Making the most of Tulear or Toliara
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The vessel is due to berth at Toliary port, about 2 km (about 1 ¼ mile) from the town centre. Taxis and pousse-pousse, or rickshaws, collect customers only at the main port gate. Walking into town is not recommended because of the distance and heat. Do not carry much cash or wear expensive jewellery.
Tulear, also called Toliary and Toliara, stands on Madagascar's south-west coast. It is the capital of Atsimo-Andrefana region and Toliara province, within a wild semi-desert area. Set in the Southern Dry Forest, Tulear's dusty roads and dry air evoke an "old west" town.
Food and shopping
Visit the market for lively local colour and a remarkable collection of produce and spices. Most shops line P-Tsiranana Blvd, Toliary's principal street. Lyautey Blvd's souvenir market is known for woodcarvings, gems, stones, Alo Alo totems and masks.
Money
The Ariary is the local currency, although sellers accept US dollars and Euros.
Staying connected
A Vezo pirog man and his explorer passenger gave the town its name. On arrival, the man declared "Toly Eroa", meaning "Here we are", while the passenger referred to the place as "Tulear". Malagasy is the primary language, and French is spoken in many localities.