A short hike, but with exceptional views of the Pic Saint-Louis, the town of Tolanaro (formerly Fort-Dauphin), the lagoons, Evatraha Bay and the inland mountain ranges. Accompanied by young people from the village to guide and "protect" us, the ascent is made via the steep east face, before gradually descending over a long undulating ridge resembling a dinosaur backbone, to the Marillac school on the west side. No particular difficulty, apart from the strength of the wind on the summit and on the ridge on the way back, which blew us over.
Technical summary
Type ✦ Hiking
Location ✦ Tolanaro
Region ✦ Anosy
Country ✦ Madagascar
Length ✦ 5km
Elevation gain ✦ 515m
Difficulty ✦ MD
Duration ✦ 2h to 3h
Interest ✦ ★
Access to the place
From Tolanaro, take the road to the QMM Ilmenite mining operation to the east, and at the quarry, which is clearly visible, turn left to return on a track to SIMFOR level. It's best to contact the villagers' association via the Hôtel de la Croix du Sud, and arrange to meet them at the quarry for departure. Ask for a lift and arrange for a second vehicle at the arrival point.
We cross the quarry's work area to attack the ascent directly.
Course 2h30 à 3h
The first part of the trek is east-facing, then west. It's best to do it very early to take advantage of the morning light. Approx. 515m ascent on a fairly well-marked but unmarked trail.
Part 1: Pic Saint Louis (1h45 to 2h)
Climb the granite slabs and reach a 1st landing with a view of new large granite slabs and boulders, surrounded by vegetation. Climb up a sort of valley and then zigzag up to the summit. The path is buried in the tall grass and trees and is not visible. Higher up you come to a pass where you can suddenly see the other side. Here we follow a dividing line up to the summit.
Part 2: the crêtes de Marillac (45' to 1h)
From the summit, descend steeply on the west side into the jungle, which corresponds to the head of the peak. You can soon see the descent path on the long, rounded ridge in the shape of a gigantic spine. The terrain then becomes less steep, and we walk almost all the way down this grassy ridge, in totally open and exposed terrain, which runs south-west with an exceptional panorama all the way. Much further down, we pass some antennae, then behind them the path descends into the forest to reach the back of the Marillac school. End of the hike.
Back
Cross the Marillac school and return to the main road where the finish parking lot is located.
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