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Morondava is a terminally laid-back seaside town with sandy streets and gently decaying clapboard houses. There is not much to do or see in the town itself, and most people come here on their way to and from Parc National Bemaraha, Belo-sur-Mer or Réserve Forestière de Kirindy. It's also the starting point for the gruelling three-day, off-road 4WD adventure that connects western Madagascar to Tuléar in the country's south. Closer-to-town attractions include the iconic Allée des Baobabs.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Morondava.
International
Winning the prize for the best beach views of any restaurant in Morondava, this breezy place serves everything from tagliatelle to zebu brochettes, grilled fish and a mean smoked-fish salad. Step down the stairs to recline with a drink.
European
At Chez Maggies’s thatch-roof restaurant, you can’t fault the service, or the food. House specialities revolve around the grill: be it steak, jumbo shrimp or the catch of the day, everything comes out cooked to perfection. There's a sprinkling of Malagasy specialities as well. The bar has a wide selection of Scotch, whiskey and delicious homemade coconut rum.
Italian
Run by an Italian-Malagasy couple, this place serves consistently yummy Italian food – think lots of pastas and different sauces, and pizzas straight out of the wood-fired oven. Other good choices include crab spaghetti or the seafood brochette. It's all served in a thatched dining room overlooking the river.
Malagasy
One of the best places in town for Malagasy cuisine, this place draws more locals than tourists – always a good sign. The menu runs into pages, with international dishes and fresh seafood alongside excellent romazava (stew) in all its varieties.
Malagasy
This place is simplicity itself, with prim tablecloths, a view of the sea out the door and tasty local specialities for knock-down prices. Dishes change with market availability, but usually include fish, zebu and a few soup and noodle dishes.
Supermarket
There's a small, unnamed supermarket next to the Select Hotel along the main road into town. It's the best in town, and sells drinks and other basic supplies.
International
Assured cooking served on a pleasant deck overlooking the mangroves – Baobab is a good choice for its zebu steak, grilled prawns, spaghetti and all manner of seafood.
International
This bright, French-owned place has a good mix of dishes, from sandwiches to grilled fish, spaghetti with prawns, or zebu hamburger.
Malagasy
The Bougainvilliers has made a name for itself by serving Malagasy dishes and therefore attracting travellers as well as locals. You’ll find traditional dishes such as ravitoto (pork stew with manioc greens), romazava de la mer (seafood stew) and coconut crab. The three-course menu du jour is excellent value. The sea breeze costs no extra.