Tamatave, Madagascar’s largest port city, sits along the island’s eastern coast. To be honest, it’s not exactly a destination that screams “must-visit” [DisappointmentR]. Facing the vast Indian Ocean, this coastal gem is heavily influenced by monsoons, resulting in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
During my three-day stay, relentless rain poured down without pause, leading to citywide flooding. Exploring the area was far from enjoyable, and the sea, unfortunately, left much to be desired [LaughCryR]. Most travelers come here merely as a transit point en route to the stunning Sainte Marie Island.
For transportation, Cotisse remains your best bet. The journey from the capital takes an exhausting 11 hours, with tickets priced at 30,000 Ariary. You’ll find the bus station conveniently located at Cotisse Transport.
If you’re traveling east from Andasibe and wish to avoid backtracking to the capital, there’s an alternative route. Start by hopping into a tuk-tuk and heading to the nearby town of Perinet, costing around 10,000 Ariary. Once there, shared taxis are available to Moramanga, the largest city close to Andasibe.
The ride costs 15,000 Ariary per person and takes about an hour. From Moramanga, buses connect you to either Tamatave or the capital—simply inquire at the station and purchase your ticket to board.
Finding accommodation in Tamatave is straightforward, even when arriving late at night. Using Google Maps, I easily located several options. Prices typically range from 100,000 to 200,000 Ariary per night, with plenty of vacancies ensuring no stress over securing a room.
As for dining, I enjoyed all three meals at a local restaurant whose name now escapes me. No worries—just ask the hotel front desk; they’ll guide you to the right place.
When it comes to activities, Tamatave offers little beyond its underwhelming beach. Compared to the breathtaking shores of Morondava and Nosy Be, both the sea and sand here fall short.
Getting around within Tamatave is simple, thanks to tuk-tuks and rickshaws. While tuk-tuks tend to be slightly pricier than rickshaws, neither should exceed 10,000 Ariary for most trips.
Sainte Marie Island was on my initial itinerary, but heavy rains and road collapses thwarted my plans. However, I can share some useful information I gathered. The port for Sainte Marie Island is called Lokintsy. To reach the island, you must take a boat—but note that no direct service exists from Tamatave.
Instead, head north via bus. The station lies in a public parking lot adjacent to Cotisse. Look for buses bound for Foulpointe, Fenerive, or Soanierana Ivongo (visible on maps). Opting for the latter is advisable, as it’s closest to Sainte Marie Island. Expect a grueling 12-hour ride from Tamatave to Soanierana Ivongo.
Good luck!
Returning from Tamatave follows the same Cotisse route, costing another 30,000 Ariary. Unless you harbor a deep fascination with the Indian Ocean—or simply want to tick off every corner of Madagascar—you might skip this stop altogether.
In my next post, I’ll delve into my final destination in Madagascar: the enchanting Nosy Be. Stay tuned!
