Visit Anakao, Madagascar

Anakao is a Vezo fishing village around 50 kilometres south of Tulear.

The terrible roads heading south make boat the best way to reach Anakao and fleets of pirogues line the shore. The inaccessibility of the village means that modern development has largely passed by Anakao.

Beaches and reefs of Anakao

During colonial times, Anakao was a busy fishing port, and this remains the main occupation of the villagers today. Shortly after dawn each morning you'll see the fishermen putting out to sea, and tens of tiny sails flutter across the water. Anakao has some pretty beaches, and offshore lies Nosy Ve. This tiny island has a white sandy shoreline, and is home to hundreds of tropic birds. The reefs off Anakao offer good diving and surfing. While snorkelling it is possible to see a myriad of fish including surgeonfish, angelfish, butterfly fish, groupers and rays.

Wildlife of Anakao

On the outskirts of Anakao village you will find some interesting tombs and once you are clear of the populated areas you start to see wildlife including ring-tailed lemurs, tortoises, chameleons, geckos and other lizards. Three bays south of Anakao is an area of mangrove swamp that is rewarding for birdwatchers. You can often see Madagascar plovers, flamingoes, hoopoes, bee-eaters and vasa parrots.