Fort Dauphin (Taolagnaro)Things to do

Things to do in Fort Dauphin (Taolagnaro)

  1. Azafady Volunteers

    Azafady isn't a tour operator but a volunteer organisation working on community tourism projects around Fort Dauphin. It runs several well-equipped camping grounds in village, beach and forest sites in the region and can provide transport, camping equipment and guides to independent travellers who want to experience local life and nature while helping village communities. If you're interested in staying longer in Madagascar, ask the staff about volunteering opportunities.

    reviewed

  2. Mafana Club

    For a bit of decadent nightlife, try the disco at Mafana Club. Get your party on at Fort Dauphin's recently pimped-out nightclub that's fast becoming known as the place to get your swerve on. You'll shake to a mix of Malagasy and Western music, especially on busier Friday and Saturday nights. The interior décor is swanky and the deck looks out over Baie Dauphine. Las Vegas features regular Malagasy music and reggae shows.

    reviewed

  3. Chez Georges

    This popular local eatery enjoys a laid-back surf atmosphere in a hut overlooking Libanona beach. Catch-of-the-day fish and dressed crab are recurrent specialities. Good things really do come to those who wait. As popular as it is, we suggest getting there early, ordering, then going for a swim while it's prepared.

    reviewed

  4. Fort Flacourt

    On Fort Dauphin's northeastern tip is Fort Flacourt, built by the French in 1643. Today, little remains but a few cannons. To see what is left, and to admire the view, you can negotiate a 'fee' with a soldier at the gate who will show you around. Photos of the fort are permitted, but not of the barracks.

    reviewed

  5. Centre Ecologique de Libanona

    The Centre Ecologique de Libanona was established to help educate locals and visiting scientists about environmental issues. The centre is located in Libanona on the cliff overlooking Libanona beach, and makes for an interesting visit if you're interested in environmentalism and speak French.

    reviewed

  6. Ankoba Watersports

    To hire surfboards or windsurfers call in to Ankoba Watersports, which can also help organise diving and fishing trips. From late June or early July until about mid-September, dolphins and humpback whales are visible offshore from the beaches around Fort Dauphin.

    reviewed

  7. La Terrace

    With great views of Baie Dauphine (Shipwreck Bay), this classy outdoor restaurant/café has excellent meals with views second to none. It has a fully stocked bar catering to your cocktail whims while you stare at the sunset silhouette on the bay.

    reviewed

  8. Louis XIV Pub & Restaurant

    This cheerful establishment serves up standard pub grub plus a few specialties on an al fresco patio and is a fun place to meet other travellers or just chill out and listen to live music in the evenings.

    reviewed

  9. Safari Laka

    A reliable outfit based at Motel Gina with a variety of excursions to the surrounding area, including a good day trip to the rain forest at Enato and the Lokaro Peninsula.

    reviewed

  10. SHTM Tours

    An upmarket company based at Le Dauphin, catering mainly to package tours. SHTM is the only option for visiting Réserve Privée de Berenty.

    reviewed

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  12. Las Vegas

    A popular local place with Malagasy dishes, seafood and pizzas early in the evenings, and traditional music and dancing later on.

    reviewed

  13. Baie des Galions Beach

    The beach along Baie des Galions to the north of Libanona is the place for surfing and windsurfing (late August to May only).

    reviewed

  14. Libanona Beach

    The cleanest and prettiest beach in Fort Dauphin itself is at Libanona, on the southwestern side of the peninsula.

    reviewed

  15. Les Chasseurs

    Near the taxi-brousse station, this friendly neighbourhood institution has seafood, grills, pasta and pizzas.

    reviewed