Suggestions for a motorcycle itinerary from Mahajanga to Morondava along the coast?

Hi there,

I’d like to ride from Mahajanga to Morondava, sticking as close to the coast as possible—using roads and tracks—in September 2026. If you’ve got any suggestions, let me know! 😉

Paul

hi I did this route in 2014 in a 4x4—it wasn’t too tough, but since then there’s been a major cyclone in Soalala this year. The main issue is sometimes not getting lost because there’s little network coverage for GPS, but it’s not too difficult. There’s still the river crossing at Gué, but with a motorcycle, no problem—you’ll find two pirogues and just put the bike on top. Watch out between Maintirano and Bekopaka and Belo sur Tsiribihina for Dahalo, who’ve been particularly aggressive for the past 7 or 8 years. Belo to Morondava is no problem.

Hotels in Soalala, Andranomavo, Besalampy, Maintirano, Ansalova, Bekopaka, Belo sur Tsiribihina.

Make sure to bring extra fuel and a spare tire, of course.

Available for questions. Bye, see you!

Hi there, This isn’t an easy trip—plus, you’ll need a guide. From Maintirano to Morondava, I have a friend who’s used to it; he rides the area by bike. The Majunga–Maintirano stretch is the tough part, I think. You really need to be accompanied. Thanks,

Yes, absolutely right, preferably with a Malagasy person. I shared the driving in a 4x4 with my Malagasy friend Bloda, and we also had a Malagasy mechanic with us.

Hello again! It's best to plan for fuel for the Soalala to Maintirano leg. Thanks!

Yeah, I already told him about fuel and water too!! Spare inner tubes and a pump, of course. We only have one truck from Besalampy to Maintirano, and it's only 40 km from Maintirano.

For water, bring a Katadyn filter with you to avoid carrying extra weight.

but when I was in a 4x4 there was no problem because I prefer running water to chemically treated water

thanks for your replies Paul

Hi! Of course, there’s a track between Mahajanga and Maintirano, but there’s no regular bush taxi line—that’s for sure!! I did it in 2014 in a 4x4, and it was way easier than the RN5 from Soanierana Ivongo to Mananara Nord!!