coastal view of madagascar

The undiscovered South of Madagascar

Undiscovered South, Madagascar

Location
Africa, Madagascar
Price per person
From 2.450 €
Trip duration
From 14 days

Discover the vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unique ecosystems of southern Madagascar on this immersive journey. Begin in Antananarivo (Tana), where you’ll explore its lively markets and historical landmarks.

Then venture to Fort Dauphin (Taolagnaro), a coastal haven surrounded by mountains and beaches, where you’ll connect with local life through weaving and silver making workshops led by skilled artisans and market visits and cooking classes led by women from the community. Relax at Lokaro, a pristine beach backed by coastal mountains.

Breath in the solitude and wildness, indulge in a seafood picnic cooked on the beach by the fishermen and women whose livelihoods you will be supporting before heading to the coastal littoral forest of Sainte Luce to spot brown lemurs and other endemic wildlife while learning about the challenges of life in a fishing village.

Visit Berenty to witness the iconic dancing sifakas and marvel at the striking contrast where coastal desert, gallery forest and otherworldly Lac Anony and its flamingos meet.

Exploring the unique ecosystems and endemic wildlife of the littoral and spiny forests will give you a deep connection with life in the enchanting south of Madagascar that you will never forget!

Secure your coastal getaway!

Undiscovered South of Madagascar trip

  • Explore the stunning coastline, from the littoral forests of Sainte Luce to the secluded beaches of Lokaro, where you’ll enjoy a private BBQ in a peaceful cove.
  • Experience the contrast between lush coastal forests and the arid spiny forests, discovering how wildlife has adapted to thrive in these unique ecosystems.
  • Visit Berenty Reserve to see ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux’s sifakas up close, and take a guided walk through the reserve, home to diverse flora and fauna.
  • Join a weaving workshop in Sainte Luce with Bahery and Sonimeny, discovering the skill behind this local artisan tradition while supporting the community.
  • Meet Hery, a talented local jeweller, and learn the art of traditional Malagasy jewellery-making, a craft passed down through generations.
  • Take part in a Malagasy cooking class and visit local dressmakers, gaining hands-on experience with the region’s rich culinary and textile traditions.

Topics and activities of the Madagascar trip

Miremby’s Undiscovered South of Madagascar trip is an immersive journey through the breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture of Madagascar’s Anosy region. Over 14 days, you’ll experience a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife encounters, and community engagement.

Explore the stunning coastline, where the littoral forests of Sainte Luce meet the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, and venture inland to the spiny forests and mountains of Anosy, where unique plants and animals thrive. Your journey includes wildlife experiences such as a visit to Berenty Reserve, home to Madagascar’s iconic ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux’s sifakas, and a guided walk through the reserve where you’ll encounter diverse flora and fauna.

Miremby’s tour goes beyond nature, bringing you into the heart of local communities. You’ll meet Hery, a talented local jeweller, and learn the art of traditional Malagasy jewellery-making. In Sainte Luce, you’ll join a weaving workshop with Bahery and Sonimeny, discovering the skill and craftsmanship behind this traditional art while supporting local artisans.

The tour also includes a day trip to Lokaro, where you’ll enjoy a private BBQ on a secluded cove hosted by Tatah, a local with a deep connection to the land. For those who love culture and hands-on experiences, the tour offers a Malagasy cooking class, visits to local dressmakers, and an in-depth exploration of Sainte Luce, where you’ll engage with the fishing community and learn about their way of life.

Whether exploring the wild landscapes or connecting with the people who call this region home, the Discover Fort Dauphin Tour offers an authentic, ethical, and unforgettable experience in one of Madagascar’s most spectacular regions.

Arrival and orientation

Upon arrival at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, you will be warmly greeted by Miremby’s head guide and your drivers, who ensure a smooth transfer to the arrival hotel. Here, guests can relax and settle in after their journey.

The next morning, a welcome meeting provides an overview of the entire tour, covering key highlights, logistics, and cultural insights. This is also an opportunity to ask questions, meet fellow travellers, and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Miremby ensures everyone has a chance to acclimatise to Madagascar's busy but vibrant life. It will support guests with practicalities for the journey, such as buying local SIM cards and exchanging money, ensuring they are fully equipped for their journey through Madagascar’s stunning landscapes and vibrant communities.

»I loved my time in Fort Dauphin, the wildlife, the mountain backdrop, vibrant sunsets and pristine beaches are spectacular but it is the people and culture that brings this place to life.«
- Carol Jowitt, former guest

Accommodation and board

The Undiscovered South of Madagascar trip offers comfortable, locally-owned accommodations that blend authentic Malagasy charm with modern amenities.

You’ll stay in beachside bungalows and small, family-run hotels, all carefully selected to provide a relaxing and immersive experience. Each accommodation is chosen for its warm hospitality, stunning natural surroundings, and commitment to sustainability, ensuring you feel at home while supporting local communities.

While not luxury, the accommodations provide a high level of comfort, with private rooms, ensuite bathrooms, and beautiful locations that enhance your connection to Madagascar’s breathtaking landscapes.

Leisure & free time

During the Undiscovered South of Madagascar trip, you’ll have plenty of leisure time to relax, soak in the scenery, and explore at your own pace.

Whether it’s unwinding by the beach in Lokaro, enjoying the tranquil surroundings of your beachside bungalow, or taking a leisurely walk through the littoral forests of Sainte Luce, there’s time to connect with nature. You can also enjoy free afternoons to explore the local town of Fort Dauphin, visit nearby markets, or relax with a refreshing drink while watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Optional activities are available, including swimming in pristine lagoons, visiting local villages, or hiking in the surrounding hills, allowing you to tailor your downtime to your interests. The tour is designed to balance structured activities with plenty of opportunities for relaxation and personal exploration, ensuring that you get the most out of your time in this beautiful and peaceful part of Madagascar.

Culture and wildlife await!

The region of Southern Madagascar

The Anosy region in southeastern Madagascar is a land of striking contrasts, where coastal ecosystems, lush rainforests, and arid spiny forests create a landscape unlike any other.

Along the coastline, pristine beaches, turquoise lagoons, and rocky headlands shape the environment, while the littoral forests of Sainte Luce provide a last refuge for many rare and endemic species. Inland, the transition to the dry, spiny forest reveals a world of unique, drought-adapted plants like baobabs and octopus trees, home to lemurs, reptiles, and a variety of birdlife.

At its heart, Fort Dauphin (Taolagnaro) is a vibrant town rich in history and culture. Originally a French settlement in the 17th century, it is now a gateway to Anosy’s diverse ecosystems. The region is also home to Berenty Reserve, famous for its ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux’s sifakas, and Nahampoana Reserve, which showcases a mix of humid and dry forest species.

Visitors can experience community-led tourism, including weaving workshops in Sainte Luce, fishing excursions with local communities, and eco-tourism in Lokaro, where Tatah hosts a private beachside BBQ in a secluded cove. With its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and deep-rooted traditions, Anosy and Fort Dauphin offer an immersive and sustainable travel experience, making it a hidden gem in Madagascar.

Miremby

Miremby is a community-led tour operator in Madagascar, offering ethical travel experiences focused on wildlife, the environment, and local communities. Through sustainable tourism, Miremby connects travelers with Madagascar’s biodiversity, including rare species and national parks, while supporting community-driven conservation. Their tours provide immersive experiences that foster meaningful connections with both the environment and local people, ensuring a positive impact on the regions visited.

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