Nestled on Madagascar’s eastern coast, Toamasina (also known as Tamatave) serves as the country’s primary port city and the gateway to Madagascar’s stunning eastern coastline. As the second-largest city in Madagascar, Toamasina blends French colonial charm with vibrant Malagasy culture, creating a unique coastal destination often overlooked by mainstream tourism.

With its bustling port, beautiful beaches, and proximity to incredible natural attractions, Toamasina offers visitors an authentic Malagasy experience away from the more touristy areas. The city’s palm-lined avenues, colourful markets, and laid-back atmosphere make it an excellent base for exploring Madagascar’s eastern region.

When to Visit Toamasina

Climate & Seasons

Toamasina has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons:

• Dry Season (May to October): The ideal time to visit with comfortable temperatures (20-28°C) and lower humidity. Expect occasional rainfall as this eastern region is generally wetter than the rest of Madagascar.
• Wet Season (November to April): Characterised by high humidity, frequent rainfall, and potential cyclones, especially between January and March. While prices may be lower, some activities might be limited due to weather conditions.

Best Time to Visit: June to September offers the most pleasant weather for exploring Toamasina and its surroundings, with milder temperatures and less rainfall.

How to Get to Toamasina

By Air

• Toamasina Airport: The city has a small airport with limited domestic connections from Antananarivo, the capital city. Flights are operated by Madagascar Airlines.

By Road

• From Antananarivo: The RN2 highway connects the capital to Toamasina (approximately 370 km). The journey takes about 7-8 hours by car or taxi-brousse (shared minibus).
• Taxi-brousse: The most economical option, though less comfortable. Departures from Antananarivo’s Eastern Station cost around $8-12.
• Private Car Hire: More comfortable but costs $80-120 for the one-way journey.

By Rail

• The historic Malagasy railway offers a scenic journey between Antananarivo and Toamasina, though services are limited and not always reliable. The journey takes approximately 12 hours and tickets cost $15-25.

Getting Around Toamasina

• Tuk-tuks: The most popular way to get around, with fares ranging from $1-3 depending on distance.
• Taxi: Available throughout the city, costing slightly more than tuk-tuks at $3-5 per trip.
• Rental Cars: Limited options available, starting from $40 per day. International driving permits are recognized.
• Walking: The city centre is relatively compact and walkable, especially along the Boulevard Joffre and Avenue de l’Indépendance.

Where to Stay in Toamasina

Luxury Accommodations in Toamasina

• Calypso Hotel & Spa: The city’s premier hotel offering spacious rooms with sea views, a swimming pool, and excellent dining options. From $120 per night.
• Hotel Neptune: A beachfront property with comfortable rooms, restaurant, and bar. From $100 per night.

Mid-Range Accommodations in Toamasina

• Le Bateau Ivre: A charming hotel with a nautical theme, located near the beach with a good restaurant. From $60 per night.
• Hotel Sharon: Centrally located with clean, comfortable rooms and helpful staff. From $45 per night.

Budget-Friendly Accommodations in Toamasina

• Hôtel La Véranda: Simple but clean accommodation with a restaurant, located near the city centre. From $25 per night.
• Résidence Oasis: Basic rooms with fans and private bathrooms, offering good value. From $15 per night.

Local Experience

• Chez Sonia Guesthouse: Family-run accommodation offering an authentic local experience and home-cooked meals. From $20 per night.

Where to Eat in Toamasina

Local Cuisine

• Chez Madame Chabaud: A local institution serving traditional Malagasy dishes like romazava (meat and greens stew) and seafood specialties. Meals from $5-10.
• Restaurant Baobab: Authentic local food in a simple setting near the port. Try their seafood curry and ravitoto (pork with cassava leaves). Meals from $3-7.

International Options

• La Terrasse: French-inspired cuisine with excellent seafood dishes and a good wine selection. Dinner from $12-20.
• Le Bateau Ivre Restaurant: The hotel’s restaurant offers Mediterranean and Malagasy fusion dishes. Meals from $10-15.

Quick Bites & Street Food

• Central Market Food Stalls: Try local snacks like mofo gasy (Malagasy bread) and brochettes (grilled meat skewers) for under $2.
• Café de la Gare: Perfect for coffee, pastries, and light lunches. Snacks from $2-5.

Coffee & Desserts

• Pâtisserie Colbert: French-style pastries and coffee in a charming setting. Treats from $2-4.
• Glacier du Port: Local ice cream shop with tropical flavours like vanilla, coconut, and local fruits. From $1-3.

Top Things to Do in Toamasina

Within the City

1. Bazary Be (Grand Market): Explore the bustling central market where locals sell everything from fresh produce to handcrafted souvenirs. Don’t miss the spice section featuring Madagascar’s famous vanilla.
2. Boulevard Joffre: Stroll along this palm-lined avenue with colonial architecture, shops, and restaurants.
3. Independence Avenue: The city’s main street, perfect for people-watching and shopping.
4. Toamasina Port: Watch massive cargo ships from the viewing area and experience the heart of Madagascar’s maritime trade.
5. Fotsy Beach: The city’s main beach is a popular weekend spot for locals, offering basic amenities and food vendors.

Day Trips from Toamasina

1. Ivoloina Park (15 km north): A zoological and botanical park featuring Madagascar’s famous lemurs, reptiles, and native plants. Entry fee: $5.
2. Canal des Pangalanes: Take a boat tour along this 600 km waterway that runs parallel to the east coast. Day trips from $40 per person.
3. Île aux Prunes (Plum Island): A small island with pristine beaches, accessible by boat from the port. Boat trips from $30.
4. Foulpointe Beach (58 km north): One of the best beaches in the region with white sand, clear waters, and coral reefs for snorkelling. Day trip by taxi costs around $50 return.
5. Palmarium Reserve (3-4 hours south): Home to several lemur species in a protected palm forest along the Pangalanes Canal. Overnight trips recommended.

Cultural Experiences & Activities

1. Traditional Dance Performances: Catch live traditional Malagasy music and dance at venues like Hotel Neptune on weekend evenings.
2. Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare authentic Malagasy dishes at places like Le Bateau Ivre. Classes from $15 per person.
3. Community Tourism Projects: Visit nearby villages with local guides to learn about rural Malagasy life. Tours from $25.
4. Artisanal Workshops: Observe local craftspeople making raffia products and wood carvings in the Bazary Be area.

Adventure & Nature Activities

1. Canal des Pangalanes Kayaking: Explore the waterway by kayak, observing birds and village life. Half-day tours from $30.
2. Fishing Expeditions: Join local fishermen or arrange sport fishing trips through hotels. Half-day from $40.
3. Hiking at Ivoloina Forest: Guided trails through rainforest environments. Entry plus guide: $10.
4. Surf Lessons: When conditions are right, local instructors offer surf lessons at Foulpointe Beach from $15 per hour.

Shopping in Toamasina

1. Bazary Be: The best place for souvenirs, spices, and local crafts.
2. Avenue de l’Indépendance: Find clothing stores, pharmacies, and everyday necessities.
3. Artisanal Boutiques: Several small shops near the port area sell handcrafted items like raffia baskets and wooden sculptures.
4. What to Buy:
   • Madagascar vanilla beans (from $5 for quality pods)
   • Raffia products ($5-20)
   • Essential oils like ylang-ylang and clove ($5-15)
   • Local rum and flavoured rhums arrangés ($8-15)

Practical Information

Money Matters

• Currency: Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
• ATMs: Available in the city centre, primarily with BNI and BFV-SG banks
• Credit Cards: Accepted in major hotels and restaurants but have cash for smaller establishments
• Tipping: Not obligatory but 5-10% is appreciated for good service

Safety Tips

• Avoid displaying valuables and exercise caution after dark
• Use hotel safes for important documents and extra cash
• Stick to well-lit areas, especially at night
• Use only registered taxis and tuk-tuks

Health Considerations

• Medical facilities are limited; bring basic medicines
• Drink only bottled water
• Malaria is present; consult your doctor about prophylaxis before travel
• Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Madagascar

Communication

• Local SIM cards available from Telma, Orange, and Airtel (bring an unlocked phone)
• Data packages are affordable (approximately $5 for 5GB)
• Most hotels offer Wi-Fi, though connection can be unreliable

Language

• Malagasy and French are widely spoken
• English is limited but found in some tourist establishments
• Learning basic Malagasy greetings is appreciated:
  • Hello: “Salama”
  • Thank you: “Misaotra”
  • Please: “Azafady”

Responsible Tourism in Toamasina

• Support local businesses and guides rather than international chains
• Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting communities
• Avoid giving money directly to children; instead, support community projects
• Minimize plastic waste and dispose of rubbish properly
• Always ask permission before photographing people

Typical Costs

• Budget Traveller: $30-50 per day (basic accommodation, local food, public transport)
• Mid-Range: $60-100 per day (comfortable hotels, good restaurants, some activities)
• Luxury: $120+ per day (top hotels, fine dining, private transport, premium activities)

Sample Itineraries

2-Day Toamasina Stopover

Day 1: Explore the city centre, Bazary Be, and Boulevard Joffre; enjoy dinner at Chez Madame Chabaud.

Day 2: Morning at Fotsy Beach; afternoon visit to Ivoloina Park; farewell dinner at La Terrasse.

5-Day Toamasina Experience

Day 1: City exploration and markets

Day 2: Day trip to Ivoloina Park

Day 3: Canal des Pangalanes boat excursion

Day 4: Visit to Foulpointe Beach

Day 5: Free morning for shopping; cooking class in the afternoon

7-Day Eastern Madagascar Adventure

Days 1-2: Toamasina city exploration

Days 3-4: Overnight trip to Palmarium Reserve

Day 5: Canal des Pangalanes cruise

Day 6: Beach day at Foulpointe

Day 7: Final shopping and cultural experiences in Toamasina

Final Tips

• Toamasina moves at a slower pace than Western cities; embrace the “mora mora” (slowly, slowly) approach
• The eastern region sees more rainfall than the rest of Madagascar, so pack a light raincoat even during the dry season
• Many attractions have limited online presence; your accommodation can help arrange activities
• Sunday is a quieter day with many businesses closed or operating limited hours
• Carrying small denominations of currency is helpful for markets and small purchases

Toamasina offers an authentic slice of Malagasy life away from the more touristy areas of the country. Its blend of colonial heritage, vibrant markets, and proximity to natural attractions makes it a rewarding destination for travellers seeking to experience Madagascar beyond the standard highlights.