Que voir à Madagascar ?
Pour préparer votre futur voyage, un aperçu des principaux sites et lieux à visiter dans le pays (carte).
On peut diviser l'île en trois zones avec la côte est, la côte ouest et le centre.
1- CÔTE EST
Ile Sainte Marie : sur la partie nord de la côte, l'île est réputée pour ses paysages luxuriants, ses plages, la plongée et les balades à pied ou en kayak. On peut également y observer des baleines à bosse lors de l'hiver austral Manakara : c'est le terminus du train FCE qui relie ce petit port à Fianarantsoa en une douzaine d'heures. Cette ligne est appréciée des voyageurs pour les superbes paysages traversés.Toamasina : autrement appelé Tamatave. C'est une grande ville de la côte nord-est servant d'étape ou de base pour la découverte des environs et notamment le Canal des Pangalanes dont la ville est le débouchéTolanaro : appelé anciennement Fort Dauphin. Malgré sa baie, ses plages et ses quelques vestiges historiques aussi bien autochtones que français, cette localité du sud sert surtout de base pour découvrir les environs comme les réserves d'Andohahela et de Berenty.Patrimoine naturel
Canal des Pangalanes : ce canal artificiel de la fin du XIXe siècle longe la côte est sur plus de 500 km avec un débouché à Tamatave. Sa descente en bateau est très appréciée des voyageurs pour les paysages et les belles plages qu'on peut y découvrir. Parc national d'Andohahela : ce parc forestier de montagne, proche de Tolanaro, possède une faune et une flore assez riches, de même que de belles cascades. Il fait partie des six parcs classés à l'UNESCO en tant que forêts humides de l’Atsinanana.Parc national de Mananara Nord : un petit parc à la fois terrestre et maritime du littoral du nord-ouest. On y vient notamment pour la randonnée, les plages et la plongée.Parc national de Marojejy : ouverte à la visite depuis relativement peu de temps, cette zone montagneuse proche de la mer offre de très beaux paysages forestiers et une grande biodiversité. C'est un des parcs classés à l'UNESCO en tant que forêts humides de l'Atsinanana. On peut y randonnerParc national de Masoala : dans la presqu'île du même nom, ce parc terrestre et marin offre de superbes paysages avec une faune et une flore très riches parmi lesquels randonner. On peut également profiter des plages et de la plongée dans cette presqu'île.Réserve de Berenty : cette toute petite réserve privée entre Tolanaro et Ambovombe abrite nombre d'espèces d'oiseaux et de lémuriens. A ce titre, c'est une des plus visitées de Madagascar.2- CÔTE OUEST
Anakao : un village côtier au sud de Toliara devenu station balnéaire au fil du temps. On peut profiter des plages et y faire de la plongée ou du surf. Juste en face, la petite île de Nosy Ve sert de balade pour les pêcheurs et les touristes.Antisiranana : à la pointe nord de l'île, l'ancienne Diego Suarez nichée dans une des plus belles baies du monde possède encore nombre de témoignages de l'époque française. Plusieurs belles plages dans les environs et sa baie (dont Ramena), de même que divers parcs dont celui de la Montagne d'Ambre. Ifaty : de bonnes opportunités pour la plage et la plongée à quelques kilomètres au nord de Toliara. Majunga : grande ville portuaire de la côte nord-ouest avec un assez beau patrimoine historique et architectural. Plusieurs jolies plages dans ses environs de même que divers parcs (Ankarafantsika, Baly, Namoroka).Morondava : ce port face au Canal du Mozambique est surtout une base pour découvrir les alentours dont la fameuse Allée des baobabs et la forêt ou le parc de Kirindy, plus accessoirement les Tsingy de Bemaraha. Nosy Be : cette île est traditionnellement un haut lieu du tourisme, notamment "tout-inclus", dans le pays. On y vient pour les plages, la plongée, la pêche et quelques beaux paysages dans les zones les moins visitées de l'île.Nosy Komba : petite île volcanique entre Nosy Be et la Grande Terre. Bien moins touristique que sa voisine, elle est appréciée pour ses plages et ses paysages de forêts dans lesquelles on peut découvrir une faune (lémuriens) et une flore abondantes. On peut aussi y pêcher ou s'y balader en pirogue. Saint Augustin : la petite ville encore très peu touristique au sud de Toliara offre de beaux paysages avoisinants et des plages. Toliara : l'ex Tulear est la grande agglomération du Sud-ouest. C'est surtout une base ou une étape pour découvrir cette partie du pays. Patrimoine naturel Allée des baobabs : un impressionnant ensemble de baobabs qui bordent la route de Belo à Morondava, à quelques kilomètres au nord de cette dernière. L'endroit est devenu assez touristique. Tout à côté, la réserve forestière de Kirindy abrite également nombre de baobabs ainsi que beaucoup de lémuriens et des reptiles.Cap Sainte-Marie : c'est la pointe sud de Madagascar. Difficile d'accès, la zone offre cependant de très beaux paysages. On peut également y voir des tortues.Parc national d'Ankarafantsika : à côté de Majunga, un parc de forêts et de lacs dans lesquels vivent nombre d'oiseaux, de crocodiles et de lémuriens.Parc national de la baie de Baly : ce petit parc proche de Majunga est à la fois terrestre et maritime. Il abrite plusieurs espèces de tortues.Parc national de Kirindy Mitea : juste à côté de Morondova (et distinct de la réserve forestière de Kirindy), c'est un joli parc constitué de forêts, savanes et mangroves, ainsi que de lacs et de plages. On peut y voir des baobabs, des lémuriens et des oiseaux.Parc national de la Montagne d'Ambre : proche de Diego Suarez et surtout de Joffreville qui en est le point d'entrée, ce parc est constitué de cascades et de forêt humide dans laquelle vivent nombre d'espèces de lémuriens. On peut y randonner.Parc nationla Tsingy Bemaraha : d'incroyables reliefs kastiques classés au patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO. Ils sont situés pas loin de la côte, dans le plus grand parc de Madagascar dans lequel on peut randonner mais qui reste cependant assez difficile d'accès.Parc national des Tsingy de Namoroka : ce superbe site, au sud-ouest de Majunga, offre des paysages constitués d'impressionnants reliefs karstiques, de grottes et de canyons. On peut y voir nombre d'oiseaux, de reptiles et de lémuriens.Réserve de l'Ankarana : une très belle réserve à 100 km au sud de Diego Suarez réputée pour sa faune (lémuriens, reptiles, crocodiles, oiseaux) et surtout ses magnifiques formations karstiques (tsingy).Réserve de Tsimanampesotse : autour du lac salé du même nom, ce parc au sud de Toliara permet d'observer nombre d'oiseaux dont des colonies de flamants roses.Tsiribihina : ce fleuve qui se jette dans le Canal de Mozambique, au niveau de Belo, permet d'effectuer une belle descente en bateau à la rencontre de beaux paysages et des villages qui le bordent.3- CENTREAmbalavao : petite ville d'altitude connue pour ses belles maisons de bois à étages et balcon.Ambohimanga : cette colline royale est une des douze qui entourent les environs de la capitale. C'est là qu'est située l'ancienne cité à l'origine du royaume Merina. Le site et ses bâtiments sont classés au patrimoine de l'UNESCO.Ambositra : cette ville du centre est réputée pour son artisanat et notamment le travail du bois (classé à l'UNESCO) qui tire son origine des populations Zafimaniry dont on peut toujours voir les villages traditionnels dans les environs. Antananarivo : la capitale (également appelée Tana) possède quelques témoignages de l'époque française ainsi que le Rova qui était le palais des souverains au XIXe siècle. Antsirabe : c'est la troisième agglomération du pays, située au coeur de Madagascar à 1 500 m d'altitude. Ce sont surtout ses environs qu'on vient y découvrir avec les nombreux villages traditionnels, les lacs et beaux paysages parmi lesquels on peut randonner. Fianarantsoa : cette grande ville du sud-est est au coeur d'une région de vignobles réputés localement. C'est aussi de là que part un des derniers trains circulant dans le pays. La ligne va jusqu'à Manakara sur la côte et est appréciée des voyageurs pour les superbes paysages traversés.Patrimoine naturel
Lac d'Alaotra : un assez grand lac entouré de marais où nichent nombre d'espèces d'oiseaux.Lac d'Itasy : ce lac au milieu d'un champ de laves abrite pas mal d'espèces d'oiseaux. On peut randonner dans ses abords.Parc national d'Andasibe-Mantadia : proche de Tana, ce joli parc forestier reçoit beaucoup de visiteurs vu sa localisation. Il abrite une flore et une faune très abondantes dont nombre d'espèces de lémuriens. Parc national d'Andringitra : dans le sud de l'île. Ce parc aux hautes montagnes et vallées profondes en parties boisées parmi lesquelles on peut trekker abrite un faune et une flore des plus riches. Il fait partie des six parcs classés à l'UNESCO en tant que forêts humides de l’Atsinanana.Par national d'Isalo : superbe parc de montagnes et de profondes vallées reconnu pour ses paysages, sa végétations et ses lémuriens. On peut y faire de très beaux treks.Parc national de Ranomafana : ce site proche de Fianarantsoa fait partie des six parcs classés à l'UNESCO en tant que forêts humides de l’Atsinanana. Il est connu pour ses paysages, sa flore (dont des orchidées) et sa faune qui inclus nombre de lémuriens et d'oiseaux.Parc national de Zombitse Vohibasia : entre Toliara et l'Isalo, ce petit parc abrite beaucoup d'espèces d'oiseaux. On peut y randonner.4- LE PLUS APPRÉCIÉ...
Côte Est : Canal des Pangalanes; Ile Sainte Marie; Parc national de Marojejy; Parc national de Masoala; Réserve de Berenty.
Côte Ouest : Allée des baobabs; Anakao; Antisiranana; Ifaty; Nosy Be; Nosy Komba; Parc national de la Montagne d'Ambre; Parc nationla Tsingy Bemaraha; Parc national des Tsingy de Namoroka; Réserve de l'Ankarana; Tsiribihina.
Centre : Ambohimanga; Parc national d'Andasibe-Mantadia; Parc national d'Andringitra; Par national d'Isalo; Parc national de Ranomafana.
Bonjour, bravo et un grand merci pour cette longue liste qui peut éclairer quelqu'un comme moi qui ne connait pas encore cette grande île mais pense y aller l'hiver prochain...
Voyager avec des enfants › Madagascar · 20 replies
J'avais posté il y a quelques mois un message sur dans la rubrique Afrique australe pour un voyage en famille en juillet/août. Finalement, ayant eu trop de mal…
Voyager avec des enfants › Madagascar · 12 replies
Je souhaite planifier un voyage d'une dizaine de jour à Madagascar en février 2016 avec mon mari et notre fils de 4 ans. Que faut-il voir absolument à…
Je compte me rendre à Madagascar en avril et j'aimerais avoir quelques conseils pour mon itinéraire. En effet, je serais pendant 2 semaines à Antananarivo pour…
Je me rends à Madagascar fin Octobre début Novembre pour un voyage d'une durée de 16 jours. Avec ma compagne nous voulons découvrir en 5-6-7 jours la côte…
Has anyone been to this base camp in the Diego area towards the west coast (Mozambique Channel)? The trip starts from Diego Suarez by 4x4 and boat,
with a visit to Nosy Hara and a few nearby islands.
Possible big-game fishing and diving.
Thanks in advance if anyone has info!
Hi everyone, I’m heading to Île aux Nattes in a few weeks and I’d like to know if euros are accepted in the island’s restaurants.
At the hotel where I’ll be staying, they take card payments, but for activities, I can’t find any reliable info.
Could anyone tell me the approximate cost in euros and/or ariary for a week (food outside the hotel) on the island for two people?
Also, has anyone ever exchanged money at the Paris Magenta exchange bureau?
Thanks!
Hello,
After asking questions on the site, here’s a little feedback on our trip in March and April.
Marseille/Antananarivo flight with Ethiopian Airlines was great both ways. I’d recommend it.
Domestic flights with Madagascar Airlines were just as smooth.
We had to change our plans because I was the victim of a snatch-theft attempt at Ivato... patellar fracture... so I ended up with a brace and more rest than hikes.
This let us spend more time in the same areas and make some connections.
We loved Tulear. Stayed with Alain—excellent value for money.
Mangily, where we stayed for 15 days. Hotel Bella Dona due to my little handicap. The pool replaced sea swims.
Mangily gets a bad rap for being very touristy. True, you get approached a lot on the beach—you have to play along and buy some trinkets, but after that, you get royal peace and lots of exchanges with locals. The village and its lively street are nice too. Don’t hesitate to eat with fishermen or at local bars.
Anakao, a big favorite. Just the journey there is worth it. Watching dozens of pirogues set off between 5 and 6 AM is a magical moment.
Stayed at Peter Pan’s place. Lots of chats with Dario since we were the only guests.
Planned a 4-day Antananarivo–Soniara–Ivango road trip with a driver.
Cut to 2 days because the boat to Sainte Marie was moved up due to weather. I don’t remember the company’s name, but it wasn’t great for safety—plus, we brought back fleas.
Visited Andasibe Park along the way. Quick tip: go in the morning.
A little over 2 weeks on Sainte Marie at Hôtel Mantis Soanambo—total luxury negotiated at a price that defied all competition because it was low season.
Meals were at little local eateries nearby.
We chose not to sleep on Île aux Nattes but went there several times during the day (crossing: 4000 ariary for 2).
You have to take a pirogue tour—it’s like stepping into a postcard.
Sainte Marie is a special place. A tropical island that feels like the Caribbean ones we’ve lived on. No security issues at all. We rented a scooter because we found tuk-tuk prices a bit steep. You can leave the scooter with helmet and keys and come back 4 hours later.
More amazing encounters here too.
Last part of our trip in Ampefy, a beautiful volcanic region with a very welcoming population.
Stayed with a friend of our driver.
Hotels in Ivato are plentiful and vary a lot in quality.
Les 12 Collines is a bit out of the way but only 21 € per night.
La Chato... very expensive for what you get.
I tried to keep it short.
Madagascar is a wonderful island with so many facets. Always so many emotions when I think back on this trip.
The extreme poverty... don’t hesitate to buy food for the kids on the beach, for example. It doesn’t cost much, but it means a lot to them.
The kindness of the people and, above all, those SMILES.
We’re hooked—we’re going back in November for 6 months... because yes, you can buy a 3-month visa at the airport (a question I’d asked), and you can extend it for another 3 months... if you apply in time at a police station.
We didn’t take Malarone either. We’d brought some, but there were few mosquitoes, and "Insect Écran" worked really well.
Hi everyone, we’re planning a trip to Réunion for 6 nights and Mauritius for 7 nights in March 2027. I’m starting to look into it now. We’re not hikers, so I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Should we book flights and small hotels separately, or go for a flight-and-stay package? We don’t want to blow our budget (around 2800 € per person). Thanks!
Gigi
Hello,
We’ll be on vacation in the Seychelles in July and will visit La Digue, Praslin, and then Mahé in that order. Our 21-year-old daughter will have to leave earlier than us while we’re still on Praslin.
We’re hesitating between the following options for her return:
Option 1:
- July 9: ferry from Praslin at 2:00 PM – arrives in Mahé at 3:15 PM.
- International flight departing at 7:30 PM.
- The connection is very tight, leaving a 1- to 2-hour safety margin in case the ferry is delayed.
Option 2:
- July 9: ferry from Praslin at 8:00 AM – arrives in Mahé at 9:15 AM.
- International flight departing at 7:30 PM.
- This is safer than Option 1, but it means she’d lose the whole day, spending it alone. We’d pay for a day pass giving her access to a hotel pool to kill time.
From experience, what do you think? Are significant ferry delays (2 hours or more) common, especially in July with the swell, making Option 1 too risky?
Or is even Option 2 too risky, and should our daughter take a ferry the day before (though that would mean missing a lot of time with us)?
Or should she take an Air Seychelles flight the same day instead of the ferry? Is that safer than the ferry? But it’s much more expensive…
I know no one can give me certainty on this, but I’d just love to hear your gut feeling from those who have experience with inter-island transfers in the Seychelles.
Thanks so much in advance!
Christophe
Hello,
Our trip is taking shape.
We’re leaving on February 28th. We’ll start by flying to Tulear, then make our way up to Tana at a relaxed pace before catching another flight to Diego Suarez.
We’d love to end our stay on Sainte Marie Island.
Is there a way to make the trip by land? By sea?
Just to clarify, we’re not pressed for time.
Thanks!
Hello everyone,
Thanks for this amazing forum—I’ve spent hours browsing through it.
I’m reaching out to ask for your help as we’re looking for a destination for our honeymoon.
We never travel outside Europe, so we’re total newbies, but we want to treat ourselves for this special occasion.
Dates: June 23 → July 8 (possibly until July 12)
Duration: 2 to 3 weeks
Budget: Not really an issue for this trip
Our plan:
- A seaside destination first and foremost, with beautiful beaches
- We’d like to do some hiking or at least go on walks with scenic viewpoints
- A relaxing trip with sunshine, lush greenery, and stunning landscapes
- A safe destination
Our thoughts so far:
- New Zealand: our dream, but it seems like the wrong time of year weather-wise ++
- Azores: ruled out due to unpredictable weather—what do you think?
- Mauritius/Reunion combo: vetoed by my future wife ^^
- Seychelles: seems like it could work, but I’ve read about a few downsides (no shops to buy food, snorkeling not always amazing, occasional weather/tide issues making swimming tricky)
Other options:
- French Polynesia: we’re really dreaming of it, but is 2 weeks too short for such a long trip?
- Hawaii: same question—too far?
- Sardinia?
Thanks so much for your help, and have a great weekend!
Every year, we love escaping the autumn season—I really can’t stand it—by heading somewhere sunny during the All Saints' holiday.
This year, we were thinking of Mauritius... We’d found a place to stay, but after digging deeper, I realized it’s 40% cheaper in July. And the flights with Emirates aren’t more expensive in the summer, even though it’s peak season for them, compared to October.
Yet, after checking a bunch of sites, I don’t get the impression the weather is bad there in July—maybe just a *tiny* bit less hot than in October, but nothing major...
So we’re tempted to go this summer after all.
This big price jump for All Saints' compared to summer is a mystery to me... Did I miss something?
If you’ve got any firsthand experience traveling to Mauritius in July or early August, I’d love to hear about it.
Hi! Recently, the domestic-flight terminal at Ivato has been moved to the old "international" airport, complete with its own scanner. On October 13th, I checked my luggage (which I had inspected before leaving my hotel in Tana) for a flight to Sambava. It wasn’t until I arrived at my accommodation in Antalaha and opened it that I discovered it had been searched (normal before boarding a plane), but to my surprise, the case containing my GPS fishfinder had been opened—likely mistaken for a laptop due to the scanner’s open access to all kinds of theft—and three SD cards were stolen. Luckily, two of the SD cards had their micro SDs inserted into the device, so I still had the Navionics micro card (300 €) essential for fishing. Of course, I’m not asking for compensation, just urging caution with checked luggage on "domestic" flights. (This is a copy-paste of my post on *Le Routard*.)
Hello,
I’m continuing the Antalaha–Maroantsetra discussion but for some info in the other direction, specifically about hiking from Maroantsetra to Antalaha.
In mid-December, I plan to take it easy from Tamatave to Antalaha. I’m thinking of making a few stops, like Nosy Atafana—has anyone snorkeled there? Is it nice? Can you find bush taxis on the Soniera–Ivongo / Maroantsetra stretch?
After that, I’m considering walking from Maroantsetra to Antalaha and figuring things out as I go, since the path seems well-used, so I’m not planning on a guide. Good idea or totally foolish? Should I bring a tent and some camping gear, or, as I’ve read multiple times, are there several villages with lodging and food options along the way? Any spots worth stopping at or nothing special to see?
In Antalaha, I saw the recommendation for Villa Malaza in the previous discussion, so I’m keeping that in mind. If there’s space, I’ll plan to stay there. In Antalaha itself, are there any places to visit, things to see, or activities you’d recommend?
Thanks in advance to everyone for any tips—they’ll be really helpful!
Well, I still feel a bit lonely about this destination—no requests for info, no travel journals, or trip reports since I last posted over a year ago. A little disheartening.
That said, I did cross paths with slightly more tourists this time. Not a ton, but enough to notice compared to my last stay. Beyond that, not much has changed—the people are just as lovely, and every interaction, whether at the market, in the medinas, in town, or in the countryside, was positive. It was so pleasant; my "alert meter" stayed at zero the whole time (which is pretty different from some other places I visit now and then). The roads outside the cities remain dangerous, and the accident rate seems high. Best to drive during the day and take it easy (on some rough stretches, you don’t really have a choice anyway). The scattered plastic and metal waste hasn’t magically disappeared, and it’s still pretty discouraging to see the most beautiful beaches surrounded by empty bottles, straws, diapers, and rusted carcasses of an old Xantia or a skeletal Espace. When it’s not on the beach itself (since those are cleaned), it’s just a few meters away. Usually, there’s not much in the water or close to shore—the seabeds are gorgeous, with coral and a wide variety of scaly friends... But stepping back onto the hardened lava, you dodge a chip bag or a shriveled battery. Such a paradox. Honestly, it’s like this almost everywhere except on hotel beaches or those far from human settlements. But otherwise, in places like Chomoni, Bouni, Itsandra, Moya, and Domoni (on Anjouan), Nioumachoua (on Mohéli, and even on the nearby islets), it’s hard to ignore. And it unfortunately tarnishes the beauty of these otherwise stunning spots.
That said, you can still find secluded micro-bays, protected and remote, where this isn’t an issue. And where there are hotels—like in Petite Itsandra in Moroni, in front of Laka Lodge in Nioumachoua, Trou du Prophète, or even Chomoni (though the surrounding areas are so littered...)—the beaches are cleaned, so...
So why go? Why still love it despite all this?
Well, first, the Comorians themselves—that’s already essential and probably the main reason.
Then there’s the breathtaking topography: the imposing Karthala, the dizzying peaks and cliffs of Anjouan, vast ravines, a tortured geology covered in lush nature, and Mohéli, much more serene and gentle, blanketed in spice plants and trees with names that make you dream, like an open-air spice market.
The flora across the islands—the fields, trees, scents: clove trees, cinnamon trees, lychee, mango, cardamom, nutmeg, vanilla, coconut palms, banana trees, coffee plants, cocoa... A profusion of green dotted with red, white, and yellow berries and flowers...
The seabeds are stunning in many places, and there are some beautiful beaches/oceanfront spots, especially near Trou du Prophète (but not only there).
The history and culture—between traditional festivals, but especially the medinas with their staircases, covered passages, palaces, and mosques that create Escher-like constructions. I love wandering through them for hours, stumbling upon an unlikely shop, a more or less philosophical saying like "pain is a warning," "a promise is a debt," or the less original "little by little, the bird makes its nest." A grocery store, women negotiating freshly caught fish (usually tuna, immediately cut and ready to sell), kids playing, old men playing checkers, a call to prayer... In Moroni, Mutsamudu, and Domoni, I spent most of my "urban" time.
If anyone’s interested—though given the hype about Comoros on the forum, I doubt it—but if you need info on accommodation across the three islands, some restaurants, or sites to visit, don’t hesitate to ask.
This message is another message in a bottle (one more, if I dare...) for the Comoros destination.
I’ll be in Antalaha in October and need to get to Maroantsetra.
I’ve heard it’s possible by boat, but I can’t find any info about it.
So I’m wondering if I’ll have to arrange something with local fishing boats or something else, and whether it’s a risky trip since the sea can get rough on Madagascar’s east coast.
Has anyone done this before, or just know anything about it?
What do you think?
Hello, we’re heading to Mauritius for two weeks at the end of October. We’ll be staying in Trou aux Biches. We’d like to explore the island by bus if possible, so if you have any tips, we’d love to hear them. We’re on half-board, so we’ll also be checking out some nice, typical little restaurants and snack spots. Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi, is it possible to find out? How can I stay for 3 consecutive months in Madagascar, based on a fixed-date flight ticket? In short, how do I get a visa stamped at the airport??
Does anyone know if there’s maritime transport from the southern tip of Africa to a port in MADAGASCAR?
CHEAPER THAN A FLIGHT, see you soon, fellow traveler!!
Hi there,
We’ve booked accommodation at Digwa Beach Chalet on La Digue. We’ll be arriving and leaving by ferry.
We’re only a 20-minute walk from our rental.
I was wondering if anyone has stayed at this place before and knows if they pick you up from the ferry? Is it free? How much does it cost?
My husband has reduced mobility and with the luggage, it’s not going to be easy. I’ve sent a message to the accommodation but haven’t heard back yet... Thanks so much for your help!
hi, does anyone have any recent info on the condition of this RN6 route? roadworks? maintenance?
and of course, about the two river crossings at Gué between Ambanja and Ambilobe on the Ifatsy and Mahavavy rivers (at the entrance to Ambilobe)
condition of the ferries, possible start of work on the bridges (with the addition of Bailey bridges)
any info after the rainy season, meaning after April 2025
thanks
Can you tell me how long (on average...) the Tana to Tamatave trip takes with local minibus transport?
Which reliable company do you recommend for booking?
Hi there,
We’re thinking of doing the train journey from Fianarantsoa to Manakara again. Is the train still running? After that, we’re planning to go from Manakara to Fort Dauphin by 4x4. Thanks for any tips you can share!
Hello,
After over 40 years of traveling, I’ve never used a driver-guide before.
Given my age, this time I’d like to avoid being squeezed into a bush taxi. I’ve never rented a 4x4 but usually go for sedans.
So, for my upcoming trip to Madagascar, I decided to hire a 4x4 with a driver. I contacted about ten agencies and guides listed in the GR, LP, and travel forums. The quotes I got for 20 days range from 6000 € to 1300 €, with or without fuel included. Most ask for either a full bank transfer upfront or a mobile wallet payment (30%, etc.) from France.
Personally, I’d prefer to see the vehicle and the driver before making any payment.
Also, I’d rather pay at the end of my trip.
Is it possible to find a provider in Tana upon arrival for around 50 or 60 € per day, including fuel, with short notice, some flexibility in my itinerary, and without being forced to accept the dictates of agencies or drivers recommended on certain forums?
Thanks for your replies.
My wife and I (Quebecers, 63 years old, retired, celebrating our 45 years together this year, including 20 years of marriage) have chosen to mark the occasion with a trip to Dubai, Réunion, and Mauritius (4 days in Dubai, then 24 days on the islands).
We have a lot of experience planning road trips (scouting routes, visits, hotels, and restaurants of interest), but we travel without reservations to keep the freedom to follow our instincts and tips we get on the spot. We’re moderately active physically and prefer the countryside and beaches over big cities. Our only fixed dates: arrival in Réunion on October 5th and departure from Mauritius on October 29th.
After lots of reading and with the help of an AI (super useful for drafting a first outline!), here’s a possible itinerary framework. Nothing is set in stone—I’d love your suggestions, comments, and thoughts on what’s worth adding or avoiding. Are the proposed bases optimal? Also, if you have recommendations for hotels (mid-range budget of 100–200 euros per night), restaurants, etc., I’m all ears! ;-)
Thanks! 😊
🌴 Réunion (October 5–13, 9 days)
Base 1 – Saint-Gilles / L’Hermitage (October 5–8, 3 nights)
Oct 5 (Sun): Settle in, relax at L’Hermitage beach.
Oct 6 (Mon): Saint-Paul market (morning), beach + sunset at Boucan Canot.
Oct 7 (Tue): Excursion to Maïdo (view of Mafate), return via Saint-Leu (Stella Matutina).
Oct 8 (Wed): Beach + dolphin/whale-watching boat trip.
Base 2 – Cilaos (October 8–10, 2 nights)
Oct 9 (Thu): Route des 400 virages, stroll through the village and Roche Merveilleuse.
Oct 10 (Fri): Hike to Bras Rouge (3–4h) or the Chapelle canyon. Creole inn evening.
Base 3 – Plaine des Cafres / Bourg-Murat (October 10–13, 3 nights)
Oct 11 (Sat): Road to the volcano → Plaine des Sables → Piton de la Fournaise.
Oct 12 (Sun): Wild south coast at Cap Méchant, lava flows, Jardin Parfums, Grande Anse beach.
Oct 13 (Mon): Relaxed morning, flight from Réunion to Mauritius.
🏝️ Mauritius (October 13–29, 16 days)
Base 1 – Grand Baie / Pereybère (October 13–18, 5 nights)
Oct 13 (Mon): Settle in, swim at Mont Choisy.
Oct 14 (Tue): Boat excursion to Île Plate & Coin de Mire.
Oct 15 (Wed): Pamplemousses Garden + L’Aventure du Sucre. Evening in Grand Baie.
Oct 16 (Thu): Trou aux Biches beach, snorkeling.
Oct 17 (Fri): Free day, relaxation/shopping.
Base 2 – Flic-en-Flac / Tamarin (October 18–23, 5 nights)
Oct 18 (Sat): Drive to the west, settle in, beach.
Oct 19 (Sun): Dolphin excursion in Tamarin, relax in the afternoon.
Oct 20 (Mon): Chamarel: Terres 7 Couleurs + rum distillery.
Oct 21 (Tue): Black River Gorges (hike + waterfalls).
Oct 22 (Wed): Snorkeling + sunset.
Base 3 – Belle Mare / Trou d’Eau Douce (October 23–26, 3 nights)
Oct 23 (Thu): Settle in, Belle Mare beach.
Oct 24 (Fri): Catamaran excursion to Île aux Cerfs.
Oct 25 (Sat): Flacq market (morning), beach in the afternoon.
Base 4 – Mahébourg / Blue Bay (October 26–29, 3 nights)
Oct 26 (Sun): Settle in, snorkeling at Blue Bay Marine Park.
Oct 27 (Mon): Pointe d’Esny + Île aux Aigrettes.
Oct 28 (Tue): Free beach day + Mahébourg village.
Oct 29 (Wed): Morning swim, return flight at 4 PM (airport is 15 min away).
Hey there,
I’m moving to Réunion Island in September and I’d love to hear about your experiences there. What’s there to do and what should I avoid?
Do you have any great tips for budget-friendly accommodation or places to stay?
Any advice on how to save money while I’m there?
Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
My friend and I are heading to Madagascar in March, and we were wondering if it’s possible to bring some cash and top up once we’re there (specifically in Tana).
Is it worth exchanging money if euros are accepted everywhere?
Thanks for your always super helpful tips on VF!
Hi there,
How do you get from Tamatave or Foulpointe to Sainte Marie Island? We’re heading to Madagascar from July 16 to 29, 2025.
How many days should we stay to explore the area?
What’s there to do in Tamatave, Foulpointe, or Sainte Marie Island?
What should we visit?
Thanks everyone!
Hi,
I’m taking the Cotisse bus soon to go to Antsohihy, so the route is Tana-Majunga with a stop at Antanambaza.
How long does it take to get to Antanambaza? Should I leave at 6:30 PM or 7:00 AM?
Considering I’ll probably need to find a hotel while waiting for a *taxi be* to Antsohihy, I’d rather not arrive in the middle of the night.
And since I’m asking—does anyone have a hotel recommendation in Antanambaza?
Also, can you find a seat on a *taxi be* mid-route?
I'm heading to Nosy Be (Madagascar) this coming October. This is my very first visit to this part of the Indian Ocean. I'd like to know if it's better to bring my bank card and withdraw cash from ATMs there, or if it would be preferable to bring cash in euros or dollars and exchange it for the local currency upon arrival.
Thanks!
/D
