Madagascar West Coast is one of the most prominent regions in Madagascar with a charm of its own. The indented coastline of the West Coast makes it an ideal place for the location of natural harbors. The jagged edges of the western coastal strip of Madagascar is the chief reason for its development as a gateway to the island nation. The beauty of the West Coast has however not been fully explored.
Madagascar West Coast has attracted the attention of explorers and traders because of the easy accessibility through the bays and harbors. The secluded natural harbors have also given an opportunity to the pirates to arrive at the island. One of the most well known points on the West Coast is the harbor in the Mahajanga Bay. The land of the West Coast has very low population. The region is inhabited by the Sakalava group. The kings of the Sakalava group ruled over the land for a long time.
The existence of the harbors along the West Coast in recent times is however of much significance. The harbors serve as the way of connecting the island of Madagascar to the world. The plain land area of the West Coast is covered by a fertile layer of soil. However, agriculture is not much developed in the region. The rivers running draining the West Coast are Betsiboka, Mania, Sambirano, etc.
The Tsingy de Bemaraha Nature Reserve comprising of the two parks Great Tsingy and Petit Tsingy is on the West Coast of Madagascar. The wonderful collection of plants and animals in the nature reserve attracts a number of tourists to the area. The Garganta de Manambolo can also be visited via a canoe ride through the Manambolo River on the West Coast.
Tsaratanana Massif, Madagascar