Fort Dauphin or Tolanaro

Breathtaking Scenery

Fort Dauphin, the city at the end of the world, offers exceptional scenery. Nestled at the foot of the Saint Louis’ peak, the city and its regions offer incredible walks in breathtaking sceneries. Discover historical and cultural sites such as Fort-Flacourt, the remains of an ancient bastion, the museum of Anosy (retracing the colonial history) or the Fort of the Portuguese. Fort Dauphin is also recognized as a surf spot with exceptional waves. Adventure lovers can hike to the peak of Saint Louis (529 m above sea level) to admire one of the most beautiful views of the island. At the top, you can see Sainte Luce, the bay of Lokaro, the cove Dauphine, the beaches of Libanona, the islet of the Portuguese and more. If you are a trekking lover you will be delighted to climb and find yourself surrounded by a luxurious vegetation where ravenalas, raphias, orchids and periwinkles intermingle in a grandiose setting.

Tolanaro is the modern Malagasy name for the city that was historically known as Fort Dauphin. While “Fort Dauphin” is still widely used and recognized, especially in tourism, “Tolanaro” (or sometimes “Taolagnaro”) is the official name of the city on the southeastern coast of Madagascar.

Historical Context

The city’s history is a blend of local Malagasy and French colonial influences.

• 17th Century French Settlement: Fort Dauphin was founded in 1643 by the French East India Company. It was the first, and at the time, most significant French settlement in Madagascar. Named in honor of the French crown prince, the future King Louis XIV, the settlement was fraught with difficulties, including poor trade and conflict with the local Antanosy people, and was eventually abandoned by the French colonists in 1674.
• Malagasy History: The area was originally a village called Taolankarana, and the name “Tolanaro” (sometimes said to derive from “taolana maro,” meaning “many bones” or “many skeletons”) reflects this long and sometimes turbulent history. The city has also served as a port since the 1500s.

Geography and Landscape

Tolanaro is renowned for its spectacular and unique geography, where lush rainforest meets the Indian Ocean.

• Dramatic Landscape: The city is situated on a peninsula, with beaches on three sides and a backdrop of the rugged Anosy mountain range, including the prominent Pic Saint-Louis. This creates a stunning and highly varied landscape.
• Climatic Transition Zone: The region is a geographical crossroads. The east is characterized by a humid, tropical climate and rainforests, while the west transitions into the sub-arid, spiny forest of southern Madagascar. This makes the area a hub of biodiversity.

Tourism and Attractions

Tolanaro serves as a gateway to the diverse attractions of southeastern and southern Madagascar.

• Beaches and Coastal Activities: The city has several beautiful beaches, most notably Libanona Beach, which is popular for swimming and surfing. The calm bays and nearby coves are great for snorkeling and diving.
• Hiking and Mountain Climbing: The iconic Pic Saint-Louis offers a challenging but rewarding hike with a panoramic view of the city, mountains, and ocean.
• Nature Reserves: Tolanaro is a fantastic base for visiting several important protected areas:
  • Nahampoana Reserve: A private reserve just outside the city with botanical gardens and a variety of lemurs.
  • Lokaro Bay: A beautiful coastal area with lush inlets and coves accessible by a short boat trip.
  • Andohahela National Park: A UNESCO-listed park that protects a unique transition zone between rainforest, dry forest, and spiny forest.
  • Berenty Private Reserve: While a drive from Tolanaro, it is one of the most famous reserves in Madagascar for seeing ring-tailed lemurs.

Culture and Economy

Tolanaro is a bustling port city with a mix of local Malagasy and French influences. The local Antanosy people have a strong cultural presence, and the city’s markets are a vibrant showcase of local goods and cuisine. In recent decades, the city’s economy has been boosted by the presence of a large ilmenite mine and the associated development of a new port.