In the eastern part of Madagascar, you’ll find the city of Toamasina surrounded by lush rainforests. The city was formerly a French colonial town known as Tamatave, a name still used in some places today. Toamasina is the capital of the Atsinanana region, characterized by long beaches and rivers flowing into the Indian Ocean. Here, you can experience unique flora and fauna as well as fragrant plantations brimming with coffee, vanilla, coconuts, and lychee fruit.

Worth seeing
Toamasina is a charming blend of casual refinement with hotels lining palm-filled boulevards, contrasted with old, weathered colonial houses and Creole buildings on stilts. The city boasts three intriguing museums that colorfully delve into Toamasina’s history, from its early days as a pirate haven to modern Malagasy culture.

Just south of Toamasina lies Port Fluvial, where you’ll find a series of lakes connected by canals built during the French colonial period. The calm waters are perfect for a relaxing day in a canoe or pirogue as the picturesque scenery drifts past around you.

The area surrounding Toamasina includes the large Parc Ivoloina national park. Dating back to colonial times, the park was once used to grow exotic crops. After Madagascar’s independence, it became a reserve for confiscated animals like turtles and lemurs, eventually adding a zoo. Parc Ivoloina is a wonderful place to get up close to Madagascar’s nature and wildlife.

Currency
Malagasy Ariary (MGA)