Morondova, doorway to the region of Menabe

The capital of Menabe - the "Big Red"

With 40,000 inhabitants, the capital of the region of Menabe is a peaceful town on the banks of the Mozambique channel.. The town, which is divided in two by a long central avenue, faces the sea. Morondava's main activity is fishing, and most of the population are Vezo and Sakalava fishermen, although quite a few families live off tourism.

You can get to Morondava from Antananarivo by bush-taxi (it takes about 18 hours) and it's the departure or arrival point for most of the excursions and sites in the region. Bush taxis usually leave the capital in the afternoon and arrive in Morondova the following morning. For the return journey they leave Morondova at the end of the morning, or the beginning of the afternoon, and so arrive in Antananarivo the following morning.

A big village

The town has grown around a central route which connects the beach to the hinterland where you find the old town and its market. It's more of a big village than a town. In the distance you can see the bright green rice paddies, divided up by enormous palm trees.

The bush taxis will put you down in the "new" town, which isn't as new as all that! From the car park you can get to the main street and the beach is at the end of the street, on your right. There are a few hotels in the centre but most things are beside the sea. There are local restaurants and shops along the avenue and the adjacent streets. If you have turned off at the Courthouse then the road goes down to the police station, next to which is the prison and opposite that the cemetery...Not exactly the nicest part of town, so you should think about turning round!

On the other hand, I suggest you go for a walk around the market - it has a great atmosphere!

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Allan Watson

Nosy Kely, or the "little island"

The Nosy Kely peninsula begins on the beach at the end of the town, and it's there you will find most of the town's tourist establishments. On both sides of the road there are hotels, bars and restaurants, some of which are designed for wellness holidays. You can swim off the beach just behind, but be careful of the currents, which can be quite strong. Morondova is also famous for the coastal erosion it suffers from, which is gradually eroding the banks. If you continue to the end of the road you will be opposite Betania, which you can get to by crossing the river in a pirogue, which is not expensive. I recommend visiting the fishing village and the beach where the pirogues sit before they go out to sea, it is wonderful at sunset.