The Pangalanes Canal: A heritage of great value

The origins of the Canal

The construction of the Pangalanes Canal dates back to the French colonial era, initiated in 1896 by General Gallieni to facilitate administrative and military control of the region. To navigate along the east coast, the French merchant and military navy had to face numerous dangers, including reefs, strong currents, shipwrecks, and sharks. The colonial administration then conceived the idea of linking inland lakes, lagoons, and navigable rivers to build a long waterway. Originally, it stretched approximately 700 km, connecting Foulpointe to Farafangana.

The present and future of the Canal

The canal greatly facilitated the transportation of goods until a few years after the end of colonization. However, due to a lack of maintenance, the excavated sections gradually collapsed, and water lilies and hyacinths overran the waterway. Around 400 km of the canal were refurbished in the late 1980s, once again benefiting the transport of goods and tourism. A rehabilitation project is also currently in development, implemented by the Moroccan agency Marchica MED S.A in partnership with the Malagasy government.

An off-the-beaten-path tourist circuit 

Charming villages as stopovers

Many villages along the canal’s banks were initially established for the transportation of goods. Even today, the traffic remains significant, offering unique and charming stopovers. Traditional stilt houses or wattle-and-daub huts invite visitors to pause and connect with the friendly locals. Visitors are warmly welcomed in the fishing villages, artisanal distilleries, and on beaches where they can enjoy a picnic.

Lush nature

A cruise along the Pangalanes Canal offers the opportunity to explore exceptional natural surroundings, true to Madagascar’s unique biodiversity. One of Madagascar’s iconic trees can be found here: the ravinala, also known as the traveler’s tree or “elephant ears,” which follows mangroves and towering tree ferns. Madagascar’s famous lemurs, including sifakas and bamboo lemurs (hapalemurs), are often seen in the area.

A journey like no other

A timeless cruise

The vessels used to transport people and goods—such as vegetables, sugarcane, coffee, cloves, pepper, and other produce—are fascinatingly unique. Dugout canoes, bamboo rafts pushed with poles, and hollowed-out tree trunks paddled by hand provide a surprising and authentic experience. Tourists typically travel aboard motorized canoes or boats, exploring sites such as the beach resorts of Ambila Lemaitso and Mahanoro, or the Sakaleona Waterfall (200 meters) near Nosy Varika.

Hidden treasures

This enriching journey is sure to captivate lovers of adventure, water, and nature. The atmosphere is always festive, with guides enlivening the trip with conversations, laughter, and songs. Fresh fish and betsabetsa (a local drink) are always on the menu. As you take in the scenery and breathe in the vanilla- and eucalyptus-scented air, you’ll find yourself constantly amazed. Whether it’s navigating through dense patches of hyacinths and water lilies or discovering the astonishing sight of a 1,000-kg sandstone elephant statue at Ambohitsara on the Fanantara River, there is always something extraordinary to experience.