Toliara

Toliara Province (formerly Tuléar) occupies the southern and western reaches of Madagascar, a region of stark and spectacular contrasts. From the spiny forests and baobab avenues of the west to the rugged coastline and windswept beaches of the south, the province encompasses some of Madagascar's most unique and dramatic landscapes. The capital, Toliara (Tuléar), sits at the southern terminus of the RN7 highway.

The province is home to an extraordinary concentration of endemic wildlife in protected areas such as the spiny-forest reserves of Berenty and Bezaha Mahafaly, the limestone tsingy and wetlands of Tsimanampetsotsa, the coral reefs of Ifaty and Anakao, and the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs near Morondava. The culture is dominated by the Mahafaly, Antandroy, and Sakalava peoples, whose traditions are closely tied to the harsh environment.

The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit, with warm days and cool nights. The winter months (June to August) are the most pleasant for hiking and wildlife viewing. November to April is the hot, rainy season; the south is generally drier than the west coast. Cyclones are possible from January to March along the coast.

Toliara city is connected to Antananarivo by the paved RN7 (18-24 hours by taxi-brousse). Toliara Airport (TLE IATA) has flights from Antananarivo and other cities. Morondava is served by the RN8 from the north. A 4x4 is essential for accessing the spiny-forest reserves, Isalo, and most national parks. Taxis-brousses connect the main towns.

• Toliara (Tuléar) — The provincial capital, a coastal city with markets and botanical gardens.
• Morombe — Coastal town north of Toliara, gateway to the Mikea Forest.
• Sakaraha — Town on the RN7, gateway to Zombitse-Vohibasia.
• Betioky — Inland town in the Mahafaly region.
• Ampanihy — Town in the deep south.
• Ankazoabo — Inland town en route to Berenty.
• Benenitra — Remote town in the southern interior.
• Beroroha — Town on the Mangoky River.
• Ifaty — Coastal resort village with diving, snorkelling, and spiny forest.
• Anakao — Fishing village south of Toliara with beautiful beaches.
• Fort Dauphin (Taolagnaro) — Port city in the far south-east, near Berenty and Andohahela.
• Amboasary — Town in the south, gateway to Berenty Reserve.
• Betroka — Inland town on the RN13.
• Ambovombe — Town in the extreme south of the island.
• Beloha — Southern town in the Antandroy region.
• Tsihombe — Town near Cap Sainte Marie.
• Morondava — Coastal town on the west coast, gateway to the Avenue of the Baobabs.
• Belo sur Tsiribihina — Town on the Tsiribihina River, near the Bemaraha Tsingy.
• Mahabo — Town on the road to Morondava.
• Miandrivazo — Inland town on the Tsiribihina River.
• Manja — Town in the south-west interior.
• Belo sur Mer — Coastal village with beaches and mangroves.
• Andohahela National Park — From sea level to peak, the only park in Madagascar with three distinct climate zones.
• Tsimanampetsotsa National Park — Salt lake and limestone tsingy with unique birdlife.
• Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park — Dry forest park known for the giant jumping rat.
• Kirindy Forest — Dry deciduous forest famous for the fossa and giant jumping rat.
• Kirindy Mitea National Park — Coastal park with mangrove and spiny forest ecosystems.
• Berenty Reserve — Spiny-forest reserve with ring-tailed lemurs and sifakas.
• Bezaha Mahafaly Reserve — Spiny-forest reserve with lemurs and endemic birds.
• Cap Sainte Marie Reserve — The southernmost point of Madagascar, a turtle-nesting site.
• Mikea National Park — Threatened dry forest home to the semi-nomadic Mikea people.

The cuisine of Toliara reflects its coastal location: seafood is abundant, with lobster, crab, fish, and shrimp. Grilled zebu is a staple in the interior. The spiny-forest region produces unique honey. Morondava is known for its crab dishes. Local rum (rhum arrangé) infused with vanilla, coconut, or local fruits is a popular drink.

The Mahafaly people are famous for their carved wooden tomb sculptures (aloalo). The Antandroy people of the south have distinctive music and dance traditions. The Sakalava kingdoms in the west hold traditional ceremonies at royal tombs. The Donia Festival in Toliara (May/June) showcases Malagasy music. The humpback whale season (June to October) brings festivals in some coastal towns.

• Watching sunset at the Avenue of the Baobabs near Morondava.
• Walking with ring-tailed lemurs in Berenty Reserve.
• Diving and snorkelling in the coral reefs of Ifaty and Anakao.
• Trekking the canyons and natural pools of Isalo National Park.
• Exploring the spiny forest and salt lakes of Tsimanampetsotsa National Park.