Foulpointe & Mahambo
Two coastal towns north of Toamasina, one offering the lively shallows of Foulpointe, the other the quieter, more expansive lagoon of Mahambo.
The road north from Toamasina reaches Foulpointe first, some 60 kilometres distant. The town announces its presence with roadside stalls stacked high with colourful inflatable rings and swimwear. Its main appeal is a wide, shallow bay protected by a reef, where the water remains waist-deep for a considerable distance, making it a favoured weekend destination for families from the city. For travellers in search of more space, the clear choice is to continue another 30 kilometres north to Mahambo.
Unlike the concentrated activity of Foulpointe, Mahambo unfolds along a longer, quieter stretch of coast. The lagoon is larger, the beach broader, 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 metres inland, a marker of how the coastline has changed over 200 years.
Best time to visit
Where to stay
Mountain LodgeA perspective of stone and light in the Isalo massif.
Forest LodgeWhere the rainforest floor meets the Tampolo coral reef.
Boutique HotelA quiet arrival. A considered departure. Your first night in 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 broader beach, and more verdant surroundings.
Foulpointe is approximately 60 km (1.5–2 hours) north of Toamasina. Mahambo is an additional 30 km (a further 45–60 minutes) north along the RN5.
No, a visit to Manda Fort is brief, typically taking less than an hour. It can be easily combined with time spent on the beach in either Foulpointe or Mahambo.
