Discover history, wildlife, and paradise beaches in just 3 days.
A perfect blend of culture, nature, and adventure in Madagascar’s deep south. From colonial history and lively markets to lemurs, lush reserves, and hidden bays — you’ll experience the best of Fort-Dauphin in one unforgettable escape.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: CITY TOURS:
Discover Fort Dauphin, a beautiful coastal town surrounded by three marine bays. Its colonial heritage is still present in the white colonnaded houses, while local people preserve their traditions and authenticity. The landscapes are breathtaking, offering the perfect start to your journey.
Highlights of the day:
Anôsy Museum ; Fort Dauphin Bay ; Libanona Beach ; Galion Bay ; Local Market ; Bevava Beach ; Sunset at Lake Vinanibe
Anôsy Museum (Fort Flacourt Museum):
This museum takes you on a journey through more than a thousand years of Anôsy history, from the origins of the Antanôsy settlement and the reign of the Zafiraminia dynasty (12th century) to the first European contacts in 1502. Discover stories of Dutch and French explorers, such as François Cauche, Jacques Pronis, Étienne de Flacourt, and the Count of Maudave.
The museum also retraces historic links with Réunion Island, including the exile of Malagasy settlers like Louise Tsiriagna, considered the “grandmother of Réunion” (1674). It also evokes the Merina occupation of 1825 under Governor Ramananolona, cousin of King Radama I.
Located in the heart of the city, the Fort Flacourt Museum is a must-see, offering exhibitions and old relics that connect the past with the present.
DAY 2: NAHAMPOANA RESERVE
Just 7 km north of Fort Dauphin lies the former botanical garden of Nahampoana Reserve, covering 50 hectares of rich biodiversity. Once known as the "acclimatization garden," it is home to exotic plants such as the traveler’s palm, pachypodium, oil palm, cinnamon, lemon eucalyptus, young baobabs, and the rare triangle palm found only in this region of Madagascar.
All lemur species native to southern Madagascar can be observed here. In the early morning, you may see Verreaux’s sifaka, ring-tailed lemurs, and brown lemurs playing in the trees and near the old colonial house. The reserve is also home to chameleons, tortoises, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species.
DAY 3: EVATRA POINT AND LOKARO CREEK
Morning:
Explore the fishing village of Evatra and the stunning Lokaro Bay, a paradise for swimming and snorkeling. Nearby, discover the fascinating carnivorous plants known as Nepenthes.
Access is by traditional pirogue or boat from Lake Lanirano, navigating through river channels lined with pandanus, traveler’s palms, and water lilies. Along the way, enjoy sightings of many bird species and local fishermen at work. After landing near Evatra, take a two-hour scenic coastal hike leading to the breathtaking Lokaro Bay.
Afternoon:
Return trip by motorboat or traditional pirogue through lush channels filled with “elephant ear” plants, while spotting birds such as the Madagascar coucal. Journey back to Fort Dauphin in the evening.
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✨ This itinerary combines history, nature, and culture, offering the perfect discovery of Fort Dauphin and its surroundings.
