In a clearing near the village of Mahatsinjo, in the centre of Nosy Be, stands an enormous banyan that has spread from a single tree planted in the 19th century into a small forest of interconnected trunks. The site is sacred to the Sakalava and the surrounding clearing is used for ceremonies and offerings — visitors must walk barefoot inside the inner zone.
The hush under the canopy, the smell of vanilla rum from nearby plantations and the small altar of red and white cloth offerings make this one of the more atmospheric stops on the island. Donations to the village caretakers are expected.