Recharge your batteries on the Barren Islands

 
The Barren Islands of Maintirano are an idyllic relaxing place next to the Mozambique Channel, less than 500km from the East African coast. These islands form an archipelago of nine major islets, stretching 15km to 65 km southwest of the city of Maintirano and the coast of Antsalova. The archipelago is a shelter for nomadic Vezo fishermen and is today listed as a Ramsar site in Madagascar, which means that the site is classified as a wetland with an abundance of flora and fauna. More than 30 corals and as many as 150 species of fish live in this exceptional ecosystem. There are also five species of birds, five species of turtles and eight species of endangered sharks and coelacanth. The Barren Islands constitute an extraordinary and heterogeneous environment. The archipelago contains a complex of extensive reefs, vast areas of seagrass beds, mangrove forests, estuarine marshes, coastal dunes and dense moist, seeded forests. Its remoteness helped to preserve the site. Inhabitants live there in a traditional way and nurture the authenticity of the archipelago.
 
 
In the 2000s it was prohibited to live there. Only fishermen could take their rest on the islands. But for some time, vezo migrants (from the south of Toliara) have chosen to stay for 10 months of the year.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine October 2018

Useful Information

When to go

The climate on the Barren Islands is hot and humid. Therefore, it is preferable to go there between April and November, ie. during the dry season. At this time, the temperature varies between 24°C and 30°C.

How to get there

Maintirano is located 600km west of Antananarivo. You can reach this city from the capital by taking the RN1 towards Tsiroanomandidy. The trip from Maintirano to the village of Sahoany is made by 4WD. To reach the Barren Islands, you may choose between crossing by motorboat or by a more traditional "jahazi" with a triangular sail. It is possible to reach the archipelago by water from the Menabe Region, at Belo/Tsiribihina.

Where to stay

Overnight stays in bivouac, under a double roof tent are a must on the Barren Islands. However, there are full boarding houses or hotels in the village of Maintirano, so you can enjoy maximum comfort during your stay. The hotel "Rovasoa" and the hotel "La Croix du Sud" are the most recommended.

Where to eat

Seafood is served in abundance on the Barren Islands in different taverns. Enjoy coconut dishes, the typical Maintirano gastronomy. You can also eat at the restaurant of your hotel.

What to see

You will have the opportunity to observe the fishermen and divers in the area. The shores of the Bamamba Lake, in the North of Morondava will let you observe different species of birds in their natural environment. Surprise yourself with the amazing Antsingy massif too.