Tolagnaro

The picturesque coastal city of Tolagnaro, located in the southeast of Madagascar, is renowned for its magnificent bays, historical architecture, and proximity to natural parks. When planning a trip to Tolagnaro, travellers can choose the route that best suits their preferences, whether it be a quick domestic flight or an overland journey by car or bus. We have gathered up-to-date information on how to reach Tolagnaro to ensure your journey to this amazing destination is smooth and pleasant.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the destination is by air. Tolagnaro has its own airport (IATA code: FTU), which handles regular flights. It is located just a few kilometres from the city centre, making arrival as comfortable as possible for tourists.

Since there are usually no direct international flights to this specific region, the route is most often planned via the capital of Madagascar — Antananarivo. Upon arriving at the country's main international airport, travellers transfer to domestic flights operated by local airlines. The flight from the capital to the southern coast takes approximately one and a half hours on average, allowing you to avoid long and arduous overland journeys.

There is no direct railway connection to Tolagnaro. The city and its surrounding areas do not have a train station or tracks, making this mode of transport unavailable for arriving in this part of the country.

The rail network of Madagascar has limited geographical coverage, primarily serving the central and eastern regions of the island. The railway does not extend to the southern Anosy region, where the resort is located, so planning a train journey here is not feasible.

Travelling by bus or a local "taxi-brousse" to Tolagnaro is a choice for true explorers ready for a long but colourful journey across the island. The most popular route starts from the capital, Antananarivo: covering a distance of 1,100 kilometres usually takes two to three days, taking into account stops and the challenging condition of the road surface.

Alternative options include departing from coastal cities such as Toliara or Morondava. The route from Toliara is shorter — about 600 kilometres — however, due to difficult sections of the track, travel time often exceeds 30 hours, turning a standard transfer into a full-scale expedition across Madagascar.

Travelling by car to Tolagnaro is a genuine challenge and an exciting adventure that requires renting a powerful 4x4 vehicle with an experienced driver. The main route from the capital, Antananarivo, stretches approximately 1,100 kilometres and typically takes two to three days via picturesque but demanding roads. The cost of renting a car with a chauffeur starts on average from 50–60 Euros per day, excluding fuel, which allows you to navigate the difficult sections of the RN13 highway with relative comfort.

The journey from Toliara is shorter in distance — about 600 kilometres — but due to sandy and rocky roads, the travel time often exceeds 30 hours. An even longer and more intense route awaits those departing from Morondava: crossing the central highlands and southern regions will take about three to four days. Given the specific nature of the local infrastructure, booking a private transfer or a jeep tour remains the safest and most sensible way to reach the southern coast.

Preparing for a trip to Tolagnaro requires attention to detail to ensure your holiday on the southern coast is as comfortable and carefree as possible. We have compiled a list of useful recommendations to help you adapt quickly to local customs and avoid common mistakes.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The climate here is tropical, but it is often windy due to the proximity of the ocean. Pack light clothing made from natural fabrics, but be sure to include a windbreaker or raincoat in your luggage. For walks in nature parks, durable and comfortable closed shoes are required.
2. Transport. It is most convenient to move around the city using local tuk-tuks or taxis. Public transport can be overcrowded and not always reliable. An important rule: always agree on the fare with the driver in advance, before getting into the vehicle, as meters are rarely used.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Ariary. In Madagascar, cash is king; bank cards are accepted only in large hotels and high-end restaurants. It is best to carry a sufficient supply of cash, as ATMs may be out of service or run out of currency.
4. Health and Safety. Strictly avoid consuming tap water; use only bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Be sure to use insect repellent, especially in the evening, to protect against mosquitoes. The city is relatively calm, but it is better to leave valuables and large sums of money in the hotel safe.
5. Communication. The main languages spoken are Malagasy and French. English is not widely understood, mostly only by staff at major tourist facilities. We recommend learning a few basic phrases in French or downloading an offline translator on your phone.
6. Local Etiquette. Life here flows at the rhythm of "mora-mora" (slowly-slowly). Do not rush service staff; this is not customary. Always ask for permission before photographing local residents — many may ask for a small fee or decline.
7. What to Avoid. Do not point your finger at objects or people, especially at tombs and sacred sites — this is considered a rude gesture and a violation of local taboos ("fady"). Also, avoid walking alone in unlit areas and on beaches after sunset.
8. Additional Tip. Tolagnaro is famous for its seafood, especially lobsters. Be sure to try them in local restaurants — they are incredibly fresh here and significantly more affordable than in Europe.

Following these simple rules will help you feel confident and enjoy the unique atmosphere and nature of this amazing corner of the island.