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Sambava, the Vanilla Capital Of The World

Sambava would derive its name from ” Sahambavany ”, which means ” where rivers flow into the sea after meeting ”. Indeed, Sambava is located at the mouths of 3 rivers, as well as at the crossroads of 3 roads for Vohémar in the north, Andapa in the west and Antalaha in the south.

Sambava is known throughout the world as the capital of the most sought after vanilla, bourbon. In 2015, you could buy a kilo for less than € 100. In 2019, a kilo of vanilla was selling for € 400 / € 500 eur per kilo. Today, in 2021, the cost of vanilla was €300 per kilo. Between January and February, Sambava is often hit by cyclones and this greatly affects the price.

History of Sambava

Radama I, during the conquest of the eastern and northern regions of Madagascar during the wars of unification of the country, had a military post founded near 1860 near Antalaha. Faced with growing insecurity in the region, the population asked the Antananarivo government to open a place in Ampandrozonana (3 km from Sambava).

It was only in 1897, after the colonization of Madagascar by France, that Lieutenant Gillet set up the district command headquarters in Sambava.

The establishment of the vanilla culture (from the Reunion Islands) from the beginning of the twentieth century and that of coffee, have contributed to the economic development of Sambava. It should be noted that although the production of vanilla is high, the richness is shared by very few.

Thanks also to a very humid and rainy climate, the region is also known for the cultivation of coffee, cloves, and the culture of the coconut palm.

What to see in Sambava

The large coconut palm plantations and vanilla drying / processing centers are very interesting to visit and there are several in Sambava. As for tourism, Sambava is the beginning of all 2 or 3 day visits to the Marojejy National Park. From Sambava many adventures also begin for the Masoala National Park passing through Antalaha and Cap Est.

Tours that may be of interest...

The Classic Tour of Madagascar, from the Rainforest of Andasibe to the dry Southwest coast on the Mozambique Channel through the Central Highlands of the Merina and the Betsileo. A magical trip to discover some of the most iconic sights of Madagascar including the Parks of Ranomafana and Isalo.
12 Days
Bike not included
A 13 days super tour by bicycle and on foot visiting the parks of Andasibe, Ranomafana and Isalo, along the most beautiful secondary roads. For the more sporty travelers.
13 Days
A private 20 days Itinerant tour of Madagascar from North to South, from Diego Suarez to Anakao, from the savannah landscapes of the north to the lush parks of the south, 6 uniques National Parks along the main road of Madagascar, different villages and also relaxation in dreamlike paradise beaches.
20 Days
The anthropological tour of Madagascar, we will visit and learn about the past, the present and the future of some of the most interesting people of the Highlands and the East Coast, from the food to the music and their traditions. An experience not to miss.
16 Days
A 15 days private tour along the spectacular Highlands of Madagascar. From the rainforest of Ranomafana to the lunar landscape of Andringitra National Park, from the Betsileo Countryside of Somaina to the famous Isalo National park. A trip full of easy treks in some of the most incredibles sights.
14 Days