemic species, by visiting the Ankarafantsika National Park. In particular, you can see lemurs, different types of birds, crocodiles, turtles and chameleons. Thanks to its beauty, Majunga is one of the pearls boosting tourism in Madagascar.