Bonjour
En 2 étapes, cela se fait effectivement. Pour ma part, si je devais choisir un site étape ce serait soit Ambohimahasoa, soit Ranomafana (je me débrouillerai pour plutot arriver à Ranomafana le premier soir). Cela fait une première bonne journée de route et il faut donc partir assez tot le premier matin sans laisser de temps pour visiter Antsirabe ou Ambositra.
Le second jour est ensuite un peu plus tranquille.
Pas de problème particulier si ce n est partir assez tot le matin pour sortir assez vite des bouchons de Tana. Ensuite route impecc jusqu'à Ambohimahasoa (entre Camp Robin et Ambohimahasoa, c etait en réfection et donc assez correct). Difficile de dire le temps que cela prend car cela dépend de la voiture et de l'habitude du conducteur. Je dirai 7h de route jusqu'à Ambohimahasoa.
Apres Ambohimahasoa,
- soit possibilité de tourner direct et de passer par la piste qui part direction Vohiparara vers la gauche à 6kms de la ville, je l ai emprunté sur 15kms seulement, cela allait, c etait sec et c etait avec une berline. Mais avec des pluies et une berline, ce ne m apparait pas trop faisable. Et en plus au delà des 15kms, je ne sais pas ce qu elle vaut,
- soit possibilité d'aller jusqu'à l'entrée d'Alakamisy Ambohimaha puis de bifurquer sur la gauche sur un bon goudron et alors là pas de souci (avant c etait par là qu'il fallait passer, c etait vraiment plus avantageux). Par contre actuelleemnt entre Ambohimahasoa et Alakamisy Ambohimaha, le goudron est très dégradé et cela prend facilement 1h. Ils parlaient de réhabiliter le tronçon mais je ne sais pas si c est deja fait. Donc au final je ne sais pas si désormais le plus intéressant est de passer par la piste Vohiparara ou de passer par le goudron plus près de Fianar.
De Ranomafana jusqu'à Irondro :
Je pense qu'on a mis 2h sans souci particulier. C est pour ma part, la plus belle partie de tout le trajet. Ranomafana déjà est dans un site splendide au creux des collines couvertes de forêt et sous une impressionnante chute d'eau. Ensuite de Ranomafana jusqu'Irondro, c est splendide, arbres à litchis, manguiers, plein d arbres de ttes sortes et de grandes zones à bambou qu'on surplombe souvent de la route en lacets. De belles éminences rocheuses juste avant Irondro.
D'Irondro à Manakara
Après Irondro, c est plus pelé jusque Manakara mais un peu avant d arriver on retrouve une belle végétation, des plantations de palmiers en particulier. Mais je ne pourrai pas vous indiquer le temps que cela prend ni la qualité de la route car nous sommes allés sur Mananjary et pas Manakara.
Bonjour,
nous souhaitons nous rendre de Tana à Manakara en voiture pour la fin de l' année.
Mon idée était de passer par Antsirabe, Ambositra puis route vers Manakara.(en deux étapes)
Est ce possible?
Comment est la route?
Combien de temps de conduite?
Avez vous des adresses d' hotels sympas à Manakara. (impératif: il faut un endroit sécurisé pour la voiture)
Avec mes remerciements.
Bonjour,
Antananarivo Manakara, c'est 650 Kms de route soit environ 14 heures sans s'arrêter.
Il vaut mieux faire la route en deux étapes. Je ne connais pas d'hôtels à Ambohimasoa.
Donc si arrêt il y a c'est soit Ambositra, soit Ranomafana.
Je connais des hôtels corrects dans les deux endroits si vous êtes intéressé.
La piste dont parle Rotsaka, à deux kilomètres de Ambohimasoa et qui rejoint Vohiparara à 15 Kms de Ranomafana, à cette époque de l'année n'est praticable qu'en 4X4. Elle fait 35 kms et permet d'éviter la partie de route en très mauvais état sur la RN7. ( piste à ne pas faire de nuit pour des raisons de sécurité)
A Manakara, il y a de nombreux hôtels, mieux vaut choisir en centre ville. Je vais vous en citer 3 avec parking sécurisé, le Sidi Hôtel, les Flamboyants, chez Lili.
nous disposons d' un 4x4, donc normalement pas de problème pour circuler !!😉
Je connais la route de Tana (ou j' habite) à Fianar.
Mon épouse est de Fandriana, c' est donc une portion que nous connaissons bien (Tana/Ambositra)
J' ai un bon véhicule, mais je ne roule pas vite 😊😊
J' avais dans l' idée de faire une halte à Ambositra et de repartir le lendemain sur Manakara. Mais c' est peut être un peu long.
Alors pourquoi ne pas faire une deuxième étape à Ranomafana !
J' ai bien pris note des noms des hotels à Manakara.
Et à Ranomafana avez vous des idées?
Encore merci à vous deux.
Cordialement.
Lorsque tu ne sais pas où tu vas, regarde d'où tu viens.
nous disposons d' un 4x4, donc normalement pas de problème pour circuler !!😉
Je connais la route de Tana (ou j' habite) à Fianar.
Mon épouse est de Fandriana, c' est donc une portion que nous connaissons bien (Tana/Ambositra)
J' ai un bon véhicule, mais je ne roule pas vite 😊😊
J' avais dans l' idée de faire une halte à Ambositra et de repartir le lendemain sur Manakara. Mais c' est peut être un peu long.
Alors pourquoi ne pas faire une deuxième étape à Ranomafana !
J' ai bien pris note des noms des hotels à Manakara.
Et à Ranomafana avez vous des idées?
Encore merci à vous deux.
Cordialement.
De toutes façons il est difficile sur cette route de rouler très vite.
Ambositra Manakara se fait dans la journée sans problème, pour une halte à Ranomafana, je vais "Chez Gustave".
C'est tenu par le curé du village, bungalows très corrects, dans un jardin colonial très bien entretenu, situé juste derrière l'église.
12 à 14 heures pour le voyage en une seule étape suivant les pauses que l'on s'accorde sur un si long trajet.trajet riche en variétés de paysages
Grise est la roche, rouge est la terre, ocre le flot de la rivière et la rizière qui verdoie sous un ciel d'émeraude .
Le paysage se creuse en vallées , s'étale dans les plaines. Une cordillère de bosses et de falaises ferme au loin l'horizon .Autant de paysages , autant de couleurs chers à mon cœur.
Tout au long de la route nationale, les hameaux , les villages défilent .Les maisons traditionnelles aux murs de briques rouges, à haute vérandah, aux toits de tole cotoyent des masures faites de torchis et aux toits de chaume et qui croupissent avec le temps .Ce sont le plus souvent des 'mpivaro" qui attirent le chaland devant un étalage de friperies , de marmites, de fers pour l'angady ou de colifichets désuets .D'autres marchands , des femmes , dans la position du chieur accroupi, offrent sur une natte poisseuse déroulée à meme le sol des brèdes, des légumes ou des fruits disposés en petits tas .Parfois des batisses neuves, faites de ciment et de parpaings , à étages , jurent avec la trame historique des habitations villageoises .Elles sont comme une insolence, un caprice de parvenus .L'architecte rural ignore sans doute la 'règle d'or ' établie par les anciens grecs .Les façades sont boursoufflées , agrémentées de balcons , de fer forgé , d'ornements inutiles .Chaque village a son église , sa chapelle , son temple .C'est un lieu de rassemblement pour honorer avec une égale piété aussi bien Jésosy que Kristy , Andriamanitra ou Zanahary , les puissances tutélaires .Des familles endimanchées descendent par les sentiers pour aller chanter au culte .Ici et là , sur des éminences , le tombeau des ancêtres aux pierres de granit soigneusement équarries rappelle aux vivants leurs devoirs .
Au sortir de quelques villages , des artisans locaux exposent leur savoir faire dans l'espoir d'un arret du voyageur : des miniatures peinturlurées d'autos ou de camions , des balais brosse , des tambours pour Hira Gasy , des kabossy , (la guitare malgache, )des marmites , des plateaux de bois pour la découpe des viandes ou des légumes , des soubiques , des corbeilles , et meme des piéta de la Vierge Marie !. Le moindre ariary est espéré , guetté , attendu .Le village a besoin d'argent . Mais les voitures passent , indifférentes , sans s'arreter ..
...Et , soudain, s'ouvre l'immense plaine volcanique d'Antsirabe. La terre est riche ; La terre est grasse .Elle a été piochée , retournée à l'angady Elle porte les moissons , les fruits , les légumes ..Elle est nourricière .....En bordure de route les paysannes offrent sur leur étal de belles tomates rouges , des bottes roses de carottes , des concombres au vert tendre , des bananes à la pelure jaune d'or et le violet des prunes .En contrebas les carrés de rizières frémissent au vent léger .
Les voitures de passagers sont hélées à grands gestes d'invitation. A l'arret , les passagers sont assiégés , assaillis par les porteuses de corbeilles .On se bouscule aux portières. Les vendeuses de canards , d'oies , de poules ajoutent à la charge .Dans ce concert de cris , d'offres , d'appels on reconnait le timbre clair de Madame Anna :"Ohatrina ty ? Lafo be !( Combien ça coute , ? C'est trop cher !). C'est son cri de guerre .L'ancienne commerçante sait arracher le meilleur prix .Oies , canards , provisions de fruits et de légumes vont voyager sur le toit surchargé du taxi brousse jusqu'à la cuisine et le fourneau de Manakara - pour les fétes
Apres Antsirabe , la route s'enlace jusqu'aux hauteurs d'Ambositra et d'Ambohimahasoa .le paysage devient sévère .La roche nue enserre la route .les habitations sont plus rares. Ce sont des habitations d'infortunés aux murs de boue séchée, patinés par le temps , délavés par les pluies .Les ouvertures sont étroites et la fumée de cuisine s'échappe par une fenetre .On accède à l'étage non par un escalier mais par une échelle branlante .C'est la rencontre avec la grande misère paysanne .
Ces pauvres gens ont le corps chétif et , pourtant, ils doivent affronter chaque jour la dureté des travaux des champs .Les visages sont creux et les membres grèles .Ils sont vétus de loques , de guenilles , de linge rapiécé, décoloré .Ils se tiennent parfois immobiles au bord de la route , le regard perdu .Les plus anciens s'enroulent encore dans le satrouka ancestral .Ils n'ont que du charbon de bois à vendre .Ils sont le monde des 'sans dents ' comme dirait notre bon président françois Hollande mais ils sont aussi le monde qui va pieds nus sur les chemins caillouteux. Ils sont usés , vieillis avant l'age. Ils sont enfermés dans leur misère .
Puis commence la descente vers la cote : la terre des chaleurs tropicales et des pluies diluviennes .La foret reprend ses droits .Elle fuse vers le ciel avec ses troncs puissants , son feuillage touffu .Elle devient épaisse , étouffante . Elle devient réserve nationale de Ranomafana ;Elle est l'abri naturel des lémuriens aux gros yeux inquisiteurs et à la queue en panache .Les eaux de la Namourouno grondent dans l'étroite vallée. Elle cascade sur les seuils rocheux. La buée monte et fait arc en ciel .C'est un grand spectacle pour les touristes - mais - c'est la crise .Le touriste n'est pas là .Les nouveaux hôtels batis sur les flancs de la roche se morfondent en attendant la clientèle .
Les Tanala de la foret sont restés au stade le plus élémentaire de la construction .Ils ne vivent pas dans des maisons mais plutôt dans des paillotes ou des abris sommaires faits de feuillage et de roseaux .Et pourtant ces constructions légères résistent à toutes les tempetes , à tous les vents . Ils sont nombreux à se serrer dedans . La pauvreté ambiante est générale .Ici , on vit du bois , de la banane , de l'ananas et des letchis.
A partir d'Irondro , c'est la nuit noire .Il reste 100 kilomètres .Les rares maisons ont disparu dans l'obscurité la plus profonde .Pas un fanal , pas une lampe à pétrole , pas une bougie allumée .Les phares dessinent la route à suivre . C'est du goudron .Enfin au terme du voyage , c'est Manakara . Il y a de la lumière dans les habitations . Des clients attablés boivent à la terrasse d'une gargotte leur THB , la bière nationale
Je suis une volontaire française à Madagascar depuis 4 ans. Je pars en famille à Manakara d'Antananarivo pour une dizaine de jours le 25 février prochain en…
4 questions pratiques pour organiser nos p'tites vacances en juillet-août à Madagascar. Quelqu'un peut-il me dire s'il y a des vols depuis Manakara vers…
D'abord bonjour à tous, Je souhaiterais savoir si le train fiana manakara est de nouveau en service et savoir si les jours (mardi jeudi samedi) sont maintenus.…
Je souhaiterais me rendre a nosy be de Tana en taxi brousse. Avez vous des contacts d'une compagnie du style cotisse ou autre compagnie plus "confortable" que…
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?
