Foulpointe & Mahambo
Two coastal towns north of Toamasina offering a choice: Foulpointe's busy shallows or Mahambo's quieter, larger lagoon.
The road north from Toamasina reaches Foulpointe first, 60 kilometers away. The town announces itself with roadside stalls stacked high with colorful swim rings and bathing suits. Its main draw is a wide, shallow bay protected by a reef, where the water stays waist-deep for a long distance, making it a weekend favorite for families from the city. For travelers seeking more space, the choice is to continue another 30 kilometers north to Mahambo.
Unlike the concentrated activity of Foulpointe, Mahambo unfolds along a longer, quieter stretch of coast. The lagoon is larger, the beach wider, and the vegetation more present, creating a different pace. The main historical point of interest for both towns is Manda Fort, a 19th-century structure built to defend against pirates. Its coral-block walls, once on the shoreline, now stand 500 meters inland—a marker of how the coastline has changed over 200 years.
Best time to visit
Where to stay
Beach LodgeModern lines on the sand, facing the channel of migrating whales.
Mountain LodgeA perspective of stone and light in the Isalo massif.
Tented CampAn expedition into the limestone labyrinth of northwestern Madagascar.
Frequently asked questions
Foulpointe is a busier town with a very shallow bay, popular with local families. Mahambo is quieter, with a larger lagoon, a wider beach, and more surrounding greenery.
Foulpointe is about 60km (1.5–2 hours) north of Toamasina. Mahambo is an additional 30km (another 45–60 minutes) further north along the RN5.
No, a visit to Manda Fort is short, typically taking less than an hour. It can be easily combined with time at the beach in either Foulpointe or Mahambo.
