Mahajanga is a city located in the northwest of Madagascar. It is situated on a lagoon which is open to the Mozambique Channel. The city has a population of about 190,000 people. The majority of the people in Mahajanga are of Malagasy descent, with a small minority of Comorian and Indian origin. The city is the capital of the Boeny Region.
The city was founded in the 18th century by Sakalava settlers. The name “Mahajanga” is derived from the Malagasy word “haja” which means “market”. The city was an important port during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was the terminus of the Northern Railway, which ran from Antananarivo to the coast. Mahajanga was also an important trading center, dealing in sugar, coffee, and cotton.
During the Second World War, Mahajanga was occupied by British and Commonwealth troops. It was an important base for the Allies, as it was located near Japanese-occupied Madagascar. After the war, Mahajanga continued to grow and develop.
Today, Mahajanga is an important city in Madagascar. It is a center for industry and commerce. The city is also a tourist destination, with several hotels and resorts. Mahajanga is home to several museums and artifacts from its colonial past. The city is also a gateway to the nearby beaches and islands.
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Mahajanga, Madagascar
1. Visit the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
The Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a World Heritage Site that is home to a unique rock formation called the Tsingy. The Tsingy is a maze of limestone needles that have been carved out over the years by wind and rain. The national park is also home to a variety of rare and endangered animals, including the lemur.
2. Visit the Ankarana National Park
The Ankarana National Park is home to a large number of caves, some of which are open to the public. The national park is also home to a variety of rare and endangered animals, including the lemur.
3. Visit the Island of Nosy Be
Nosy Be is a small island off the coast of Mahajanga that is home to a variety of different animals, including the lemur. There are a number of different tour companies that offer day trips to the island.
4. Visit the Mahajanga Zoo
The Mahajanga Zoo is home to a variety of different animals, including the lemur. The zoo also offers a variety of different educational programs.
5. Visit the Mahajanga Botanical Gardens
The Mahajanga Botanical Gardens are home to a variety of different plants, including the baobab tree. The gardens also offer a variety of different educational programs.
6. Visit the Museum of Mahajanga
The Museum of Mahajanga is home to a variety of different exhibits, including a replica of a traditional Malagasy village. The museum also offers a variety of different educational programs.
7. Visit the Mahajanga Beach
The Mahajanga Beach is a popular tourist destination that offers a variety of different activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and windsurfing.
8. Visit the Mahajanga Market
The Mahajanga Market is a popular tourist destination that offers a variety of different items, including traditional Malagasy arts and crafts.
9. Visit the Mahajanga Rum Distillery
The Mahajanga Rum Distillery is a popular tourist destination that offers a tour of the rum-making process. The distillery also offers a variety of different rum tastings.
10. Visit the Mahajanga Waterfalls
The Mahajanga Waterfalls are a popular tourist destination that offers a variety of different activities, including swimming, hiking, and picnicking.