Toamasina

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

• 

  Bazary Be

  The main market, piled with tropical fruit, spices, vanilla and woven baskets.

• 

  The seafront boulevard

  A breezy promenade along the Indian Ocean, busiest with locals in the late afternoon.

• 

  Parc Ivoloina

  A zoo and conservation centre north of town, with lemurs, chameleons and forest trails.

  Tickets and tours

Things to do

• 

  Pangalanes Canal

  Boat south through lagoons and canals lined with fishing villages and lakeside lodges.

• 

  Ride a pousse-pousse

  The brightly painted rickshaws are the classic way to cover short distances in town.

• 

  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 centre

• Seafront

  Breezier hotels close to the promenade.

  Hotels in Seafront

• Pangalanes 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

• HotelsBooking.com
• Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
• FlightsKiwi.com
• Attraction ticketsTiqets
• Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
• Flight and hotel dealslastminute.com
• Car hireAuto Europe
• Adventure travel insuranceWorld Nomads
• Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
• GuidebooksAmazon

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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

More city guides for Madagascar

• Antananarivo
• Antsirabe

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