Toliara

Fondly known by locals as the ‘City of the Sun’, this coastal city is most commonly used as a base for exploring the Great Reef. Toliara is located on a broad coastal plain, surrounded by towering dunes and gorgeous mangroves. It is home to some excellent restaurants where you can sample the fabulously fresh and flavourful local cuisine. The city is characterised by a bohemian, tropical ambience, colonial-style buildings, and dusty lanes teeming with brightly coloured rickshaws called ‘pousse-pousse’. Popular local attractions include: the Arboretum d'Antsokay, an impressive botanical garden with more than 920 plant species such as, lemurs, radiated tortoises, and chameleons; the nearby Ifaty beach, famous for its crystal clear waters, stretches of golden sand and wonderful diving and snorkeling opportunities; as well as a local waterfront market, which showcases various skillfully made local handicraft products.