The history of the Katsepy lighthouse

At the entrance to Majunga harbor, a metal tower braves the winds of the Indian Ocean. The Katsepy Be Lighthouse is not just a maritime landmark : he is the silent witness of a painful and human story.

A work of power and conquest

At the end of the 19th century, Madagascar is at the heart of French colonial ambitions. Governor since 1894, the general Joseph Gallieni wants to make the island a profitable and strategic territory. It’s about exporting the island’s wealth more efficiently.. We must also be able to quickly transport Malagasy soldiers to the mainland in the event of a European conflict..

In this context, Majunga becomes an essential port, whose maritime access must be secure. This is how the project of Katsepy lighthouse.

The construction is entrusted to Alphonse Brisse, Bridges and Roads engineer based in Madagascar. Respected by the population, considered a Vaza be, he makes a bold choice : a metal structure rather than local stone, too crumbly. En 1898, he entrusted the manufacture of the lighthouse to the workshops of Levallois-Perret, led by Gustave Eiffel, already famous for its Parisian tower.

Presented and inaugurated in Paris on 29 June 1900, the lighthouse is then transported to Madagascar aboard Reunion Island. During stopovers, the work arouses admiration. On board, the Brisse family shares these moments of enthusiasm. And while the children play, carefree. Everything then seems destined for success.

The tragedy at the foot of the Katsepy lighthouse

En 1901, the lighthouse arrives intact at Majunga after a rough crossing by the monsoon. The parts are transported to the heights of Katsepy, where construction progresses without difficulty. While waiting for the work to be completed, the Brisse family moves into the house of the future guardian. The lighthouse seems to be a perfectly mastered work.

But fate decides otherwise.

The tower staircase becomes a playground for children. One day, drama occurs : Mathilde, eight years old, fatal fall from the turret. The pain is immense. Progress and technical greatness suddenly collide with the irreparable.

Parents choose to bury their daughter at the foot of the lighthouse. The grave is still visible today, despite inscriptions erased by time. When the lighthouse is put into service in January 1902, no inauguration takes place. The light shines in silence and mourning.

Since, the Katsepy lighthouse guides sailors, but he also watches over the memory of a child and reminds us that certain lights are born in pain.

Today, This Lighthouse is one of the tourist attractions of the Boeny region. You can observe there with a panoramic view, la baie de bombetoka. At his foot, there are also sacred Baobabs with a small lemur park.

If it tempts you, Coco Lodge Tour Operator can organize this tailor-made tour according to your needs and programs.

Source : Some stories from Lighthouses with stories… by Jean-Yves Réguer

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To date, we are a true one-stop shop. One-Stop-Shop », we offer the possibility to all our clients to carry out their entire project by being their unique interface in one and the same place :

• One hôtel★★★ with 18 spacious rooms with all comfort and a villa of 5 comfortable rooms with swimming pool, pétanque court, ping-pong, billiards and housekeeping staff available.
• One gourmet restaurant offering Malagasy cuisine, French, Lebanese, of the pizza, its partner, spring rolls and seafood specialties,
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• An event and conference organizer with 5 meeting rooms can receive up to 100 people. In addition, we can host themed lunches/dinners, engagement, wedding, anniversary, …Even a bachelor/bachelorette party, or a marriage proposal, …
• A travel and tourism services company (License C),
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• One tour operator (B license), organizing excursions in the Boeny region and its surroundings (Anjohibe Cave, Ankarafantsika National Park, Katsepy, workout, sacred lake, Antsanitia, Tsingy de Namoroka, …)
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