Escape to the South: From Tulear to Fort Dauphin

After waking to the sound of the sea breeze, we set off for Mangily, a charming seaside village situated some thirty kilometres from Tulear. On the way, we stop in the baobab forest, a magical place where these centuries-old giants stand tall like guardians of time. Here, nature reveals itself in all its splendour, with the thorny vegetation typical of southern Madagascar and rare animal species such as the Sifaka lemur, which can easily be spotted during this walk through the wilderness.

As you approach Mangily, the scenery changes, giving way to an unspoilt coastline where the white sand contrasts with the turquoise blue of the lagoon. After lunch by the sea, get ready to dive into one of Madagascar’s most beautiful coral reefs. Madagascar. Put on your mask and snorkel, and dive into a natural aquarium, where the famous pink coral of Ifaty reveals its vibrant colours. Multicoloured fish, sea turtles and dancing anemones will treat you to an unforgettable underwater spectacle.

After this aquatic interlude, enjoy a relaxing moment on the beach, in the shade of the casuarina trees. You can sip a fresh coconut whilst admiring the ballet of the Vezo canoes returning from their fishing trip. The sunset over the lagoon, tinged with shades of orange and purple, will bring this day full of discoveries and wonder to a close.

Early in the morning, board a speedboat for an unforgettable crossing to Anakao, an authentic Vezo fishing village accessible only by sea. As you leave Tulear, admire the sunrise over the ocean, illuminating the turquoise waters stretching as far as the eye can see. After an hour’s sail, you’ll reach Anakao, a gem still unspoilt by mass tourism, where the dazzling white sand meets a lagoon of exceptional clarity.

The warm welcome from the Vezo fishermen, a nomadic seafaring people, immediately immerses you in a peaceful, timeless atmosphere. After a short break, you set sail again towards Nosy Ve, an idyllic islet fringed by turquoise lagoons and famous for being a sanctuary for rare birds. Here, the red-tailed tropicbirds nest peacefully, offering a fascinating spectacle for nature and birdwatching enthusiasts.

After a morning of exploring, enjoy lunch with your feet in the sand, featuring freshly caught grilled fish and tropical fruit. In the afternoon, treat yourself to a refreshing swim or a spot of snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters. The coral reefs of Nosy Ve are home to a teeming array of marine life: schools of colourful fish, unspoilt corals and, with a bit of luck, a few curious sea turtles. Relaxed and awestruck by this day in paradise, you’ll return to Anakao in the late afternoon, where you can admire a magnificent sunset over the ocean, marking the perfect end to a day full of wonderful experiences.

An early start for a day spent amidst striking and contrasting landscapes. We head for the spectacular Tsimanampesotse National Park, a true ecological gem nestled between turquoise lagoons and arid lands. This park is home to a vast brilliant blue salt lake, where colonies of flamingos roam peacefully, creating a fascinating natural spectacle. But Tsimanampesotse is not just about its lake: its unique biodiversity includes rare species of lemurs, hundred-year-old tortoises and astonishing karst formations. You’ll also have the chance to explore mystical caves, some of which contain crystal-clear underground waters.

After this immersion in the heart of nature, head to Ambola Beach, a small, unspoilt corner of paradise. Here, the dazzling white sand contrasts with a deep blue sea, offering the perfect setting for a well-deserved relaxing break. Enjoy a swim in these crystal-clear waters, or laze about in the shade of the casuarina trees whilst listening to the soothing sound of the waves.

To round off the day in style, we’re heading to the majestic dune ofItampolo. After a short climb, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view: on one side, the endless ocean bathed in golden light; on the other, the wild expanses of Madagascar’s Deep South. An unforgettable sunset unfolds before you, as the sky is tinged with flamboyant hues, creating a moment suspended in time.

Get ready for a day of adventure off the beaten track as you set off along the legendary southern track, a wild route where nature reigns supreme. This journey through desert and lunar landscapes will immerse you in the raw authenticity of the of Madagascar. Far from the tarmac roads, you’ll traverse a succession of dunes, thorny forests and semi-arid plains, where the silence is broken only by the rustle of the warm wind and the distant cry of birds of prey.

The journey is punctuated by stops in remote villages where you’ll have the opportunity to chat with the locals. Here, traditions live on; the wooden and thatched houses thatch bear witness to an ancestral way of life, and every encounter offers a window into the local culture. By spending time with the Vezo fishermen or the Antandroy herders, you’ll discover another side to Madagascar – one that is more authentic and timeless.

Our arrival in Lavanono in the late afternoon marks the end of this eventful day. Nestled between the ocean and steep cliffs, this small, isolated village gives the impression of being at the end of the world. Far from the hustle and bustle, you’ll find yourself lulled by the peaceful atmosphere of the place, where time seems to stand still. Settle into your rustic yet comfortable accommodation, ideal for savouring a spectacular sunset over the Indian Ocean.

After waking at the first light of day overlooking the ocean, we set off on a spectacular journey through Madagascar’s Deep South. This wild and remote region reveals unspoilt nature, where the silence is broken only by the sound of the wind. The track winds its way between golden dunes and arid plains, offering panoramic views of rare beauty.

First stop at Faux Cap, a breathtaking site where the dunes, sculpted by the winds, form an almost lunar landscape. Here, the land meets the boundless ocean, creating a setting as fascinating as it is mystical. Walk across these shifting dunes, observe the stunning contrasts between the sand and the deep blue of the sea, and let yourself be enveloped by the serenity of the place.

The adventure continues to the famous Berenty Reserve, a true ecological sanctuary nestled in the heart of a gallery forest. This iconic site is one of Madagascar’s best spots for observing lemurs in their natural habitat. Here you will encounter the famous sifakas, those dancing lemurs with their immaculate white coats, as well as the curious and playful ring-tailed lemurs. As you stroll beneath the canopy, you’ll also discover unique flora, notably the majestic baobabs and tamarind trees, which serve as true refuges for the local wildlife.

As dusk falls, check in at the lodge in the heart of the reserve. Enjoy a moment of relaxation, completely immersed in nature, before setting off on an optional night-time walk to observe the wildlife that comes to life at night. A magical experience where the glittering eyes of nocturnal lemurs are revealed in the beam of the torches.

A gentle awakening in the heart of the Berenty Reserve, one of Madagascar’s most fascinating ecological sanctuaries. At the first light of day, the sifakas begin their aerial ballet, leaping gracefully from tree to tree, whilst the ring-tailed lemurs bustle about along the forest paths. A full day of exploration awaits you in this unique ecosystem, where every moment is an invitation to wonder.

Accompanied by a nature guide, set off to discover the secrets of this gallery forest where centuries-old baobabs and tamarin trees create a spectacular setting. The reserve is also home to an impressive variety of endemic birds, including the courol vouroudriou and the Malagasy owl, whose calls echo in the morning stillness. Each trail draws you a little deeper into the magic of this unspoilt place, where nature reigns supreme.

In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing moment in the shade of the tall trees, lulled by the soothing sounds of the forest. A visit to the reserve’s museum will allow you to learn more about the natural history of southern Madagascar and the conservation efforts put in place to protect this exceptional biodiversity. At the end of the day, a guided walk will give you the chance to observe the forest’s nightlife, where nocturnal lemurs and chameleons emerge from their hiding places to bring the night to life.

Welcome to Fort Dauphin, a hidden gem where the Indian Ocean meets the lush green mountains. This coastal town, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, offers the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure and cultural immersion. Here, the pleasant climate and diverse landscapes make for an unforgettable stopover, ideal for savouring the final days of your journey.

Start the day with a stroll along Libanona Beach, a veritable little paradise of white sand where surfers come to ride the waves, and where travellers can simply relax whilst gazing out at the vastness of the ocean. Next, set off to explore the local market, where the stalls are brimming with handcrafted goods, fragrant spices and sun-kissed tropical fruit. Here, the atmosphere is warm, punctuated by the smiles of the locals and the shimmering colours of traditional Malagasy fabrics.

For a touch of adventure, head to Pic Saint-Louis. This majestic mountain overlooking the town offers an accessible, gradual climb, set amidst lush natural surroundings. Once at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a 360° panoramic view of Fort Dauphin Bay, the rugged mountains and the tropical forest in the background. An unforgettable experience that allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of this region.

Nature lovers will not want to miss a visit to the Nahampoana Reserve, an ecological sanctuary where you can observe several species of lemurs in the wild, fascinating chameleons and remarkable endemic flora. This botanical garden, a true haven of peace, offers an enchanting escape where flora and fauna are revealed in their purest form.

After one last morning by the sea, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Antananarivo. Make the most of your final moments to do a spot of shopping at the craft market before your international flight. This brings to an end your adventure through southern Madagascar, filled with memories and wonderful experiences.