Madagascar

The capital of southwestern Madagascar, Toliara or Tuléar, is located approximately 1,000 km from Antananarivo at the end of the RN7. Nicknamed the "White City" or the "City of the Sun," Tuléar is a cosmopolitan town. 

Situated under the Tropic of Capricorn, Tuléar is a favorite destination for travelers seeking a relaxed atmosphere and a paradisiacal environment. Toliara warmly welcomes visitors for a delightful stay.

History

The city of Tuléar was established in 1895 by a French architect. It was designed with a strict grid pattern, giving it the straight avenues it still boasts today.

Tuléar today

The region of Tuléar is a land of discovery and culture, home to welcoming populations living in harmony with the semi-arid nature that defines the area. Nestled on a vast coastal plain bordered by mangroves and coral sand beaches, the land of the Vezo fishermen and Masikoro farmers overlooks the Ranobe lagoon and the magnificent Mozambique Channel. 

Due to its location on the Tropic of Capricorn, Tuléar enjoys a pleasant climate and almost constant sunshine throughout the year, justifying its nickname as the "City of the Sun."

The Tuléar region is a significant destination on the Great Island. To the north, coral beaches line the Ifaty lagoon; to the south, beyond Saint Augustin Bay, lie the beaches of Anakao leading toward the Far South. The area offers natural treasures perfect for both exploration and relaxation.

For an alternative experience of the Mozambique Channel lagoon, beyond diving and leisure, head to one of the beaches to observe the Vezo fishermen's unique techniques on their traditional canoes. This once-nomadic ethnic group now resides in scattered coastal villages, living primarily from fishing. In harmony with nature, they practice relatively sustainable fishing using nets, hooks, or even freediving, though their catches remain modest.

Tuléar is also home to the Mahafaly people. This ethnic group, primarily agricultural, inhabits the lands around Tuléar. By following sandy paths lined with centuries-old tombs, you can meet these men, tools in hand, walking long distances between villages to tend their fields. Women typically manage maize crops or travel to the city to sell their small goods at the market. The scattered villages, made up of traditional houses, create a picturesque, timeless setting. The tranquility of these villages evokes a sense of peace, although a closer look at the population reveals challenges such as zebu thefts carried out by other regional ethnic groups.

The funerary art of the South

Funerary art represents a rich cultural heritage of Madagascar's southern region. The tombs, often square or rectangular, are adorned with paintings depicting the lives of the deceased. The most famous are those in Andranovory. The tomb of King Baba, a Masikoro king, is located on the outskirts of the city, where his remains have rested for over 100 years.

Climate

Tuléar is influenced by the southern wind, the "Tsiokatimo," a powerful wind that can occasionally cause sandstorms during certain periods of the year. Rain is almost nonexistent in the city. 

The average temperature is 24°C (75°F). July is the driest month of the year, while January is considered the most pleasant. 

The best and coolest times to visit Tuléar and the Atsimo-Andrefana region are from April to November. From December to March, the austral summer brings very high temperatures, and the lagoon waters become extremely warm.

What to see and do in Tuléar?

• Visit the coastline along the Ranobe lagoon and the Mozambique Channel to meet the Vezo fishermen and discover their fishing techniques.
• Explore the city’s markets, vibrant gathering places for locals and treasure troves of goods.
• Walk the trails outside the city to encounter Masikoro farmers in their villages.