Madagascar - Nosy Lonjo d’Antsiranana

The site of Nosy Lonjo is a mixed site. It is located in the far north of Madagascar in Diégo-Suarez Bay, Ramena Commune, Antsiranana District. Nosy Lonjo is an island of volcanic origin, conical in shape of 122 meters high and an area of ​​4.5 hectares. It consists of nummulitic limestone beds detached from the mountain called Montagne des Français. The islet is covered with a vegetation composed of baobabs typical Adansoniasuarezensis and mangroves. It is populated by a diverse fauna including bat bats "fanihy" (Eidolondupreanum, Pteropusrufus). This islet has a particular aspect to the view. From a distance, it gives the image of a four-legged animal sitting; When viewed from close up, the summit of the site seems to present the head of a sleeping man. Nosy Lonjo is a picturesque natural site, preserved by its cultural vocation. Like all islets off the northwest coast of Grande Terre (Madagascar), it serves as the burial place of the late Sakalava sovereigns, so sacred. It is also a place of worship to the ancestors by the traditional ceremonies "Fijoroana" still practiced by the populations.