Vohemar
Vohemar, also known as Iharana, is a coastal town situated on a peninsula in northern Madagascar in the district of the same name within the Sava region of the Antsiranana province. The population of Vohemar town is approximately 15,000 including the surrounding area of Betsimisaraka, Sakalava and Tsimihety tribes, about 30,000. The name originates from Vohitra Maro, meaning where there are many villages.
Vohemar is of ancient islamic origin and was perhaps the first part of Madagascar to be settled by Arabs. Various muslim graves dating from the 17th and 18th century can be found in this area. The town was once destroyed by the Portuguese.
A Green Lake, also called Andranotsara, can be found 7km to the south. The lake is said to be a former village whose inhabitants were transformed into crocodiles.
The local population live from farming, livestock and fishing, while crops grown in the region include cassava, vanilla, maize, rice and peanut.
Vohemar has a hospital and an important maritime harbour. A Bank of Africa, two internet access facilities and a nightclub named Zanzibar can be found in town. There is a domestic airport but which is currently (2010) not serviced by Air Madagascar.
The easiest way to reach Vohemar by road is coming from Sambava. The distance is 155km. The road from Diego Suarez is in poor condition and can take up to 14 hours.
Accommodation
La baie d'Iharana
Tel: +261 (0)32 4380635 / +261 (0)20 8806381
Email: baiediharana@gmail.com
Website: www.normada.com/iharana
Hotel Sol Y Mar
Tel: +261 (0)32 4196990
Email: arthur.guichard@laposte.net
Hotel Galaxy
Tel: +261 (0)32 0250710 / +261 (0)34 0250710
Email: hotelgalaxyvohemar@yahoo.fr
Hotel Le Lagon Bleu
Tel: +261 (0)32 0439646
Email: lagon_bleu@yahoo.fr
Hotel Mily
Tel: +261 (0)32 0418070
Hotel Ortansia
Tel: +261 (0)32 0472071
Vohemar Bungalow Beach
Tel: +261 (0)32 07774442 / +261 (0)32 0268741
Email: rajaonal@yahoo.fr
Boat service
Samy Express - Vedette Rapide
Passenger boat transfer service between Ambolobozybe and Vohemar, connecting the route from Diego Suarez, Sambava and Antalaha.