Fort Dauphin

Fort Dauphin, also known as Taolagnaro or Tolagnaro, is a city in the Toliara Province of Madagascar. It was the first permanent French settlement in Madagascar and sits on a peninsula on the south-eastern coast. The city is surrounded by beautiful beaches, lagoons, and several important nature reserves.

The climate is tropical with warm temperatures year-round. The best time to visit is during the dry season from April to October.

By Plane

Tolagnaro Airport (FTU IATA, also known as Marillac Airport). Madagascar Airlines has a daily flight from Antananarivo (TNR), and a weekly flight from Toliara (TLE). Air Austral operates flights from Reunion.

By Car / Road

While connected to other cities by road, the road conditions are so poor that most visitors arrive by air. The RN13 connects the city to the rest of the country, but the journey is long and rough.

Taxis are available in town. The city is compact enough to explore on foot in the central area. For trips to surrounding beaches and reserves, hire a taxi or 4x4.

• Berenty Reserve (86 km west) — one of Madagascar's premier private nature reserves, famous for its habituated lemur population.

• Andohahela National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage site, the southernmost of the six Rainforests of the Atsinanana parks.

• Nahampoana Reserve — small reserve near the city with lemurs and reptiles.

• Libanona Beach — popular beach area near the town centre.

• Visit the private nature reserves and national parks in the region for lemur spotting and birdwatching.

• Relax on the beaches around the peninsula.

• Explore the local markets for crafts and fresh produce.

Local restaurants serve Malagasy and French-influenced cuisine. Seafood is abundant and fresh. The hotels along the beachfront offer the best dining options.

Bottled water is recommended. Local bars serve THB beer, rum, and soft drinks.

• La Croix du Sud — an upscale hotel with 32 rooms. Probably the nicest in town. Cafe available; restaurant at Le Dauphin hotel suggested for meals.
• Le Dauphin — hotel with 25 rooms/bungalows, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi. Restaurant serves good French colonial fare. From 50 EUR per night for two people.

Local markets sell handicrafts, spices, and fresh produce. ATMs are available in the town centre. Bring cash for markets and smaller vendors.

• Berenty Reserve (86 km west, 2-4 hours by 4x4) — world-famous private reserve with six lemur species.
• Andohahela National Park — UNESCO World Heritage rainforest park with remarkable biodiversity.
• Amboasary (approx 60 km west) — market town on the road to Berenty.
• Cap Sainte Marie Reserve (southern tip of Madagascar) — remote reserve with sea turtle nesting sites and dramatic cliffs.