Lac Ihotry Morombe

 
Lover of nature or passionate about ornithology? This destination in the south-west of Madagascar is just for you! Wild ducks, ibis, pink and white flamingos, Malagasy jacana and cormorants can all be observed around the lake, not to mention the migrating birds that fly here from the northern hemisphere, as well as the water birds: the grey plover, common greenshank, common sandpiper and the curlew sandpiper. The lake acts as a true refuge for the birds in the region stretching from
Tuléar to Morombe.
 
Madagascar’s third largest lake, Ihotry, a salt lake, is surrounded by several smaller permanent lakes and temporary marshes, notably lakes Saronanala, Kiliolio and Andranolava. Depending on the season, it covers an area of between 960 and 11,200 hectares.
 
Fairly shallow, 3.80m in depth at the most, the lake is located on the coastal plain of Masikoro, 100km or so from Tuléar. Its waters are brackish. Known for its salt content, higher than the sea (with a maximum of 21g/litre), it is considered to be ‘hyper salty’. Its chlorine content is 1.3g/litre. The salt content of lake Ihotry does not come from the sea: the salts it contains are brought in by continental waters and as these are concentrated in a dip, they evaporate, leaving the salts.
 
Lake Ihotry is a true tourist attraction for Morombe. It is remote and difficult of access, but your perseverance will be rewarded once you arrive in the village. The landscapes along the way consist of steppes, bush savannah and baobab forests.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine August 2019

Useful Information

When to go

The average annual temperature for the region is de 24°C. The best time to visit Lake Ihotry is from April to October.

How to get there

Air Madagascar runs flights to Tuléar from Antananarivo or Saint-Denis (Reunion). Then it will be a 100km drive to the lake, which lies to the south of Morombe, along the RN55, through Ambahikily and Tanandava.

Where to stay

You will need to stay in Morombe, which has several very good hotels, ready to give you a warm welcome: Chez Laurette, La Pirogue d’or, Laguna Blue, L’Hôtel Baobab or Chez Katia.

Where to eat

Dishes prepared using fresh local products are served in all the restaurants of Morombe. You can also bring a picnic to eat al fresco on the banks of the lake.

What to see

Tilapias are the only fish found in the salt lake and fishing is not allowed. Occasional boat-trips over the lake are organised. Take some time during your stay in Morombe to contemplate the beauty of one of the world’s largest lagoons. Watch the dhows and the schooners sailing between Morondava and Tuléar and stopping off in the harbour of Morombe. Very early in the morning, you can see the fishermen bringing in their catch. Finally, go and admire the giant baobabs, several thousands of years old. Some are held to be sacred.