Excursion Diego suarez orientation tour at Antsiranana

Close to the northern tip of Madagascar, the French colonial port town of Antsiranana, formerly known as Diego Suarez, named after a Portuguese navigator who visited the bay in 1500. Antsiranana is home to the second largest natural bay in the world and offers fantastic views of the Indian Ocean.

In 1880, the port served as a base for the first French attempt to colonize the island by force and was ceded to them, along with Nosy Be and Nosy Boraha, long before the whole island fell in 1896. During the Second World War the British again used Diego Suarez as a base from which to take the island, this time to protect it from falling into Japanese hands. The latter responded by sending submarines into the harbor, sinking two ships. The French continued to use the port as a military base long after independence and only left around 1975.

Antsiranana has a diverse mix of architecture and cultural influences that include Creole, Indian, Colonia and Arab. On this tour through the town, you will see much evidence of the colonial and military history, including grand buildings, which are now in a state of decay. Pass by the French Military Camp. France continued to operate a military base in the city following the Malagasy independence in 1960. Between 1973 and 1975, French forces were with withdrawn. In 1885 the French Navy built a military base given the strategic importance of the deep water harbor.

Continue on past the Town Hall and local Market.

Madagascar Star Brewery

The tour continues to the Madagascar Star Brewery, that produces the well-known Three Horses Beer, a pale lager. Three Horses Beer (THB) is a pale lager that has been brewed by Star Breweries since 1958. It is the highest selling beer in Madagascar and has been described as emblematic of the country. Since 2005 it has been exported to France, Reunion Island, Comoros and Mayotte. Drive on to the nearby beach and village of Ramena, formerly the French Naval base, where ruins can still be seen today. Ramena has an attractive white sandy beach and azure blue sea.

War Cemetery (French and British)

Continue on to The War Cemetery for a brief stop, which lies a few kilometers South East of the town. It has 314 Commonwealth war graves. The CWGC also cares for one Belgian War Grave. This cemetery was created after the Battle of Madagascar. This battle took place between troops of the Commonwealth (U.K., South Africa and Australia) and Axis (Vichy France and Japan). The battle was from May 1942 until the surrender of Armand Leon Annet, November of 1942.

Before returning to town for a little shopping on the main avenue (Rue Colbert) which is framed by large, colorful colonial brick building with verandahs. Then head out to a superb viewpoint of one of the four bays, looking down onto Ramena beach.

Marshal Joffre Monument

Drive by the Marshal Joffre Monument on Joffre Square, Marshal Joffre played a very important role in the history of Diego Suarez and then return to the port.

The statue built by sculptor Raymond Sudre was inaugurated in October 1933 as a tribute to the Marshal who from 1899-1905 reorganized the whole town which became a strong naval base. Joffre Square used to be focal point for receiving the optical signals transmitted from Cap D'Ambre.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: The War Cemetery, Former French Naval base ruins at Ramena Beach, Marshal Joffre Monument

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking (approx. 1 mile or 1.5 kilometers) and standing with 30 steps to negotiate. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. It is not permitted to take photographs of any military buildings indoor or outdoor. Tourism infrastructure is limited in Madagascar; local vehicles may not have air-conditioning nor PA system. We urge flexibility.