Tulear

On the south western coast of Madagascar is an important port, the city of Tulear, made up of about 100,000 people.

For bird lovers, the city is a gateway for the birding hotspots of Madagascar, namely St. Augustin Bay, the islet of Nosy Ve and Ifaty.

From the September to March, Tulear is at its most attractive, as the flame trees are in bloom, covering the city in vivid colour.

There are a variety of comfortable hotels in Tulear, complete with swimming pool to allow you to take a break from your travels and relax for a night or two.

Tulear is a great city for wandering, with vibrant markets and busy shoppers. The streets are decorated with painted pousse-pousses and it is the best place on the island to buy a traditional lamba or a mohair rug.

A must visit is to the east of the town, the Arboretum d’Antsokay. This is a great place to see a collection of over 900 plant species, specially adapted to the varying conditions on the island. You can also see a range of birds and reptiles, as well as the mouse lemur, Microcebus griseorufus.