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Dry South
(Madagascar)
In complete contrast to the wet and densely forested eastern coast of Madagascar, the south is a world of dry arid canyons, towering baobabs and unique spiny forests.
Dotted with fascinating, colourfully decorated tombs, the south has a unique character all its own. Much of the area is hiker’s territory, with sandstone canyons and high ground ideal for trekking.
However, the south has more than desert-like canyons to offer. To the south west of Isalo, just offshore of the coastal town of Tulear, is the beach area of Ifaty, with a large coral reef that easily matches the best coral reefs in the world.
In and around the Dry South
A trip should include a visit to some of the coastal towns such as Tulear and the surrounding coral reefs for excellent diving and water sports, or just for a relaxing beach-break.
The Isalo Massif is an excellent park, ideal for those who want to take part in some light hiking. We also recommend a visit to the Berenty Reserve, a spiny forest with a bewildering variety of endemic succulents, located just west of Fort Dauphin.
Other regions in Madagascar
In complete contrast to the wet and densely forested eastern coast, the south is a world of dry arid canyons, towering baobabs and unique spiny forests.
The northern coast is home to a string of islands and islets, offering the perfect balmy Indian Ocean Island experience for honeymooners.
The east coast of Madagascar is a haven of wildlife and lush Madagascan rainforest, just what the island is famous for.
The Highlands form the central hilly region of the islands, dominated by the city of Antananarivo.
The western part of Madagascar is drier that the eastern part and consequently large pockets of deciduous forest flourish here, harbouring a wealth of rare endemic wildlife.
Example itineraries in Dry South
Madagascar is the fourth biggest island in the world and due to its isolation is considered to be the “Galapagos of the African Continent”. The country offers a mixture of 18 cultures, a variety of landscapes and a unique natural environment with many secrets still to unveil.
Madagascar is the fourth biggest island in the world and is considered to be the “Galapagos of the African Continent”. The country has a mix of 18 cultures, a variety of landscapes and a unique natural environment. Over the millennia, the lineage that includes apes, monkeys and humans evolved on the African mainland, while lemur-like ancestors evolved in Madagascar. Madagascar offers visitors real contrasts and culture with many endemic animals and plants.
