East

Tamatave

The great port of the East, gateway to the Pangalanes Canal and Sainte-Marie.

Best time to goYear-round Recommended duration1 day Trips1

Tamatave (Toamasina) is the country’s second city and its leading port. More a stopover than a destination in itself, it opens onto the Pangalanes Canal — that string of lakes and channels running along the ocean for hundreds of kilometers — and onto connections to Sainte-Marie.

Here you get a taste of the East Coast atmosphere: rickshaws, spice and fruit markets, and a seafront lined with casuarina trees.

Trips that pass through here

Tour · East & Highlands

Lemurs, the great Pangalanes lake and the lagoons of Sainte Marie

Antananarivo → Andasibe National Park → Andasibe → Palmarium Reserve and Aye-Aye Island → Palmarium → Tana → Sainte Marie

Duration10 days
Discover

Frequently asked questions

When to go to Tamatave?

The best time to discover Tamatave: Year-round.

How long should you stay in Tamatave?

Recommended time on site: 1 day.

How do you get to Tamatave?

RN2 from Tana (7 h) or domestic flight.

What tips are there for visiting Tamatave?

One night is enough: it's the logistical stop on the way to Sainte-Marie or the Pangalanes.