History of Mahajanga: Madagascar’s city of flowers

Mahajanga, also known as Majunga, is one of the oldest and most cosmopolitan towns in Madagascar. Set at the mouth of the Betsiboka river on the north-west coast of the Great Island, it was for centuries a major trading hub of the Indian Ocean. Here is a journey back in time through its fascinating history.

The origins: an Arab and Sakalava town

Before the Europeans arrived, Mahajanga was already an active port used by Arab, Swahili and Comorian traders since the 11th century. The name “Mahajanga” is said to come from an Arabic word meaning “place of healing” or “place of flowers”, a reference to the lush vegetation along the bay.

The region was then dominated by the Sakalava people, one of the most powerful ethnic groups in Madagascar, who had founded the kingdom of Boina. Mahajanga was its commercial capital, and the Sakalava sultans kept close ties with Arab merchants and the sultans of Zanzibar.

The 18th century: Arab and Indian influence

In the 18th century, Mahajanga had its first great boom. Families of Arab, Indian (especially Gujarati) and Comorian merchants settled permanently in the town. In 1792, the colonial writer Dumaine already counted 6,000 Indian families living in Mahajanga, a sign of exceptional commercial activity for the time.

The 19th century: Merina conquest and tensions

In the early 19th century, the powerful Merina kingdom of the highlands sought to extend its control over the whole of Madagascar. After several decades of resistance, the Sakalava kingdom of Boina was partly subdued. Mahajanga became a major strategic prize because of its natural harbour, one of the best on the west coast.

French colonisation (1895–1960)

In 1895 France colonised Madagascar and Mahajanga became an important administrative town. The French built public buildings and roads and modernised the port, turning Mahajanga into a trading hub. It was during this period that the European districts developed, with their wide shady avenues.

Independence and the modern era

Madagascar became independent on 26 June 1960. Majunga, officially renamed Mahajanga, remains one of the country’s main towns. Today it still bears the marks of all these influences: colonial architecture, mosques, Hindu temples and a mixed cuisine reflect a unique cultural blend.

Mahajanga today: “the city of flowers”

Mahajanga owes its nickname of “city of flowers” to its lush tropical vegetation. With its hot, sunny climate, it attracts more and more visitors looking for authenticity. To discover the sites that shaped this history, read our guide to the most beautiful places to visit around Mahajanga, and our selection of the 10 must-do activities in Mahajanga.

2026: Mahajanga celebrates its culture

Updated on 11 November 2026.

Mahajanga’s history is also lived in the present. From 27 to 30 August 2026, the Mahajanga Village touristique hosted the first edition of the Miara-Miabo festival, organised by the NGO Vima: four days dedicated to Malagasy cultural identity, with an opening carnival, a tournament of moraingy (the traditional martial art of the west coast), a demonstration of savika (zebu wrestling practised by the Betsileo, without killing the animal) and concerts by Malagasy artists (source: Newsmada).

This mix of traditions from all over the island is a reminder of what has made Mahajanga for centuries: a crossroads town where Sakalava, Arab, Indian, Comorian and highland cultures meet.

Staying in Mahajanga means diving into centuries of history mixed with generous nature. The 5/5 Hotel, located on Rue Julepinte in the heart of Mahajanga, is your ideal starting point to explore this endearing town.