7 things to do in Anakao

Anakao is a small fishing village of nomadic Vezo people located in the south-west Madagascar, about 40 km south of Toliara. This is a very arid area, with beautiful beaches and unique landscapes. In the morning, watch the fishermen start their day, as they head out to sea, only to return later with hauls of fish that they sell directly from the beach. Fresh fish guaranteed.

1. Beautiful beaches

The beautiful beaches are in the south of Anakao:

• Ambola beach, located next to the hotel Le Domaine d’Ambola, with white sand and a lovely transparent lagoon, which is ideal for snorkeling or canoe trips.
• Beheloka lagoon located near a small Vezo village, placed on the way between Anakao and Tsimanampetsotsa, cca 1 hour from Anakao, cca 30 min before Tsimanampetsotsa. There is no hotel in Beheloka, the closest place to stay would be the beautiful hotel Le Domaine d’Ambola, 30 min away. The lagoon is amazing, but if you want to enjoy it for yourself, don’t go through the village, as you will be invaded by kids.
• Itampolo beach, a beautiful place with a turquoise lagoon and white sand dunes

2. Beautiful Islets

• Nosy Ve: a small paradise island located just across Lalandaka Lodge (3 km offshore), accessed by motor boat (10 min) or by a traditional pirogue (1 hour). The island is 5 km long and 2 km wide. Today it’s completely deserted and uninhabited due to lack of water, but it had a rich and turbulent history in the past. Nosy Ve was discovered in 1529 by Portuguese sailors from the Cape of Good Hope. Sailors often anchored off the island while trading with the maindland. From the 17th century Nosy Ve served as a refuge place for pirates, whalers and explorers due to access to fresh water. When the English pirates disappeared, French traders arrived from the Bourbon Island (today La Reunion), accompanied by English and American whalers. From 1859 Nosy Ve was used as a slaves refuse, before sending them to Bourbon Island. The most amazing spot of the island is the tip of it that extends into a sandbank. Here the current is too strong and swimming is not possible. The left side of the sea has an intense turquoise blue color and the right side has an emerald colour. The calmer and better protected side is on the right of the lagoon. Nosy Ve is also known as a great place for birdwatchers, and it is really incredibly beautiful to see them here.
• Nosy Satrana: another small island just across the hotel L’altra Faccia Della Luna. This small island has white sand beaches and the waters are crystal clear. A barbecue of fish caught and cooked on a wood fire by the piroguier can be organized. Visit the mangroves which is just south of the island.

3. Tsimanampetsotse National Park

Tsimanampetsotsa National Park is a site of great biological importance and beautiful landscapes. It is one of the most scenic reserves in Madagascar. Here you can visit the salt lake with flamingos and discover skeletons of prehistoric animals in the caves. The park is located around 2+ hours on 4×4 from Anakao. More information about things to do in this national park can be found in our blog-post.

4. Whale watching

From July to September in the region of Anakao it is possible to admire the whales passing along the Mozambique Channel from Antarctica. 2-hour boat trips to observe the giants of the sea can be organized.

5. Watersports

Anakao beach is surrounded by reefs creating a great surfing potential. The best spots are accessible only by boat, namely Jelly Babies and Flame Balls, which are located in the north end of Nosey Ve island. The powerful waves come charging in from Antarctica during winter months. It helps to stay in the area for a few weeks and this makes it easier to predict where and when you need to be for some good surfing.

Kitesurfing and diving is also great here, as well as paddling, kayaking and snorkelling.

6. Fishing

For those who love fishing, experience the local catch by motor boat or canoe with the local Vezo fishermen. Fishing is interesting beyond the coral reef at about a nautical mile away.

7. Quad-biking

The quad-bike is the ideal way to discover Anakao with its fishing village, the thorny forest, the old French railway and the sandy dunes.

Bonus: Sarodrano

On your return to Toliara, stop at Sarodrano, a 3,3 km long sand peninsula, very close to the Bay of St. Augustin. It is a laid back place with a simple lodge, where you can stop for lunch and from where you can explore the beautiful dunes. They are not as beautiful as the white dunes of Bevohitse, but they are easier accessible. The peninsula is bordered on the one side by mangroves and on the other side by a coral reef. There is a beautiful natural pool inside a grotto with emerald water here. The pool is a weird mix of freshwater at the top and saltwater at the bottom. This produced some cool wildlife: a lizard, some crabs, fairly large fish and shrimp.

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