Fort Dauphin

Tôlanaro or Taolagnaro, formerly and popularly known as Fort Dauphin, is a lovely port city located on the southeastern coast of Madagascar. The idyllic landscape of the city is defined by an endless coastline, rolling mountains and lush greenery.

It was the first French settlement in the country and served as an important port from the 16th-century onwards. However, due to lack of connectivity with other cities in the country, its significance decreased and nowadays, only determined travellers stumble upon the city.

Getting Here

Reaching Fort Dauphin is quite tedious as the city seems cut off from the rest of the country with very poor roads. The best way to reach Fort Dauphin is by flying from the capital Antananarivo to the coastal city of Toliara, and then hiring a car to Fort Dauphin. There are no reliable flight schedules so this is the best way to travel.

Saint Louis Peak

The Saint Louis Peak at a height of 529 metres, dominates the skyline of Fort Dauphin. If you are up for a challenge, you can trek to the top and marvel at the breathtaking views of the city, the beaches and the sea. The trekking route passes through lush vegetation and you will come across species of flora like orchids and periwinkles.

Beaches

Fort Dauphin boasts of lovely pristine beaches and a few natural pools and coral reefs as well. Libanona Beach is the most popular beach in the city and is perfect for swimming. Monseigner Bay and Ankoba beach are known for their splendid surf breaks. Fort Flacourt, located along the eastern coast, was built by the French in the 17th-century and is currently used as a military base. You can visit the fort, its cannons and the small museum by arranging with a local guide.

Andohahela National Park

Andohahela National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located around 40 km from the city, and it covers a part of the Anosy mountain range. The park has three different zones based on the topography and each have their own collection of biodiversity. The Malio zone comprises dense rainforests and is home to over 200 species of fern trees, wild vanilla and animals like Milne-Edwards’s sifaka and collared brown lemur. The Ihazofotsy zone is covered by spiny forest and you will find ring-tailed lemurs, rare species of reptiles and birds. The Tsimelahy zone, featuring the Ranopiso transitional forests is characterised by the endemic triangular palms. You can hike, trek or go on a safari along the numerous circuits that run through the park and encounter its rich biodiversity.

Nahampoana Reserve

Nahampoana Reserve, located just 7 km from the city, comprises sprawling gardens, bamboo forests, natural pools, waterfalls and a river. Apart from six species of lemurs, the reserve is also home to endemic species of flora like the Triangle Palm tree and Madagascar Pitcher plant.

Berenty’s Reserve

Berenty’s Reserve, which can be reached by a two-hour drive from the city, is located along the Mandrare River. This is a private reserve and unlike most other reserves in the country, you can explore its trails by yourself, without a guide. The reserve features a spiny forest landscape where you can find five species of lemurs, carnivorous plants and numerous species of endemic birds and flora.

Why should you visit?

Fort Dauphin with its remote and laid-back vibe, surrounded by scenic landscapes is what visitors come here for. And if you are a nature lover, then the lovely natural reserves near the city will be an absolute delight to explore.