Travel Guide Marovoay

Surrounded on all sides by stretches of water dotted with rice paddies (this is the country's2nd largest rice-growing region), Marovoay ("where there are lots of crocodiles") is a pretty delta town and river port. It's one of the historic and spiritual hearts of Boina, and the obligatory stop-off on the way to Ambato Boeny. It is only accessible by pirogue during the rainy season. Several hotels can be found in the streets adjoining the central square, where a lively market is held. The town, green and beautifully planted with coconut palms, is a historic commercial site, with carved wooden doors, elaborate varangues and the rain-washed ochre of old trading posts built over the centuries. From Marovoay, one of the most popular activities is to observe the Nile crocodiles that abound in all the rivers. You can also attend possession cults: the region is a center of tromba cults. From Marovoay, it's possible to reach Mahajanga by pirogue, after a pretty journey through a watery world dotted with palm trees. The night journey is also interesting: the eyes of the crocodiles glisten at water's edge in the moonlight. Finally, in the limestone hills of the Marovoay region, naturalists will love inspecting the ground in search of fossils. But be careful: if you make a major discovery, you'll need to inform the fivondronana! Dinosaur bones, in particular, are a World Heritage site.