Mahajanga - Documents

• ALERT August 21st, 2024: Due to concerns over a multi-country outbreak of Cholera in the Indian Ocean, Madagscar is refusing entry to foreign yachts coming from a number of Indian Ocean countries. See the Clearance section for the latest details.

Description:

Mahajanga (also known as Majunga) lies on the north-west coast of Madagascar and is its second largest port and the closest clearance port to the Cap Saint Andre where cruising boats typically jump to cross the Mozambique channel.

It provides a safe harbour for domestic and foreign fishing fleets. Local trading schooners and dhows are thick on the water at sunrise and sunset as they carry cargo to coastal towns and cities.

Security: 

Because of the large amount of boat traffic in the harbour, the potential for theft exists. A number of armed robberies occurred here in the past, and sadly in October 2016 an Italian yacht was boarded at night by armed men and robbed. See report here.

With careful security planning, however, this harbour can be visited if the boat is anchored away from the port.

Mahajanga is an option if wishing to explore inland (Marovoay, the Reserve Forestiere d'Ampijoroa, the Parc National d'Ankarafantsika, or the capital, Antananarivo) and guardinage can be arranged.

Position:

15° 43.61′S, 46° 18.43′E (small craft harbour)