Edible
Spicy
Woody
Notesambercinnamonfrankincenseincensemadagascar vanillamyrrhnutmegpink peppersea saltvanillaylang-ylang
Tags
#sexy
Style
unisex
This fragrance is a tribute to the beauty of Madagascan vanilla — one of the finest vanillas in the world. Mafonja means “intense” (as in power or strength) in Malagasy.
It opens with a breath of fleur de sel, evoking salt-kissed skin. A soft heat follows, as cinnamon, pink pepper (Mauritius), and nutmeg wrap the senses in warmth. Ylang-ylang (Comoros) lends a creamy, luminous floral note. As the scent deepens, a darker story unfolds: resinous myrrh (Somalia) and olibanum (Somalia) melt into dark amber.
Réserve en Afrique eaux de parfum feature responsibly sourced naturals, and are free from parabens, phthalates, UV filters and colorants. Their natural alcohol base is derived from beetroots, and they are a PETA-listed vegan & cruelty-free brand.
All about this fragrance
Vibe check
A fragrance for unhurried, close conversation as the evening settles. The salt suggests warm skin rather than dessert, while spiced vanilla and dark resins bring a tactile warmth that suits soft fabric and an understated, intimate presence.
How to wear
Cool to mild weather is a natural starting point for its vanilla, spice and amber warmth. Begin with one or two sprays on skin, allowing the saline opening to settle into the resinous heart. In hotter weather or close quarters, use a lighter application to keep the sweeter facets restrained.
Who it’s for
For vanilla lovers who want salt, spice and resin alongside sweetness. It will particularly appeal to those drawn to creamy textures and balsamic depth, rather than a straightforward confectionery gourmand.
Release year
2025
The nose
Alexandra Monet. Her composition for Vanille Mafonja frames Madagascan vanilla with salt, warm spices and dark resins, balancing its edible warmth with a more mineral, balsamic character.
Reserve en Afrique 1934’s story
Dakar-based Réserve en Afrique 1934 translates African landscapes and botanicals into fragrance, linking its family history with conservation. Responsibly sourced naturals and respect for ingredient-growing communities underpin its approach; the house commits 5% of profits to African conservation efforts.
Vanille Mafonja’s concept
Vanille Mafonja pays tribute to Madagascan vanilla through an imagined moonlit island cove: the tide recedes around black rocks, clear water and a solitary white baobab. Salt mingling with vanilla anchors the composition, while spices, creamy florals and Somali resins deepen its warmth.
Extra info
Mafonja means “intense,” conveying strength or power in Malagasy. The “1934” in the house’s name refers to its family and conservation history, not the fragrance’s release year. Vanille Mafonja also appeared in Fragrantica’s Best Perfumes 2025 editorial selection.
Featured in edits and sample packs
2025 Bestsellers | UnisexVanilla!
Notesambercinnamonfrankincenseincensemadagascar vanillamyrrhnutmegpink peppersea saltvanillaylang-ylang
Tags
#sexy
Style
unisex
This fragrance is a tribute to the beauty of Madagascan vanilla — one of the finest vanillas in the world. Mafonja means “intense” (as in power or strength) in Malagasy.
It opens with a breath of fleur de sel, evoking salt-kissed skin. A soft heat follows, as cinnamon, pink pepper (Mauritius), and nutmeg wrap the senses in warmth. Ylang-ylang (Comoros) lends a creamy, luminous floral note. As the scent deepens, a darker story unfolds: resinous myrrh (Somalia) and olibanum (Somalia) melt into dark amber.
Réserve en Afrique eaux de parfum feature responsibly sourced naturals, and are free from parabens, phthalates, UV filters and colorants. Their natural alcohol base is derived from beetroots, and they are a PETA-listed vegan & cruelty-free brand.
All about this fragrance
Vibe check
A fragrance for unhurried, close conversation as the evening settles. The salt suggests warm skin rather than dessert, while spiced vanilla and dark resins bring a tactile warmth that suits soft fabric and an understated, intimate presence.
How to wear
Cool to mild weather is a natural starting point for its vanilla, spice and amber warmth. Begin with one or two sprays on skin, allowing the saline opening to settle into the resinous heart. In hotter weather or close quarters, use a lighter application to keep the sweeter facets restrained.
Who it’s for
For vanilla lovers who want salt, spice and resin alongside sweetness. It will particularly appeal to those drawn to creamy textures and balsamic depth, rather than a straightforward confectionery gourmand.
Release year
2025
The nose
Alexandra Monet. Her composition for Vanille Mafonja frames Madagascan vanilla with salt, warm spices and dark resins, balancing its edible warmth with a more mineral, balsamic character.
Reserve en Afrique 1934’s story
Dakar-based Réserve en Afrique 1934 translates African landscapes and botanicals into fragrance, linking its family history with conservation. Responsibly sourced naturals and respect for ingredient-growing communities underpin its approach; the house commits 5% of profits to African conservation efforts.
Vanille Mafonja’s concept
Vanille Mafonja pays tribute to Madagascan vanilla through an imagined moonlit island cove: the tide recedes around black rocks, clear water and a solitary white baobab. Salt mingling with vanilla anchors the composition, while spices, creamy florals and Somali resins deepen its warmth.
Extra info
Mafonja means “intense,” conveying strength or power in Malagasy. The “1934” in the house’s name refers to its family and conservation history, not the fragrance’s release year. Vanille Mafonja also appeared in Fragrantica’s Best Perfumes 2025 editorial selection.
Featured in edits and sample packs
2025 Bestsellers | UnisexVanilla!