Anakao, a leading destination for cruise lovers

Located in the southern Toliara, Anakao is a charming rural commune that became one of cruise ships favourite destinations the last few years.

MSC Sinfonia was in Anakao in february

From 2013 to February 2014, Anakao’s port welcomed 13 cruise ships including the MSC Sinfonia. On February the 25th, the Mediterranean Shipping Company’s 250 meters long and 18 meters wide liner called at Anakao’s dock with nearly about 1,700 passengers and 796 staff members inboard after a stop-over in Durban. 160 members of the crew are Malagasy. Sophie Richard, the representative of the local Chef de Région and Shalim Sheraly, the representative of the Chairman of the Board of Madagascar National Tourism Office welcomed the passengers when the vessel anchored in the harbour 400 meters from Anakao. During these ten hours-long call, 1,000 travellers disembarked at the port.

Anakao and its main attractions

200 of them have booked shore excursions organized by Za Tours. The tour operator has chosen the Anakao site especially because it is the best opportunity for cruise lovers to discover southern Madagascar’s endemic fauna and flora. Folk shows and local food’s savour discovery were included in the program of these shore excursions. According to Andry Raoeliarizafy, that shows that the southern Madagascar remains in good position in the MSC’s brochure. The tourists were pleased to explore marine and coastal landscapes of Anakao. They also visited Nosy Ve Island, a heavenly place of Anakao. On the other side, the remaining 800 passengers choosed to enjoy sunbath and all the pleasures allows by the white sandy beach. It was also an opportunity for them to buy souvenirs made by local craftsmen especially for the occasion. In February, MSC Sinfonia call at Anakao’s harbour for the third time as the liners number stopping over in the destination increase every year.