Ifaty
Ifaty has merged with a nearby town known as Mangily to the north of Toliara, and is a beach resort that offers sand, sea, snorkelling and beach bungalows. This is a good place to experience the waters on the western side of Madagascar.
Of the activities available, most revolve around the sea. With a beautiful view of reef protected beaches that allow for good snorkelling and diving, as well as whale-watching, it is a tranquil place to stay. Power-boat excursions to Nosy Ve and Anakao are also available, an exhilarating way to explore the waters.
If the sea doesn’t capture your fancy, there are beautiful gardens in which some wonderful insects such as butterflies and dragonflies frequent and after dark reptile hunting can be very rewarding. Demeril’s boa, geckos and chameleons are residents of the area.
With large areas of spiny forest as well, bird-watching is extremely rewarding, and the forests are easy to find and easy to spend hours in. A protected section known as Reserve Ornithologique et Botanique offers guided tours, and a sighting of a long-tailed ground roller and subdesert mesite is almost guaranteed.
More about Madagascar
Our Recommended Tours
East and Southern Madagascar - 14 day/13 night
This is a guideline itinerary, price depends on time of the year and availability
Known as the "Red Island" the local Madagascans are an exceptionally welcoming nation and have much to offer the visitor to their large island. The sun shines year round and beautiful white beaches are complimented by the amazing fauna and flora. This 14 day/13 night itinerary covers the highlights through the east and southern parts of Madagascar by road and is packed with activities.
Other Options
The experience here is completely different to that of northern Madagascar, and it's definitely worth considering the Nosy Mangabe for whale watching, Nosy Be for lemurs and beaches, and Amber Mountain National Park for a broad variety of fauna and flora.
