The Antrema Protected Area, the wealth of the "Sakalava"
The Boeny/Mahajanga region, with its many tourist attractions offers many excursions.
among, there's theAntrema Protected Area the wealth of the "Sakalava", located 12km southwest of the city of Majunga, which consists of islets of mangroves and a marine park. Access to this site is by sea, Featured (45MN) or, after crossing the Betsiboka River (Bay beaches), by road via Katsepy.
To provide more comfort and safety for passengers, Protected Area -AP- Antrema has just acquired new boats. A big star for 10 people (with the commander and his helper) equipped with a 40CV engine, a small star who can board up to 5 people (commander included) equipped with a 10CV engine. The area has also been equipped with 4 fiberglass canoes 2 for two people and 2 for three people to allow walks in the surrounding mangrove channels that are now offered. Daily rental on demand.
Booking recommended at least 48 hours in advance at the Boeny Regional Tourist Office (Majunga). On-site, you have to plan the fees to Prince Tsimanendry, curator and guardian of Sakalava culture.
Coco Lodge Majunga, tour operator throughout the Boeny/Mahajanga region is at your disposal for this very beautiful excursion that we advise on 02 days. Coco Lodge Majunga, it is also a Hotel★★★, Gourmet restaurant, Rental of 4 × 4 with driver guide and event organizer (conferences, seminars, workshops, lunches/dinners with themes, wedding, anniversary, boy-girl stag, …). For your holidays or business trips, the whole team of the Hotel ★★★ Coco Lodge is delighted to meet your expectations and satisfy your needs for an unforgettable stay in the city of Majunga. Coco Lodge TO organises tours of Majunga and its surroundings and many more such as the Anjohibe Caves, Ankarafantsika National Park, Sacred Lake, Red Circus, the beaches, the Antrema reserve, the lighthouse of Katsepy, Papamena, The Poseidon, Mahavavy Kinkony Complex, Namoroka tsingys, …
Natural and cultural discoveries at the rendezvous
One of the park's three tours, accessible only by sea, allows you to discover a variety of swampy formations along a stream dominated by raphières (elephant ears...). The park has several tourist attractions : natural habitat of birds and lemurs endemic to Madagascar, it also offers many remnants of 17th century Arab trading posts…
The Antrema Multi-Use Forest Station, created in 2000 at the request of the Sakalava community, belongs to the Sakalava Marambitsy ethnic group, Tsimihety migrants, Betsimisaraka, Betsileo, and Merina.
The aim of the creation of NAP Antrema is to preserve natural resources and cultural wealth ensuring sustainable development. Co-management was led by the National Museum of Natural History of Paris with the grassroots local community, led by Prince Tsimanendry, who shares to visitors the authenticity of Sakalava's manners. This initiative was taken to the extent that their culture considers the "crowned Sifaka" (Crowned Libraries) like the representatives of their ancestors.
A living fishing community, livestock and basket-making
80% of the local population lives from fishing, their main activity and main source of income. It is mainly a traditional canoe fishery, practiced throughout the year, men-only. During the dry season, children and women participate in the "Tsivakihy" or small shrimp fishery (chevaquines).
Basketmaking is also a very important women's activity in Antrema, generating additional income to support the family's daily needs. The leaves of Satrana orBismarckia nobilis and the fibers ofRaphia Fariniferaare the most widely used. Almost all of Antrema's indigenous inhabitants (Sakalava Marambitsy) practice extensive breeding of zebus, breeding method they inherited from the Sakalava ethnic group in southwestern Madagascar.
