Mahajangā sits on the estuary of the Betsiboka River, the country's largest river, on the northwestern side of the island. It was founded in the 18th century and it has grown to become Madagascar's second largest port. There is busy traffic between the island and many places on the other side of the Baie de Bombetoka in Eastern Africa. Connections with the rest of Madagascar are very poor and because of its isolated position and the very hot and dry climate many travellers completely skip it.

Mahajangā has wide streets lined with beautiful architecture, shady arcades and many flowers. It is said that Mahajangā is an old Swahili word meaning 'Town of Flowers'.

You will find many churches and mosques in town. Mahajangā has the highest percentage of Muslims in Madagascar. There are several shark free beaches near the city and they are colored red as a result of the red soil from inland being washed out to sea.

Not far from the coast is a huge Baobab Tree, which is said to be the largest baobab tree in Madagascar. It is thought to be around 800 years old and it has a cirumference of 21 m (69 ft). It is the symbol of Mahajangā. If you visit the tree you must walk around it 7 times to honour the Malagasy ancestors.

Mahajangā has air connections with the capital, as well as the island of Nosy Bé and the city of Antsiranana. Taxi-brousses also serve the city, but it takes very long to get there, especially in the rainy season. It is a very interesting journey though, as you come through the Mahajangā Valley, where many fossils can be found.

There is a good variety of accommodation in town and you will also find numerous restaurants. Mahajangā is 380 km north of Antananarivo.

Mahajangā ©Rado Rafidinjatovo

Cathedral ©Rado Rafidinjatovo

The big baobab ©Sherwood

Mahajangā ©bDom Artiste