Places / Africa / Madagascar
Toamasina
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At a glance
- Country
- Madagascar
- Region
- Atsinanana
- Population
- 325,000
- Best time to go
- September to December
- Main airport
- Toamasina (TMM)
- Coordinates
- 18.15°S, 49.40°E
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Overview
Toamasina, also known as Tamatave, is Madagascar's busiest port, a hot, humid city of wide palm-lined boulevards, faded colonial buildings and a constant stream of rickshaws called pousse-pousse.
It is not a beach destination in itself, but it is a useful hub on the east coast. From here you can reach a lemur park, the long inland waterway of the Pangalanes Canal and the road north towards Île Sainte-Marie.
Things to see
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Photo: Cédric Liénart from Lyon, France, CC BY-SA 2.0 Bazary Be
The main market, piled with tropical fruit, spices, vanilla and woven baskets.
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Photo: Maubwana, CC BY-SA 4.0 The seafront boulevard
A breezy promenade along the Indian Ocean, busiest with locals in the late afternoon.
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Photo: Kristof Zyskowski & Yulia Bereshpolova, CC BY 2.0 Parc Ivoloina
A zoo and conservation centre north of town, with lemurs, chameleons and forest trails.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: User:Hardscarf, CC BY-SA 3.0 Pangalanes Canal
Boat south through lagoons and canals lined with fishing villages and lakeside lodges.
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Photo: Benoît Prieur, CC0 Ride a pousse-pousse
The brightly painted rickshaws are the classic way to cover short distances in town.
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Photo: M worm, Public domain Onward to Île Sainte-Marie
Continue up the coast to this island for beaches and, from July to September, humpback whales.
Where to stay
City centre
Practical hotels near the main boulevards, shops and restaurants.
Hotels in City centreSeafront
Breezier hotels close to the promenade.
Hotels in SeafrontPangalanes lakes
Simple lodges on the canal, for a quieter night away from the city.
Hotels in Pangalanes lakes
Getting around
Pousse-pousse and tuk-tuks are cheap for short trips; agree the fare first. Taxis are better at night.
The airport is a short taxi ride from the centre. By road, Antananarivo is around eight to ten hours away on a winding highway.
When to go
The east coast is wet for much of the year, but September to December is usually drier. The cyclone season runs from January to March, when travel can be disrupted.
Plan your trip to Toamasina
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.