Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(genuine masks are rare in Madagascar) with real human teeth. These are well-displayed
and labelled, and include some Sakalava erotic tomb sculptures.
Marine enthusiasts should visit the
Musée de la Mer
[212 C7] (
m
032 40 956 64;
Mo-Fri 08.00-11.30 & 14.30-17.30, Sat 08.00-11.30, Sun closed; entry 10,000Ar
), also
run by the university, on Route de la Porte. The main attraction is the preserved coel-
acanths: seven have been caught around Toliara of which three are on display here. The
fascinating collection also includes shells, coral, whale teeth and bones, crustaceans and
lots of other marine curiosities - as well as a somewhat out-of-place ostrich skeleton!
Arboretum d'Antsokay
(
12km from Toliara, just north of the turn to St Augustine on
RN7;
m
032 02 600 15;
e
info@antsokayarboretum.org
;
www.antsokayarboretum.org
;
entry inc tour 10,000Ar
) This botanical garden should not be missed by anyone with an in-
terest in the flora - and accompanying fauna - of the southwest. Around a thousand plant
species are showcased, mostly endemic to the region, and many with medicinal qualities.
English-speaking guides take you on a two-hour tour of the 7ha planted area of the 50ha
arboretum where you will see around 100 species of
Euphorbia
and 60 species of
Kalan-
choe
, as well as an abundance of birds and reptiles. Indeed, with the spiny forest fast dis-
appearing, this is one of the best places in the region for birders. Try to arrive as early as
possible to avoid the heat of the day. Better still, stay overnight in one of the smart bunga-
lows of
AubergedelaTable,
or camp (10,000Ar/tent). Excellent meals are served at their
restaurant
The Dry Forest
.
