Nosy Berafia
Nosy Berafia is the largest Island of the archipelago of Radama (2500 ha). The Southern half of the island is covered of more or less abandoned plantations (coffee, pepper, ylang-ylang, pepper) from the first half of the twentieth century, while the largest village has been settled along the sheltered long beach on the West Coast. The small village of Mahabo, perched on the top of a wooded hill, is well worth a look. Visitors have to abide certain customs as the village houses some mahabo royal tombs. Mamady still reigns on this small isolated area. Most kings and queens Sakalava occupy an important place in community life. Their power is mostly spiritual because they have a duty to represent God on Earth. Their shamanic skills allow them to communicate with the ancestors during certain ceremonies.