Hiking in Madagascar
Hikes in Madagascar always pass through Anakao. Turned toward the sea, Anakao has a lot of interest for the ones coming to visit the region. While the Vezo live along the coast, the Tanalana populate the inside of the coastal strip. There, the flora is particular, representative of southwest Madagascar, 90% endemic, with Euphorbias, spectacular Didiereaceae forests, Baobab trees… The variety of bird species attracts numerous bird lovers. More particularly, the Nosy Ve island is the only place in the southern hemisphere where the red-tailed tropicbirds come to nest.
Wild mangroves offer landscapes full of contrast in this arid zone. And of course, the Tsimanampetsotsa park which alone deserves the trip.
We offer to discover the Anakao area on foot, either directly from the hotel, in the preserved nature behind the sand dunes, or by dropping you near the areas of interest at about a dozen kilometers away like the mangrove, the Onilahy river mouth or the cliff…
Among the most beautiful hikes not to miss:
- The Soalara port, the Onilahy river mouth, the wells and the cliff (2 to 3 hours): Discover the life of the Anakao region and its neighboring villages. This walk can be made via several routes according to your preferences and areas of interest
- The mangrove (2 to 3 hours): go round the big mangrove after having crossed the Anakao village and driven a dozen kilometers south. Untouched landscapes still subsist there.
- The Tsimanampetsotsa reserve (1 day), 50 kilometers away from Anakao and 7 kilometers away from the sea. The reserve extends around an exceptional white lake populated by hundreds of flamingos. You will also admire caves hosting surprising eyeless fishes, tens of bird species and a large number of ring-tailed lemurs. Not forgetting its endemic flora (bottle baobab and giant banyan trees…).
- The Itampolo bay (2 days), 140 kilometers away from Anakao, the Itampolo village extends its large white sand beach. There, you will admire turtles, ring-tailed lemurs, baobab trees… In two days, you will discover the fantastic landscapes of the wild coast which leads to South Madagascar. The trip from Anakao is in itself exceptional, especially for the Mahafaly tombs.
