Discover traditional dhow building, salt flats and authentic Vezo fishing village life on this cultural day trip from Morondava.
The coastal town of Belo sur Mer, a short drive south from Morondava, is possibly one of the more interesting and authentic places in Western Madagascar.
Unlike the more famed destinations in the region, Belo sur Mer is a working fishing port with locals living life through work, tides and traditions passed down over generations. The village is primarily known for its traditional wooden dhows which are made completely by hand in yards with techniques inherited through generations from fathers to sons.
Belo is more than beaches and fishing boats. It also explores the extensive salt plains that envelop the village where seawater is evaporated into sparkling white salt under the searing western Madagascar sun, and with a view to village life, fishing culture and secluded coastal scenery it offers an insight into an ever‑so‑slightly “other” side of Madagascar very few travelers will experience.
The Experience
5:00 AM: Departure from Morondava. Head south, following sandy tracks through dry forests, baobab landscapes and distant Vezo huts. The travel itself is very much part of the experience, offering a unique opportunity to explore a largely tourist‑free area that few get to see!
Arrival in Belo sur Mer after around 4 to 5 hours of travel by car. Visit to the village’s well‑known dhow‑building yards – among the last of these, some traditional wooden sailing ships measure more than twenty metres in length and are handcrafted without modern machinery. Visitors may see craftsmen shaping timber, assembling hulls or working on the frames of future boats.
Next, the tour goes to the nearby salt flats where salt production still relies on traditional evaporation ponds. The salt flats offer great photographic opportunities and insight into one of the essential economic activities in the region. Lunch at a local restaurant. Free time to stroll around the village, watch fishermen coming back with their haul or sit on the seaside.
3:00 PM: Departure from Belo sur Mer. Arrival back at Morondava in the early evening.
Why Choose This Experience
Belo sur Mer is nothing like Madagascar’s national parks and popular beach spots. Instead of wildlife or resorts, this trip offers a glimpse into the daily life of a traditional coastal community. Dhow building, salt production, fishing culture and seclusion combine to make one of the most traditional experiences you can have from Morondava.