Things To Do
in Beheloka

Beheloka is a small coastal town in Madagascar known for its friendly fishermen and palm-lined beaches. The town blends traditional Malagasy culture with a bustling harbor and colorful markets. Visitors can savor fresh seafood, explore nearby mangroves, and watch sunsets over the turquoise Indian Ocean.

Surrounded by low hills and rural villages, Beheloka provides an authentic gateway to Madagascar's southern coast.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Beheloka
morning
:

Arrive in Beheloka and settle into your accommodation, surrounded by lush landscapes. Take a moment to breathe in the fresh air and get acquainted with the vibrant local culture. A delicious Malagasy breakfast awaits you as you prepare for your adventure.

afternoon
:

Explore the nearby village, meeting friendly locals and learning about their everyday life. Visit local markets to experience the incredible variety of fruits, vegetables, and handmade crafts unique to the region. Capture beautiful photographs of the colorful surroundings and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.

evening
:

Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor dishes like zebu steak and fresh seafood. Gather around a fire and listen to local musicians play traditional Malagasy tunes. Share stories with fellow travelers as you gaze at the starry night sky.

day 2
Visit to Andavadoaka Beach
morning
:

Start your day with a boat trip to Andavadoaka Beach, known for its pristine sands and stunning views. Enjoy the tranquil morning on the turquoise waters as you soak up the sun or snorkel among vibrant coral reefs. The clear waters are perfect for spotting various marine life, making it a haven for ocean enthusiasts.

afternoon
:

Return from the beach and partake in a cooking class where you’ll learn to make traditional Malagasy cuisine. Taste the delicious meals you’ve created while bonding with your cooking classmates. Afterwards, spend time relaxing on the beach or exploring the nearby mangroves.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a beachfront dinner, listening to the soothing sound of waves. Feast on grilled fish alongside locally sourced salads and rice dishes. Conclude the night with a stroll along the beach, feeling the warm sand beneath your feet.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$4-8
🚕Taxi ride (short distance)$1-3
🥤Soft drink$0.50-1.5
🥖Street-side snack$0.5-2
🛍️Handicraft souvenir$3-20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful beaches and friendly locals
  • Authentic Malagasy culture and fresh seafood
  • Accessible boat trips and mangrove ecosystems
  • Low-cost destination with genuine experiences
  • Limited infrastructure in some areas
  • Internet can be slow or unreliable
  • Rural medical facilities are basic; plan ahead
  • Seasonal weather can affect travel plans
  • "Manao ahoana" - Hello / How are you?
  • "Misaotra" - Thank you
  • "Azafady" - Please / Excuse me
  • "Salama" - Hello / Goodbye
  • "Inona ny vaovao?" - What's new?

Places to Visit in Beheloka

Visit one of these nice places.

Beheloka Lighthouse Cliff

An iconic vantage point over the coastline offering sweeping views of the reef at sunset.

Beheloka Harbor at Dawn

Working harbor with colorful boats and fishermen, ideal for sunrise photography.

Palm-lined Oasis Beach

Long sandy stretch with coconut palms, perfect for wide-angle beach shots and silhouettes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Beheloka

Madagascar’s coastal cuisine centers on rice, fresh seafood, and fragrant spices, reflecting African, Indian, and French influences. Expect bold flavors, coconut milk, and plenty of citrus. Fresh fruit and tropical drinks are common, especially after a day on the water. Eating with locals offers a chance to learn about sourcing ingredients from markets and the sea.

Beheloka Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Romazava

A traditional Malagasy beef stew with greens, usually served with rice.

Must-Try!

Akoho sy Voanio

Chicken simmered in coconut milk with garlic, ginger, and spices.

Ravitoto

Pork cooked with crushed cassava leaves and fragrant seasonings, served over rice.

Mofo Gasy

Sweet or savory Malagasy rice flour pancakes often enjoyed for breakfast or snacks.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Beheloka Market

Bustling hub for fresh seafood, produce, and Malagasy snacks, especially in the mornings.

Market de la Petite Vohita

Street stalls offering koba (date- and peanut-based snack), roasted corn, and tropical fruit.

Climate Guide

Weather

The coastal climate is tropical, hot and humid for much of the year with a pronounced rainy season. Temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to mid-90s Fahrenheit (24-35°C), depending on the time of year and sea breeze. Humidity can be high, making the heat feel more intense during the day, with cooler nights near the coast during the dry season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and Respect

A polite greeting in Malagasy or French goes a long way; address elders with courtesy and use both hands when offering something.

Dress and Sacred Sites

Conservative attire near religious sites; remove shoes when entering homes as a guest; avoid revealing clothing in rural areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

Exercise standard travel precautions: keep valuables secure, avoid displaying expensive gear, use reputable guides, and be cautious at night in quiet areas. Mosquito protection is recommended year-round to reduce malaria risk. Stay informed about weather alerts, especially during the rainy season and potential cyclones.

Tipping in Beheloka

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated for good service: 5-10% in restaurants; small tips for guides and drivers are common.

Payment Methods

Cash in Malagasy Ariary is preferred; some urban shops accept cards; mobile money (e.g., Mvola) is widely used for transfers.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer (Nov–Apr)

Hot and humid with frequent afternoon rain showers and occasional tropical storms; carry a light rain jacket and sun protection.

Winter (May–Oct)

Dry season with cooler mornings and pleasant daytime temperatures; evenings can be cool, especially near the coast.

Nightlife Guide

Beheloka at Night

Beheloka’s nightlife is modest, with beach bars offering live music, acoustic sets, and lantern-lit evenings. Expect a relaxed vibe, friendly crowds, and opportunities to enjoy fresh seafood after sunset. Some venues host spontaneous traditional dance and kapok-like percussion performances on weekends.

Hiking in Beheloka

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Andohahela National Park Trails

Forest and savanna trails with diverse flora and fauna; multi-day treks possible with a local guide.

Coastal Trail near Beheloka

Easy to moderate coastal hikes with views of lagoons and mangroves; suitable for day trips.

Airports

How to reach Beheloka by plane.

Ivato International Airport (TNR)

Madagascar's main international gateway near Antananarivo; most international travelers connect here before domestic travel.

Toamasina Airport (TVA)

Regional airport serving the east coast; domestic flights connect coastal towns and major centers.

Toliara – Sanvean Airport (MOQ)

Southwest coast airport offering regional flights to several inland and coastal destinations.

Getting Around

Walkability

Beheloka is fairly walkable within the town center and seaside promenade. Distances between markets, harbor, and beaches are short, but sidewalks can be uneven and shaded areas may be slippery after rain. The heat and humidity can make longer walks uncomfortable during midday.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Malagasy Community

Predominantly Malagasy residents with diverse dialects; strong fishing and farming heritage.

Tourists and Expatriates

Small but growing presence; many residents speak French and some English in tourist spots.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport; informal matches occur on local pitches and beaches.

Basketball

Community courts are common, especially near schools and youth centers.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is light in the early morning and late afternoon, with shared taxis and small motorbikes common. Roads range from paved to dusty dirt paths; during the rainy season, travel times can increase due to poor road conditions. Public transportation is affordable but can be crowded and informal, so plan extra time for longer trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Beheloka.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Choose vegetable stews, beans with rice, grilled vegetables, and fresh fruit; request vegetable-based roasts or curries where available.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities in Beheloka are basic; for routine care, there are local clinics, but for advanced treatment, travel to larger cities such as Antananarivo or coastal hospitals is common. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is advisable; bring essential medications and a basic first-aid kit.

Discover Madagascar

Read more in our Madagascar 2025 Travel Guide.

Madagascar Travel Guide