Mananjary

Introducing Mananjary

Mananjary (manan-dzar) is an agreeable, relaxed backwater sliced into two parts by the Canal des Pangalanes. It is also a local centre for production of vanilla, coffee and pepper.

Every seven years, the small Antambohoaka tribe holds mass circumcision ceremonies in Mananjary, known as sambatra (the actual operations are now performed in the hospital). Similar ceremonies are also held in surrounding villages.

North of Mananjary at Ambohitsara is the locally revered White Elephant sculpture. This relic is attributed to the Zeïdistes, descendants of the prophet Mohammed who first landed at Iharana on Madagascar’s northeast coast and then moved south. Despite the name, it bears little resemblance to an elephant.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009