Mahajanga

Mahajanga or Majunga is the main tourist destination in Madagascar. Located on the sunnier west coast, on the Mozambique Channel, it is less affected by rains than its counterparts on the Indian Ocean coast.
More than fifty hotels cater to every budget, from families and groups travelling by bus the island's capital Antananarivo (560 km by a well-paved road) to well-heeled tourists flying in from abroad, notably Mayotte.
The city is famous throughout Madagascar for its easy-going and friendly atmosphere.
Mahajanga is the gateway to a number of nature parks, including nearby Reniala reserve and distant Ankarafantsika, Bay of Baly, and to the natural wonders of Cirque Rouge, Anjohibe caves, and Katsepy peninsula.

Mahajanga's is located a little bit north of the town. It has regular flights to Antananarivo, less often to other cities of the country and to the neighbouring islands (Comoros, Mayotte).
Mahajanga is situated at the northern end of the national road N4 which connects it with the nation's capital. For most of the distance, N4 is in a good condition, but it is narrow and partly winds itself over very mountaineous territory. North of Maevatanana, the damaged sections are more frequent. Expect to travel around 11 hours. There are two scheduled bus lines that connect Mahajanga and Antananarivo:

• Cotisse transport

  phone: +261 32 12 027 02 (mobile)
  address: Ave Barday
  Offers six daily scheduled minibus services to and from Antananarivo (Gare Routière du Nord), buy tickets with seat reservation in advance. The buses depart on time even if not full. You are required to be at the station 45 minutes before departure. The station in Mahajanga has a buffet service and a toilet.

• TransPostOffers scheduled minibus services to and from Antananarivo three times a week. Inquire at the post offices (see "Connect" section) in these two cities for departure times.

For all other destinations, the taxi-brousse congregate on . You must start very early in the morning if you want to make it to Nosy Be (Ambanja).

Mahajanga's city center is small enough to be discovered by walking. There are plenty of bajaj (tuk-tuks) available; expect to pay 3,000 Ar for a ride in town.

• There are several banks, including MBC & BFV-SG & BNI . all of which have Mastercard and Visa card ATMs.
• The area south and east of the town hall is a large market.

• Score supermarket

  address: Rue Du col barre
  Large supermarket.

• Leader Price supermarket

  address: Ave Barday
  Large supermarket.

• Shoprite supermarket

  address: Ave Bamborovy
  Large South African-owned supermarket.

• Supermaki Tsaramandroso

  address: Ave D Amborovy

• Buvette Macha'llah

  address: Avenue des Comores
  Large portions of Madagasy Muslim food.

• Fishing résidence

  phone: +261 32 05 160 93 (mobile), +261 32 04 682 20 (mobile),+261 20 62 220 81
  address: Boulevard Marcoz
  This is the restaurant of a resort with very good kitchen. The setting is under a large thatched roof next to the pool, but it has no sea view.

• La Petite Cour

  phone: +261 32 65 544 50 (mobile), +261 20 62 222 34
  address: Boulevard Marcoz
  French-managed restaurant in a nicely renovated colonial building. Sophisticated kitchen, good service. Open for lunch and dinner.

• Hôtel Anjary

  phone: +261 20 62 237 98
  address: Rue Georges V/Rue de la mosquée
  This hotel is near the city center and decorates itself with three stars, which is not justified; the quality of service is by far inferior to Antananarivo's Hôtel Anjary (same owner).

• Hôtel Coco Lodge

  phone: +261 20 62 230 23,+261 34 07 011 11 (mobile)
  address: Avenue de France
  Near Mahajanga's city center. Promises "European" comfort and receives very good feedback from travellers. Good restaurant.

• Hôtel du Phare

  phone: +261 20 6292 651,+261 20 6223 500,+261 32 0338 314 (mobile)
  address: Boulevard Marcoz, La Corniche
  On a hill with sea view. Old and old-fashioned building that was undergoing renovation in October 2017, small pool available. Friendly, helpful staff and French management. Breakfast is served, for lunch and dinner you are better off eating out. There is a small entrance on Boulevard Marcoz, for the main entrance, go up Rue Marius Barriquand that forks off Blv Marcoz 500 metres north of the big baobab tree.

• Sambo Milay Bed & breakfast

  address: Petite plage amborovy
  Air-con double room with own bathroom. Has a swimming pool and free Wi-Fi.

• Chez Chabaud

  phone: +261 20-62-23327
  address: center Ville Pres Mosquee
  double room with own bathroom

• Chez Tranquille

  address: La Corniche Lot 0101
  Double room with own bathroom. Has a swimming pool and free Wi-Fi.

• Patel Hotel

  phone: +261 20-6223357
  address: Ave de I'eglise
  double room with own bathroom

• Central Hotel

  phone: +261 32-6942293
  address: Rue Henri Paul
  double room with own bathroom

• Hotel Bella Maris

  phone: +261 34-1009752
  address: Rue Henri Garnier
  Double room with own bathroom.

• Hotel 5/5

  phone: +261 20-6222372
  address: Rue Julepinte
  Double room with own bathroom.