Spices of Sambava and the SAVA region
The north-east of Madagascar, where the SAVA region grows most of the island's vanilla.
Traded and grown here
Best time: May to October.
The SAVA region takes its name from four towns: Sambava, Antalaha, Vohemar and Andapa. It is the main vanilla-growing area of Madagascar, with small farms on the humid coast.
Spices and trade
Vanilla orchids climb on supports and are pollinated by hand, flower by flower. Pods are scalded, sweated and dried over several weeks, then graded. Prices have varied sharply, and thefts from fields have been a recurring problem.
The place and its people
Most growers are smallholders. The region is also hit by cyclones, which can damage crops.
Visiting
Travel is limited, but Antalaha has vanilla processing sites. Check conditions before going.
A trail idea for Sambava and the SAVA region
- A vanilla farm See hand pollination.
- A curing yard Look at pods drying.
- Antalaha Visit the vanilla town.
- Marojejy National Park See rainforest nearby.
Written by the EveryMasala desk with AI assistance. Background: "Sava Region" on Wikipedia. Opening hours, markets and tours change; check locally before travelling. If something is wrong, tell us.
Nothing matches those filters yet. Take one off, or check back: new spices are written every day.