The Hidden Gems of Fort Dauphin – A Guide to the Best Places to Visit Beyond the Typical Tourist Spots

By Miremby | Ethical Travel in Madagascar

When people think of Madagascar, images of towering baobabs and dancing lemurs often take centre stage – and for good reason. But if you venture beyond the usual tourist trail, far down to the island’s deep south, you’ll discover Fort Dauphin (Tolagnaro) – a raw, rugged, and breathtakingly beautiful region that remains one of the country’s best-kept secrets.

It’s here where the lush rainforest meets spiny desert, where jagged mountains rise behind turquoise bays, and where ancient traditions are very much alive. Fort Dauphin is more than a destination – it’s a feeling. One of peace, depth, and wildness. And it’s where Miremby was born.

Unlike the polished national parks in the north, the south invites travellers to slow down and connect – with place, people, and purpose. As a community-led tour operator rooted here, we want to share some of our favourite places – the kind that don’t make it into glossy guidebooks, but leave an imprint on your soul.

1. Lokaro’s Hidden Cove – A Wild Coastal Escape

Tucked between cliffs and forested hills lies Lokaro, a stretch of wild coastline only accessible by boat or on foot. It’s the kind of place that makes you exhale deeply – no buildings, no crowds, just raw beauty.

On our tours, we take you across the calm waters in a traditional fishing boat, past mangroves and granite boulders, until you arrive at a secluded cove with clear, warm waters and soft golden sand. You’ll spend the day swimming, climbing, snorkelling, or simply resting in nature’s quiet embrace.

Lunch is a feast of open-flame grilled fish, caught that morning by local fisherman Tatah, who hosts the day. There’s nothing quite like eating freshly prepared food with your feet in the sand and the ocean stretching endlessly ahead.

2. Sainte Luce – Fishing Traditions, Weaving, and Wild Lemurs

A little further along the coast is Sainte Luce, a village caught between forest and sea. It’s one of the last strongholds of littoral forest in Madagascar – home to unique wildlife, including rare lemurs, orchids, and chameleons. But it’s also a vibrant community where people still live closely with the land and ocean.

Here, you’ll meet Bahery, a traditional fisherman who’ll share how his community reads the tides and works in rhythm with nature. You’ll also spend time with Sonimeny, a talented weaver who’ll teach you how to weave using locally harvested reeds – a quiet, meditative activity that connects you to generations of Malagasy women before her.

This is also where Bethany spent almost two years conducting lemur research, trekking through the dense forest at dawn and dusk to study the animals’ behaviours and conservation needs. If she’s leading your tour, you’ll be taken straight to the hidden spots where lemurs leap between pandanus trees – but even if she’s not, our local guides grew up alongside these animals and know exactly where they rest, feed, and play.

Sainte Luce isn’t just a visit – it’s a connection to people and nature in their most genuine forms.

3. Pic Saint Louis – A Hike Above the Clouds

Rising behind the town, Pic Saint Louis offers one of the most rewarding short hikes in the region. The climb winds through eucalyptus and acacia, with birdsong and panoramic glimpses teasing what’s to come.

From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with unrivalled views: the curved coastline of Fort Dauphin, lush inland forests, and jagged outcrops where the spiny desert begins. On clear days, you can even see all the way to Sainte Luce. It’s the perfect way to start or end your journey – grounding you in the vastness and beauty of this diverse region.

4. Jewellery Workshops with Hery – Wearable Art with a Story

In the heart of Fort Dauphin town, you’ll find Hery, a gifted artisan with an eye for transforming discarded metals and beads into intricate jewellery. His pieces tell stories – of resilience, creativity, and community.

When you visit his small studio, it’s not just about buying a souvenir. You’ll sit beside him, learn his techniques, and create your own piece – guided by someone whose life is as inspiring as his art. Hery’s workshop is a sanctuary of calm, laughter, and quiet skill, and it’s consistently one of our guests’ most memorable experiences.

5. Lac Anony – Flamingos, Dunes, and Dreamscapes

About two hours north of Fort Dauphin lies Lac Anony, a shallow saltwater lake nestled between towering dunes and volcanic hills. Few travellers make it here – but those who do often describe it as otherworldly.

Pink flamingos wade through the shallows, while wind-swept dunes roll into the distance. The silence is almost complete, broken only by bird calls and the rustle of grass. You can hike, picnic, or even sandboard – and still not see another soul. For photographers, dreamers, and nature-lovers, this is paradise.

6. Le Spot on Libanona Beach – Sunset, Sea, and Seriously Good Food

No visit to Fort Dauphin is complete without a stop at Le Spot – the best beach shack in town, perched right on Libanona Beach. With its colourful wooden deck, chilled music, and unbeatable sunset views, it’s the perfect place to wind down after a day of exploring.

The food is unexpectedly good – think fresh grilled seafood, veggie burgers, wood-fired pizzas, and icy rum cocktails. Locals, expats, surfers and travellers gather here to share stories, watch the waves, and soak in the laid-back vibe that makes Fort Dauphin so special.

7. Fort Dauphin Market and Local Dressmakers – Everyday Beauty

We love the local market – a vibrant maze of stalls bursting with spices, woven baskets, fresh produce, and colourful fabrics. It’s more than a shopping experience – it’s a chance to glimpse daily life and meet the people who grow, make, and sell the things they live by.

Nearby, we’ll introduce you to talented dressmakers who create beautiful tailored clothes using bright Malagasy prints. You’ll choose your fabric, have your measurements taken, and in a few days, walk away with a handmade outfit that supports a local woman’s business and tells a story of your journey here.

Who needs to travel to Asia for this experience? You can have it right here in Madagascar – and know exactly where your clothes were made, who made them, and the story behind the fabric.

Join Us – Culture & Wildlife of the Undiscovered South Tour

If this has stirred something in you – a desire to explore deeper, to travel with intention, to experience Madagascar beyond the postcard – we invite you to join us.

We still have limited places available on our Culture & Wildlife of the Undiscovered South tour, running from 16th June for 14 days, priced at £2,025 pp.

This isn’t a standard tour. It’s an invitation into the hidden corners of Madagascar, guided by those who call it home. It’s lemur tracking at sunrise, jewellery-making by moonlight, and sea breezes in your hair as you cross to secret beaches. It’s travel that supports communities, conserves ecosystems, and leaves a lighter footprint and a deeper impact.

Ready to join us?

Email: bethany@miremby.com,

WhatsApp: +44 7457 402703,

or explore the itinerary at www.miremby.com

Travel kindly. Travel consciously. Travel with Miremby.