Toamasina Travel Guide

Discover Madagascar's best-kept secret, Toamasina, with our comprehensive travel guide. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, we'll guide you through everything there is to see and do in this East African city.


Introduction to Toamasina

Located in the eastern part of Madagascar, Toamasina is a bustling port city on the Indian Ocean with a rich cultural and historical legacy. The city’s name means “like salt” in Malagasy, and it’s one of the country’s most important commercial centres, thanks to its strategic location.

In this travel guide, we’ll introduce you to Toamasina’s top attractions, best things to do, where to eat, and other essential information to help you plan your visit.

List of Places to Visit in Toamasina

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Toamasina is home to several cultural landmarks that give visitors a glimpse into the city and the wider Madagascar’s history and traditions.

Foulpointe Fort

The Foulpointe Fort is an ancient fortress that dates back to the 17th century. It served as a strategic base for both French and British military forces during the battles for Madagascar. Today, it stands as an awe-inspiring historical site with a breathtaking view of the ocean.

Musee de la Gendarmerie

The Musee de la Gendarmerie is a fascinating museum that displays the storied history of Madagascar’s colonial era. Visitors can explore the exhibits that showcase artefacts, documents and photographs, showcasing Madagascar’s past.

Andaparany Market

Andaparany Market, also known as the Analakely market, is Toamasina’s most popular market. It’s an excellent destination for tourists who want to experience the local life and take back souvenirs from their trip. Stalls sell numerous crafts, textiles and other handmade items, making it a prime shopping destination.

Natural Attractions of Toamasina: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Madagascar’s beautiful countryside in and around Toamasina.

Périnet Nature Reserve

Périnet Nature Reserve is a beautiful forest that is home to many exotic species of flora and fauna, including the famous lemurs. There are guided tours, and visitors can hike or birdwatch within the reserve.

Nosy Mangabe

Nosy Mangabe is an isolated island off the coast of Toamasina, where visitors can explore the rainforests and the local flora and fauna that have few habitats in Madagascar. A guide is mandatory when visiting this protected reserve, and visitors can rent kayaks to explore the mangroves around the island.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Toamasina

Hiking and biking enthusiasts will be delighted with Toamasina’s beautiful countryside and numerous trails that showcase its natural beauty.

Ambalavao to Andoany River

This hike is an easy, two-hour trek that follows the scenic beauty of the Andoany River. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the river and the surrounding countryside as they hike through it.

Trekking the Canal des Pangalanes

The Canal des Pangalanes runs the length of the eastern coast of Madagascar, over 645 kilometres long, with beautiful landscapes of tropical forests, river estuaries, and mangrove swamps. Visitors can take guided tours or hire a self-drive boat tour to explore the unique waterways.

Best Things to Do in Toamasina: Activities and Tours

Toamasina has a wealth of activities and tours for visitors.

Whale Watching Tours

Whale watching tours in Toamasina are ideal for visitors looking for adventure on the water. The waters near the city offer several opportunities to observe the lifestyle and behaviour of humpback whales that migrate between the Indian Ocean and Antarctica every year.

Get Your Adrenaline Fix

For adventure enthusiasts, Toamasina has Skydiving, paragliding and bunging jumping opportunities—all of which will offer unique adrenaline-charged experiences.

Week-Long Itinerary for Toamasina

For a week-long itinerary in Toamasina, we recommend the following itinerary for visitors.

Day 1 Discover the Andaparany Market and the Musee de la Gendarmerie.
Day 2 Spend the day exploring the beautiful city and historical landmarks.
Day 3 Take a whale watching tour of the Indian Ocean.
Day 4 Explore the beautiful forests in Périnet Nature Reserve.
Day 5 Take a guided hiking tour and explore the magnificent Canal des Pangalanes.
Day 6 Visit The Foulpointe Fort and Nosy Mangabe.
Day 7 Enjoy that last day on beautiful Toamasina Beach.

Food and Drink Scene of Toamasina

Toamasina’s food and drink scene has something for everyone. Visitors can sample both traditional Malagasy dishes and international cuisine.

Must-Try Dishes

Rice is considered the staple food in Toamasina and is often served with a variety of meats, vegetables and tropical fruits.

Ravitoto

Ravitoto, a dish made from cassava leaves cooked with spices and served with rice, is considered one of Toamasina’s famous traditional dishes.

Local Beverages

Toamasina has a wide range of beverages to offer tourists.

Ranon’apango

Ranon’apango is a local beverage made from rice water, which is sometimes flavoured with vanilla or other spices. It is often enjoyed during celebrations or social gatherings.

Where to Stay in Toamasina: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Toamasina has an excellent selection of accommodation options to suit any budget from luxurious beach resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses.

Luxury Hotels

For visitors looking for luxurious hotel options in Toamasina, we recommend Carlton Hotel, which features amenities like swimming pools, beaches, cafes and bars.

Mid-Range Hotels

For visitors looking for a balance of quality service and moderate prices, we recommend Le Saint Laurent, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Budget-Friendly Options

For visitors looking for affordable accommodation options in Toamasina, we recommend the Seaside Beach Resort, which offers mid-range amenities at budget-friendly prices.

What to Buy in Toamasina: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can take back souvenirs and local products unique to Toamasina to have an enduring memory of their trip.

Madagascar Vanilla

Vanilla beans are one of Madagascar’s most famous exports. They’re among the most sought-after vanilla beans in the world, and visitors can take home vanilla pods from the markets or local supermarkets as a souvenir.

Handicrafts

Toamasina’s markets have a variety of handcrafted items, including woven crafts, woodwork, and stone sculptures.

Local Culture and Customs of Toamasina

Toamasina has a unique and vibrant culture that visitors will revel in during their visit.

Traditional Clothing

The Malagasy people often wear the lamba or the traditional cloth, which is an essential part of their culture. Visitors can purchase them at local markets and participate in local customs and beliefs.

Music and Dance

Music and dance are an essential part of the Malagasy people’s culture. Visitors can enjoy local song and dance performances during their visit.

Best Time to Visit Toamasina

The best time to visit Toamasina is between April and December. During these months, the weather is warm, and the sky is clear, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Toamasina

When visiting Toamasina, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Do:

  • Dress conservatively to respect the local customs.
  • Ask for permission before taking someone’s photograph.
  • Embrace the local greeting, which is a kiss on the cheek.

Don’t:

  • Don’t disrespect the local culture and traditions
  • Don’t contribute to animal exploitation by patronising street performers or buying wildlife souvenirs.

Safety and Health

Toamasina is generally safe for visitors, but care should be taken just like in any city around the world.

Safety in Toamasina

Visitors should avoid walking alone in isolated areas during the night and always keep their belongings close them. It’s always best to have someone accompany you when exploring the city.

Health in Toamasina

There is a risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases in Madagascar, and visitors should take appropriate precautions such as using mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, and sleeping under mosquito nets.

Getting to Toamasina: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can get to Toamasina by plane or bus, and several airlines offer flights to the city.

Airports Near Toamasina

The nearest airport to Toamasina is the Toamasina Ambalamanasy Airport, and it’s about 10 kilometres from the city centre.

Bus Stations Near Toamasina

Toamasina is served by several bus companies, and visitors can catch buses from Antananarivo, one of Madagascar’s largest cities.

Other Options

Visitors can hire taxis or use ride-hailing services such as Uber or Lyft to get around the city.

How to Get Around in Toamasina

Visitors can get around Toamasina by using public transport, taxis or car-hire services. The Bazar Kely Station offers minivans that go to several popular destinations around the city.

Where to Go Next from Toamasina: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Toamasina is an excellent place to base yourself when exploring Madagascar’s east coast, and there are many fantastic destinations nearby.

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is another popular natural destination in Madagascar located just an hour and a half from Toamasina. This park is home to a variety of rare and exotic species of birds, reptiles and other animals.

Sainte Marie Island

Sainte Marie is an island located off Madagascar’s east coast and offers visitors opportunities for scuba diving, snorkelling and relaxing in one of the many beautiful beaches.

Conclusion

Toamasina is a fantastic vacation spot, and visitors can immerse themselves in Madagascar’s unique culture and stunning natural beauty. From hiking trails, historical landmarks, exciting outdoor activities, Toamasina offers it all. With our comprehensive guide, visitors can get the best out of their Toamasina visit.