Things To Do
in Androy
Androy is Madagascar's southern region, a remote expanse of hot scrubland, thorny forests, and a rugged coastline along the Mozambique Channel. It is home to the Antandroy people, whose crafts, dress, and customs color the markets and villages. Travel here means long stretches between towns, warm hospitality, and markets where rice, cassava, and zebu meat shape daily life.
The climate is hot and mostly dry with a brief wet season that can reshape landscapes and road conditions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in the vibrant city of Toliara and transfer to Androy. Enjoy a scenic drive through stunning landscapes filled with baobab trees and traditional villages. Take in the local culture as you pass by bustling markets and friendly locals.
Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a traditional Malagasy lunch. Afterward, take a guided tour of the nearby village to see local crafts and gain insight into the daily lives of the community. Engage with artisans and learn about the unique customs that define the Androy region.
In the evening, savor a delicious dinner featuring local cuisine at a restaurant overlooking the coast. Reflect on your first day while enjoying the sounds of the ocean. Rest early to prepare for the adventures ahead.
Wake up early to embark on a trek through Isalo National Park, renowned for its spectacular landscapes and unique rock formations. Navigate through canyons and natural swimming pools surrounded by sprawling flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for endemic wildlife and take breathtaking photographs.
Have a picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery of the park, feeling the serenity envelop you. Continue exploring the trails, discovering hidden waterfalls and natural rock formations that tell the geological story of Madagascar. Enjoy the vibrant colors of the afternoon sun as it casts shadows on the cliffs.
Return to your accommodation to freshen up and relax after a day of adventure. In the evening, delight in dinner with fellow travelers, sharing stories and tips about your experiences. Enjoy the clear night sky while stargazing in the tranquil environment.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-6 |
| 🚕Local transport (taxi-brousse or short ride) | $1-5 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel room (per night) | $15-40 |
| 🧊Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.5-1.5 |
| ☕Coffee or snack | $0.5-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural experiences and warm hospitality
- Stunning coastal scenery and unique spine forest landscapes
- Remote and sometimes challenging travel logistics
- Limited infrastructure and healthcare options in rural areas
- "Salama" - Hello
- "Manao ahoana" - How are you?
- "Misaotra" - Thank you
- "Azafady" - Please / Excuse me
- "Aiza ny trano fandraisam-bahiny?" - Where is the hotel?
- "Tsy azoko ny teny" - I do not understand the language
Places to Visit in Androy
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful market stalls and local life provide vibrant portrait and street photography opportunities.
Exposed coastlines and sea horizons offer dramatic wide-angle sunset shots.
Dense thorny scrub and unique plants create interesting foregrounds for landscape photography.
Sweeping views over the scrubland and distant coastline make for epic landscape frames.
Food in Androy
Androy Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Beef and greens stew served with rice; a staple in many eateries across Androy.
Must-Try!
Pounded cassava leaves cooked with pork; typically served with rice.
Rice with sautéed greens and sometimes small fish or meat; a common accompaniment.
Chicken cooked with coconut sauce and spices; flavorful and widely available near coastal towns.
Sweet snack made from ground peanuts, rice flour, and banana; popular in markets and as a dessert.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Main daily market where you can sample fresh produce, cassava, fish, and local snacks.
Early morning stalls along the shore offering grilled fish and fried calamari.
Markets near the coast selling salt and dried fish products to take as souvenirs.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet others with a warm hello and a simple nod or handshake; using the right hand is customary.
Ask permission before photographing people or private spaces; be respectful of cultural norms at ceremonies or tomb sites.
Dress modestly, especially in villages. Avoid public displays of affection in conservative areas.
Safety
Tipping in Androy
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but not mandatory. For guides or drivers, 2000-10000 MGA per day is common, higher for longer tours.
Cash in Malagasy Ariary is king. Some larger shops or lodges may accept local mobile money (eg Mvola) or credit cards in towns, but cash is safest in rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with the potential for heavy rains and cyclones. Roads can be muddy and transportation variable; pack rain gear and plan extra travel time.
Dry season with cooler nights and hot days. Better for hiking and outdoor activities, but bring sun protection and plenty of water.
Androy at Night
Hiking in Androy
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short, scenic climb to overlook scrubland and coastline; suitable for a half-day excursion.
Low to moderate difficulty along the coast with opportunities for photography and fresh sea air.
Airports
How to reach Androy by plane.
Major gateway to the southwest; regular domestic connections and some international flights via Antananarivo.
Coastal southern airport with regional flights and links to other towns; travel from here to Androy by road or with a local guide.
Small local airstrip serving the Androy area; weather can affect flights, so plan accordingly.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The primary ethnic group in Androy, known for distinctive dress, jewelry, and ancestral traditions.
Fishing communities along the coast with close ties to the sea and its rhythms.
Smaller groups whose cultural practices intersect with southern Madagascar traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched in towns across Androy.
Fishing communities and coastal towns engage in casual volleyball and other seaside games.
In coastal areas, fishing remains a traditional practice and sport of sorts for many residents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Androy.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist in towns, but protein may be limited. Rely on rice with greens, beans, lentil dishes, and vegetable stews; ask cooks to omit meat and fish and request extra greens.