Belo Sur Mer, Madagascar

Vezo Fishermen’s Village

Introduction

Sweet little village.

Belo-sur-Mer is a larger Vezo* village on the west coast of Madagascar, located 60 km south of Morondava.

*Vezo is one of the 28 ethnic groups of Madagascar. [Post coming soon].

Lively village with positive vibes.

The village

Rather large village, of about 10 thousands of inhabitants and loooots-I mean looooots-of kids. Tidy little houses with spacious front-yards full of children are giving it a special positive charm. Most of the population are farmers, so the village seems to have a lot of “people in town”. Tourists are regular here.

*[Exchange Rate: 1 Eur = 4000 Ar]

Where to eat

There are plenty of restaurants in the village. Small local and many for tourists as well. There is also a large supply of street food, numerous stands with samosas, noodle soup, fried fish and meet, manioc and potato and peanuts. In principle, it is easy to get zebu, fish, octopus and other fancier dishes.

Restaurant Chez Ami is an example of good restaurant for Tourists. It is located on the main street just near the main square. Prices:

• Fish (cca 300 g), rice included: 18.000-20.000 Ar,
• Zebu steak, rice included: 22.000 Ar,
• Water: 4000 Ar,
• Beer: 5000 Ar.

Local restaurant located in between the houses some 3 minutes away from Chez Ami. Selection of dishes is limited with daily fish supply. Zebu for example is rarely available. Prices:

• Fish (cca 1000g+), rice and rice water included: 12.000 Ar.

Prices for the breakfast dishes in the village

• Coffee: 100Ar/cup,
• Bouc-Bouc: 100 Ar/piece,
• Meet/Fish samosa: 100 Ar/piece (only available from afternoon on).

Prices of drinks in the Village shops

• Water 3.000 Ar,
• Beer 3.500-4.000 Ar,
• Rum: Cheap (Most locals can’t afford beer, they mostly drink rum).

Where to sleep

For this really small village, one has lots of alternatives for any type of budget.

Upper budget

Ecolodge has lovely bungalows with own shower, on the edge of the village, wi-fi available. Bungalow for 2 persons. Price: 90.000/day (= 22.5 Eur/day) in end September and October.

Medium budget

Chez Dorothy has cute bungalows for two overviewing the beach, but with separate bucket shower and toilette, there is a double bed with a good mosquito net, no wi-fi. Price: 25.000 Ar/day (= 6.25 Eur/day).

Low budget

Sleeping at nuns’place. Price: 10.000 Ar/day (= 2.5 Eur/day).

Daily activities

Chillaxing, beach walking, playing with the kids. Inner side of coral reef provides lovely opportunities for snorkeling and diving. This can easily be organized in the hotels. Kiting is not recommended as the sea area is rather open and wind can often directs towards open sea.

Night Life

There are a few bars with music/night clubs in the village. Walking down the main road and one passes most of them.

Market

There is a separate building reserved for fish and meat market, but otherwise the market mostly consists of small shops. Those family members who live and work in a province capital Morondava, regularly send the supply for the shops down-there. Therefore, one can easily find food, cosmetics, home utensils, clothes and plastic toys.

Cultural heritage

There are no museums nor cultural centers in the village.

Souvenirs and Malagasy art

There is no souvenir shop neither art shop. One can collect shells on the shore and the kids would probably be happy to sell you some. But so far, the idea to sell the shells is not in local’s mind.

Cleanliness score

The village and the beaches are rather clean!

Day Trips

• National park Kirindy Mitea
• Hutamac Ecovillage

How to go to Belo Sur Mer

To get to Belo Sur Mer is not that straightforward if one is traveling solo and on a budget. However, it is possible! [NEW!]

The Belo Sur Mer Beach

Check out this amazing beach. [To be added]