Taolagnaro, more commonly known as Fort Dauphin, enjoys the most pleasant climate on the east coast of Madagascar, lying just east of the mountain range that prevents nearly all moisture from reaching the interior. The climate here is not as hot and humid as it is further north, which makes it ideal for holidays all year round, except for September when it’s constantly windy.

This typically laid-back Malagasy town is beautifully-set on a small peninsula flanked by sweeping golden beaches and backed by high mountains with green hills, blue seas and a myriad of surrounding attractions, making it a popular destination. The port of Taolagnaro is hardly used and rusting old shipwrecks can be seen in the vicinity. Fort Dauphin is "the lobster capital" of Madagascar and the town boasts excellent restaurants specialising in seafood. Much of Taolagnaro is under the control of the French family De Heaulmes, who own the up-market hotels and a small reserve. The reserve, Berenty, is the most well-known of all Madagascar's protected areas.

Fort Dauphin Points of Interest:

 - Bay of Lokaro has mini-cruises, beaches, swimming, walking and a nature reserve
 - Botanical and Zoological Garden Domain of Nahampoina
 - Galion Bay: beaches, lush vegetation
 - Libanona Beach
 - Private Reserve of Berenty for lemurs and the Arembelo Museum
 - Ranofotsy Bay with its flamingos
 - Saiadi Botanical Garden has lush vegetation, orchids and lemurs
 - St Luce Village, notable for its bay, coconut trees and reef