Sambava

Sambava is a town and district on the east coast of Madagascar and the capital of the Sambava and Sava region. The population of the town of Sambava and district was 321,058 in 2015.

Almost half of the population in the Sambava region live from farming and raising livestock. The most common acricultures are vanilla, coconut and rice farming. Sambava, along with Antalaha, is the centre of vanilla production and the source of much of the world's vanilla as Madagascar is the world's leading vanilla exporter.

Activities include a visit to the Lopat vanilla factory to learn about traditional vanilla production, the Center for Learning and Understanding English (CLUE) and the large bazary kely marketplace.

The town has a stunning beach with sometimes with huge and dangerous waves. Every Sunday there is a big beach party. Nearby excursions include a taxi-brousse drive to Nosiarina and from thereon a 5-hour boat ride by pirogue up-river to Amboahangibe. Alternatively, catch a lift with one of the cargo boats used to transport vanilla pickers during the harvesting season. Marojejy National Park can be reached by road from Sambava.

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Dance contest at the weekly Sambava beach party

A domestic airport is located approximately 2km from the town centre with flights connecting Antananarivo, Toamasina (Tamatave), Maroantsetra and Diego Suarez. Scheduled flights are operated by Air Madagascar and Madagasikara Airways.