Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DIEGO SUAREZ & AROUND
Madagascar's northernmost region is an alluring place: it's remote, host to weird and won-
derful geological sights, and has two oceans - the Mozambique Channel and the Indian
Ocean - and a disarming contrast of very wet and very dry.
Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) is the main gateway town, although by no means the only
place in which to base yourself to explore the region. There is plenty of excellent hiking to
do in the two national parks of Montagne d'Ambre and Ankarana, and a growing niche of
more adventurous sports to try, such as rock climbing, quad biking and kitesurfing.
Some travellers decide to base themselves in Diego or Joffreville (Ambohitra) and do day
trips from there; others will prefer to do a couple of days in Diego and then work their way
down (or up) the RN6, sleeping in Joffreville for Montagne d'Ambre and in Parc National
de l'Ankarana to minimise travelling time.
History
ThehistoryoftheareaaroundDiegoSuarezisintimatelylinkedtoitsbay:thesecondlargest
in the world (after Rio de Janeiro in Brazil), its strategic location on the Indian Ocean trade
routes and the natural shelter it provides have been prized by generations of pirates, slave
traders, merchants and navies.
The earliest evidence of human settlement in Madagascar was found here. The bay was
frequently visited by East African and Arab traders, but it wasn't until the 16th century that
Portuguese explorers landed here. In 1885, France, which had gradually increased its pres-
ence on the big island, signed a treaty with Madagascar granting France the right to occupy
the territories of Diego Suarez and Nosy Be, a precedent which eventually led to colonial
occupation.
In 1942, during WWII, British forces seized Diego Suarez from the French, fearing that
Vichy-supporting troops (who had capitulated to Hitler) might support the Japanese navy,
allied to Germany. The area was handed back to the French at the end of the war in 1946.
Madagascar finally obtained independence from France in 1960, but the French foreign le-
gion retained a base in Diego until 1975.
Dangers & Annoyances
There have been a number of muggings in isolated areas popular with travellers such as
Montagne des Français and the Trois Baies. To minimise chances of things going wrong,
never go alone. Even if you're part of a couple or small group, take a guide, tell your hotel
where you're going and don't take valuables with you.
Diego Suarez (Antsiranana)
POP 75,000
