Experience the peace of this tranquil town surrounded by nature
Situated deep in the southeast, Fort Dauphin, otherwise known as Tolagnaro, is built mainly on a promontory surrounded by white-sand beaches, under high forest-clad mountains. Once the centre of a prosperous tourist industry, the town these days is more forgotten and very peaceful. The city is dominated by the Anosyenne mountain chain and Pic St. Louis, the view from which offers a unique and unspoiled panorama across the area. Surrounded to the north, east, and south by the bright azure colors of the Indian Ocean, the town offers the visitor a variety of pastimes like strolling through the markets, lazing on the fine sandy beaches, enjoying the local cuisine or exploring the sensational forests and reserves within easy reach.
Highlights of Fort Dauphin & South East
Learn about the main places to visit, when to go and how to get there with our in-depth guides.
Fort Dauphin (or Tolagnaro to use the official Malagasy name) is a port town equipped with all the modern comforts, in a setting of lush vegetation and biodiversity. Rich in history, culture and surrounded by nature, the city offers all the advantages of urban life while guaranteeing a calm and serene atmosphere.
Situated on the southeastern tip of Madagascar, the town has several beaches including the swimming hotspot Libanona, the surfing spot of Ankoba, and the kilometres-long undisturbed paradise of Bevava. Although smaller than other regional hubs, Fort Dauphin still has a fair few good restaurants and plenty of seaside bars.
Climbing Pic Saint Louis is a must-see excursion from the city of Fort Dauphin. While the climb can be strenuous, the effort will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful views of Madagascar, thanks to a panoramic overview of the landscape at an altitude of 500 meters.
The fishing village of Evatraha is generally Tolagnaro's most popular tourist spot. Accessible on foot, by boat or by car, the charming little village stands out with a breathtaking landscape with mangroves, sea, golden sand, and traditional houses.
A little out of town, Lokaro Bay is a destination for adventure seekers and beach lovers. The beach is rarely visited by tourists, so, you can be assured of a tranquil time once you get there. To get to the bay, you can take a boat to Evatraha and hike about an hour, or, you can take a 4x4 from town and drive all the way there. The beauty of the place more than makes up for the minor inconvenience of the trip!
Nahampoana Reserve is located 7 km from the town of Fort Dauphin, and it is essentially a botanical garden and shelter for lemurs. Visitors can see the emblematic ring-tailed lemur, the dancing sifaka, and the more sedate bamboo lemur. Located in a colonial-era 50-hectare garden populated with Ravinala, lemon eucalyptus and other exotic plants, it is a great place to visit in the morning when the lemurs are most active.
A favourite with locals and tourists alike, the Domaine de la Cascade boasts 17km of paths and forest circuits as well as the eponymous waterfalls and natural swimming pools - just the thing on a hot day. The shady grounds have lots of space for picnics and relaxation, and the food is good too.
Berenty private reserve is not only a perfectly maintained natural park, it is also an open-air scientific laboratory. Spread over 1,000 hectares of protected area, Berenty Reserve is home to many animal and plant species, including lemurs, bats, and also the famous turtles of southern Madagascar. The site favors ecotourism and attracts many activists for the protection of species.
Fort Dauphin (or Tolagnaro to use the official Malagasy name) is a port town equipped with all the modern comforts, in a setting of lush vegetation and biodiversity. Rich in history, culture and surrounded by nature, the city offers all the advantages of urban life while guaranteeing a calm and serene atmosphere.
Situated on the southeastern tip of Madagascar, the town has several beaches including the swimming hotspot Libanona, the surfing spot of Ankoba, and the kilometres-long undisturbed paradise of Bevava. Although smaller than other regional hubs, Fort Dauphin still has a fair few good restaurants and plenty of seaside bars.
Climbing Pic Saint Louis is a must-see excursion from the city of Fort Dauphin. While the climb can be strenuous, the effort will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful views of Madagascar, thanks to a panoramic overview of the landscape at an altitude of 500 meters.
The fishing village of Evatraha is generally Tolagnaro's most popular tourist spot. Accessible on foot, by boat or by car, the charming little village stands out with a breathtaking landscape with mangroves, sea, golden sand, and traditional houses.
A little out of town, Lokaro Bay is a destination for adventure seekers and beach lovers. The beach is rarely visited by tourists, so, you can be assured of a tranquil time once you get there. To get to the bay, you can take a boat to Evatraha and hike about an hour, or, you can take a 4x4 from town and drive all the way there. The beauty of the place more than makes up for the minor inconvenience of the trip!
Nahampoana Reserve is located 7 km from the town of Fort Dauphin, and it is essentially a botanical garden and shelter for lemurs. Visitors can see the emblematic ring-tailed lemur, the dancing sifaka, and the more sedate bamboo lemur. Located in a colonial-era 50-hectare garden populated with Ravinala, lemon eucalyptus and other exotic plants, it is a great place to visit in the morning when the lemurs are most active.
A favourite with locals and tourists alike, the Domaine de la Cascade boasts 17km of paths and forest circuits as well as the eponymous waterfalls and natural swimming pools - just the thing on a hot day. The shady grounds have lots of space for picnics and relaxation, and the food is good too.
Berenty private reserve is not only a perfectly maintained natural park, it is also an open-air scientific laboratory. Spread over 1,000 hectares of protected area, Berenty Reserve is home to many animal and plant species, including lemurs, bats, and also the famous turtles of southern Madagascar. The site favors ecotourism and attracts many activists for the protection of species.
