Southwest Madagascar
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Positives
- Quality left reefbreaks
- Unique desert surroundings
- Long, virgin, mellow waves
- Perfect photographic light
- Back in time' experience
Negatives
- Strong SE trades
- Transport nightmare
- Extremely remote
- Lack of infrastructure
- Pricey domestic flights
Southwest Madagascar surf travel guide
Despite travel problems on the southwest Madagascar surf coast there are undoubtedly some quality coral reefs and fun beachies to be savoured, along with a slow pace of life in this harsh, desert environment.
While the airport accessible Fort-Dauphin and Tulear have appeared in the surf press since the ‘80s, the stretch of coast in between has long remained a mystery due to the difficulty in getting there via dirt roads full of potholes. Hiring a tour guide with a 4WD from Fort Dauphin will almost certainly be necessary which makes it an expensive undertaking.
Surf spots in Southwest Madagascar
Research the 6 surf breaks in Southwest Madagascar and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 6 breaks in Southwest Madagascar.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Southwest Madagascar
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Southwest Madagascar.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 291,000
- Population
- 27,691,018
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- MGA
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 9,050 MGF MGA
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +261
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Malagasy, French
Electricity
- Plug Type
- cdejk
Visas
30 day ($37) or 60 day ($45) Visa on arrival. You can get a visa before arrival which will save a bit of time at the airport, which can be especially handy if trying to make connecting flights. For updates and latest news check
Getting There
Antananarivo is one of the most difficult and expensive capitals to fly to. Get to Mauritius, Réunion or South Africa. Air Madí is reliable and don’t charge much for boards. Flights to Tulear are $350r/t and get full, book early. It’s a 1h ride by Snipper Euro boat (8h overland by 4x4) from Tulear to Anakao ($40, r/t) and 1h15 to Ifaty. Dep tax: $15 SOUTHWEST MADAGASCAR Visa on arrival costs $30. Most flights go through “Tana” (TNR) mostly from Paris via Air France or Air Madagascar. Fly to Fort-Dauphin (FTU) from Reunion Island for $600 return. From Tana, fly FTU or Tulear (TLE) but most transport is organized from FTU. Then, 6-8h by 4WD to Lavanono or rent a Cessna to land at the Lavanono airstrip; 3pax for $900 o/w.
Getting Around
Land transport (rickshaws, zebu cart, Taxi Brousse) is extra slow. A 4WD with driver is the way to speed up but is expensive ($100+/d). It’s hard to rent motorised dugouts, most are beam pirogues, highly dependant on wind & tide. There are 3 boats: Hoonos, Sweet Sunshine and Free Spirit (Jubilation Charters: $150/day). SOUTHWEST MADAGASCAR Domestic flights are expensive FTU to TLE is $320 r/t and can be fully booked. Taxi-Brousse overland transport is amazingly slow (and cheap), only use it if you have lots of time. Renting a 4WD in FTU with a driver costs $300-350/day with Lavasoa. Beware with pirogue cruises, it can take days. Zebu cow cart trips are a classic!
Accommodation
In Itampolo, stay at Chez Alain at $8-20/dble, they know about surfing. Lavanono Lodge has a camp with 10 bungalows facing the spot at $600p for all inclusive 5 night trip from Fort Dauphin. Local food is dirt cheap, expect $2-3 for a meal.
Activities
Expect a full-on desert, Antandroy means the land of thorns! It’s bushy, spiny everywhere with zebu cows and goats eating the meagre vegetation. It’s a world lost in time, very remote, very basic facilities. Meet the friendly lemurs on the Berenty Natural Reserve.
Hazards & hassles
Sharks on this SW coast are rare. The reef in Lavanono is fairly flat but Androka and Itampolo are live coral. The SE wind can be a bother and it’s coldish at night. Potential fleas in the beds! No mosquitoes but occasionally, small flies appear. Respect the local traditions.
Handy Hints
No need for a gun but kite-surf equipment would be useful. Take a beat-up board for the kids. There is no place on earth like Madagascar – be patient and open-minded and remember that all good things take time!
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.