Phare du Katsepy

Phare du Katsepy is a metal lighthouse perched on a steep coastal cliff in northwestern Madagascar. It overlooks the Bombetoka bay, where freshwater currents meet the ocean and create a distinctive two-toned water pattern visible from above.

French engineers built this navigational structure around 1900 using cast iron components shipped from France to Madagascar during the colonial period. The lighthouse represents the maritime infrastructure developed to support coastal navigation in the region.

The lighthouse serves as a landmark for local fishermen who navigate these waters daily, and its elevated position makes it visible from far across the bay.

Visitors can reach the lighthouse by a three-hour walk from Katsepy village or by arranging transportation with local drivers. Prepare for uneven terrain and changeable weather, as the coastal path presents challenges for casual walkers.

Near the lighthouse stands a grave reportedly belonging to the family of a French engineer involved in designing the coastal structure. This quiet burial site tells a personal story of those who tended this remote outpost.