Toamasina

Toamasina Safari Trips & Tours

Drink in salty sea air and absorb modern Malagasy culture in the biggest seaport city on the island.

The chief seaport of Madagascar, Toamasina (also known as Tamatave) is tucked away at the top of a long finger of rainforest on the eastern side of the island. From early beginnings as a pirate hang-out to a modern-day city of commerce, it’s a chaotic, atmospheric place that makes a convenient stopover between Tana and Nosy Boraha. But hidden between the stilted, Creole buildings and rickshaw-filled roads are some nuggets worth exploring – the Manda fort, the ‘baazar be’ market and the waterfront spring to mind. But, if the city bustle gets the better of you, a quick drive will take you to pretty Port Fluvial, a series of lakes and bobbing pirogues, the sandy beaches of Foulepoints, and Mahambo and its laidback surfers.

What to do in Toamasina

From its rather colourful beginnings as a pirate hideaway to its current status as a bustling port, this eastern hub serves up quite the atmospheric treat. Rickshaws weave through streets lined with stilted Creole architecture, while the grand old fort stands guard over proceedings like a watchful grandmother. Pop into the 'baazar be' market - mind the chickens - for a proper dose of organized chaos and some rather splendid people-watching opportunities. When the urban buzz starts to feel a bit much, nip over to Port Fluvial, where lakes mirror the sky and pirogues bob about like giant bath toys. Fancy a bit of wave action? The surfers at nearby beaches have the right idea, catching breaks with enviable nonchalance while the rest of us marvel at their rather impressive moves. Though do pack your sense of adventure - the roads here operate on their own particular brand of organized chaos, making every journey a proper little expedition.