 Mahajanga : Profile
Mahajunga is a major commercial port servicing container ships
and bulk carriers, and providing a safe harbor 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.
Because of the large amount
of boat traffic in the harbor, the potential for theft exists. In 2007 at least three yachts were boarded and theft or attempted theft was carried out,
the most worrying incident can be read in detail at:
Piracy incident Majunga Madagascar SE Indian Ocean
A self-styled "agent" named Dave can provide services for
yachts including assistance with government officials, money
changing, procuring diesel fuel, local knowledge, and
arranging inland tours. He can also arrange a guard for a
yacht when the crew is travelling inland overnight.
Mahajunga is a good place to leave the boat for
exploring interior places like Marovoay, the Reserve
Forestiere d'Ampijoroa, the Parc National d'Ankarafantsika, or
the capital, Antananarivo. The reserve at Ampijoroa has
overnight accomodations and a small restaurant. Dave can
arrange reservations and a car and driver.
Mahajunga is also a reasonable place to do exit clearance if
bound for South Africa, but not planning to sail as far south
along the coast as Tulear. Note however that some boats were
being charged 100,000FMg (about US$25) for outward clearance.
Shallow draft vessels might consider the small craft harbor.
It is VERY busy with local fishing and trading boats. The
better alternative is to anchor off the eastern end of the
commercial wharf. Do not anchor near Point de Sable as shown
in "East Africa Pilot"; you will be told to move.
|
Related ReportsPiracy incident Majunga Madagascar SE Indian Ocean (06 Dec 2007) Note On Mayotte Security (04 Oct 2007) Madagascar Cruising Report (10 Jan 2006) Madagascar Cruising Update 2003 (13 Nov 2003) Website for Cape of Good Hope cruising route (31 Dec 2001) Juan de Nova Update (26 Oct 2001) Thieves on Nosy Komba, Madagascar (02 Oct 2001) Route planning from the east to Madagascar (19 Sep 2001) Update on Aldabra Atoll (17 Aug 2001) Madagascar opening up to yachts (16 Aug 2001) Clearing into Madagascar - Latest News (02 Aug 2001) Related NewsUpdated advice for boats sailing through piracy areas (08 Apr 2002) New port of entry and other news from Madagascar (04 Sep 2001)
|