Anakao Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, and eat in Anakao, Madagascar. Read our comprehensive travel guide to plan your next adventure to this stunning coastal town.


Anakao is a stunning coastal town in the Toliara Province of Madagascar, famous for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. This small fishing village is the perfect destination for travelers looking for an authentic experience, away from crowded tourist spots. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your next adventure to Anakao, including the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay.

Introduction to Anakao

Anakao is located on the southwestern coast of Madagascar, in the Toliara Province. This small fishing village is a popular destination for travelers looking to relax, unwind, and explore the natural beauty of Madagascar’s coast. The village itself is small, with just a few thousand inhabitants, but it is surrounded by spectacular scenery, including pristine beaches, turquoise water, and colorful coral reefs.

List of Places to Visit in Anakao

Anakao is a small village, but there are several places worth visiting during your stay. Here are some of the top attractions in and around Anakao:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Antsokay Arboretum - This botanical garden, located just outside the city, is a great place to explore native plants and animals.

Natural Attractions of Anakao: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Nosy Ve Island - Located just a short boat ride from Anakao, Nosy Ve Island is a beautiful place to explore and relax. You can sunbathe on the beach, walk around the island, and snorkel or dive in the surrounding waters.
  • Anakao Beach - The beach is the main attraction in Anakao, and it is a perfect place to relax or swim. The water is clear and warm, and there is plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the sun.
  • Coral Reefs - Anakao is surrounded by some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. You can snorkel or dive in the surrounding waters to see colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Anakao

Hiking and biking are great ways to explore the natural beauty of Anakao. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in the area:

  • Anakao to Ifaty Beach - This coastal path from Anakao to Ifaty Beach takes you past stunning beaches and beautiful landscapes. You can ride a bike or hike the trail, which takes about 3 hours one way.
  • Tsimanampetsotsa National Park - This park, located just outside Anakao, is a great place to explore Madagascar’s unique flora and fauna. You can hike the trails to see lemurs, chameleons, and other wildlife.

Best Things to Do in Anakao: Activities and Tours

Anakao is known for its natural beauty, and there are plenty of activities and tours to help you explore the area. Here are some of the best things to do in Anakao:

  • Snorkeling and Diving - Anakao is famous for its beautiful coral reefs, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel or dive in the surrounding waters.
  • Boat Tour to Nosy Ve Island - A boat tour to Nosy Ve Island is a great way to explore this beautiful island and its surrounding waters. You can sunbathe, swim, snorkel, or dive.
  • Fishing - Anakao is a fishing village, and there are plenty of opportunities to go fishing with local fishermen. You can catch fish like tuna, barracuda, and kingfish.

Week-Long Itinerary for Anakao

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Anakao, here’s a suggested itinerary that covers many of the top attractions in the area:

Day 1: Arrive in Anakao and check into your hotel. Spend the day relaxing on the beach or exploring the village.

Day 2: Take a boat tour to Nosy Ve Island, and spend the day exploring the island and snorkeling or diving in the surrounding waters.

Day 3: Go on a snorkeling or diving trip to see the beautiful coral reefs surrounding Anakao.

Day 4: Visit the Antsokay Arboretum and learn about Madagascar’s unique flora and fauna.

Day 5: Take a hiking or biking trip to explore the surrounding landscapes.

Day 6: Spend the day fishing with local fishermen, and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner in the evening.

Day 7: Relax on the beach and enjoy your last day in Anakao.

Food and Drink Scene of Anakao

Anakao is known for its delicious seafood dishes and refreshing local beverages. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local drinks in Anakao:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Seafood - Anakao is a fishing village, and there are plenty of delicious seafood dishes to try, including octopus curry, grilled fish, and lobster.
  • Ravitoto - This traditional Madagascar dish is made from cassava leaves, pork, and rice.

Local Beverages

  • Three Horses Beer - This beer, made in Madagascar, is a popular drink in Anakao.
  • Ranovola Rum - This local rum is made from sugarcane and comes in a variety of flavors.

Where to Stay in Anakao: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Anakao has a range of accommodations to fit every budget. Here are some of the top hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in the area:

  • La Mira de Madiorano - This beautiful hotel is located on the beach and has a pool, restaurant, and bar.
  • Hôtel Bai - This hotel is located in the center of Anakao and has a restaurant and bar.
  • Mahafaly Lodge - This lodge is located just outside Anakao and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.

What to Buy in Anakao: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

There are several souvenirs and local products to bring home from Anakao, including:

  • Handmade Jewelry - There are several local artisans in Anakao who create beautiful jewelry using shells and other materials.
  • Saffron - Anakao is famous for its high-quality saffron, which is a great souvenir to bring home.
  • Madagascar Vanilla - Madagascar is known for its high-quality vanilla, which is used in many dishes and desserts around the world.

Local Culture and Customs of Anakao

The people of Anakao are warm and welcoming, and visitors are encouraged to learn about the local culture and customs. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Respect Local Customs - Anakao is a conservative Muslim town, and visitors should respect local customs, such as dressing modestly and refraining from public displays of affection.
  • Learn Some Malagasy - While many people in Anakao speak French and English, learning a few words of Malagasy can go a long way in making connections with locals.

Best Time to Visit Anakao

The best time to visit Anakao is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is warm and dry, and there is little rainfall. The water is also clearer for snorkeling and diving during this period.

Do’s and Don’ts of Anakao

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local seafood dishes.
  • Learn about the local culture and customs.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing.
  • Engage in public displays of affection.
  • Disrespect the local culture.

Safety and Health

Safety in Anakao

Anakao is a safe destination for travelers, but like any destination, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.
  • Use caution when swimming or snorkeling in the ocean, and follow the advice of local guides.

Health in Anakao

Travelers to Anakao should take the following health precautions:

  • Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations.
  • Protect yourself from mosquito bites to avoid malaria, dengue fever, and other mosquito-borne illnesses.
  • Only drink bottled or boiled water.

Getting to Anakao: Transportation Options and Logistics

Anakao is located on the southwestern coast of Madagascar and can be reached by plane, bus or car.

Airports Near Anakao

The closest airport to Anakao is the Toliara Airport, which is about 30 kilometers away.

Bus Stations Near Anakao

There are several bus stations in the surrounding area, including the Toliara Bus Station.

Other Options

You can also rent a car or take a taxi from Toliara to Anakao.

How to Get Around in Anakao

Anakao is a small village, and you can easily walk around the village or rent a bike to explore the surrounding area. You can also arrange boat tours or hire a local guide to take you to nearby attractions.

Where to Go Next from Anakao: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of Madagascar, there are several nearby destinations and excursions worth considering, including:

  • Toliara - This nearby city offers more restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions than Anakao.
  • Andavadoaka - This charming fishing village is located about three hours north of Anakao and offers beautiful beaches and natural landscapes.

Conclusion

Anakao is a beautiful destination for travelers looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience in Madagascar. With its stunning natural beauty, rich culture and history, and delicious cuisine, it’s no wonder why so many visitors fall in love with this unique coastal town. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has inspired you to plan your next adventure to Anakao. Bon voyage!