10 days road trip in Eastern Madagascar

You easily adapt to any situation ? You love the beach as much as the mountains, sports and relaxing ? You have a 10 days vacation to plan ? Then, come on !
Head to Eastern Madagascar. After sweating in the nature and discover many hidden gems, relax on some of the most beautiful beaches of the world.

For your information, driving in Madagascar might be quite different from what you are used to ! The state of the roads is not the best and the way the Malagasy drive can be quite surprising if you are not used to it. During the rainy season, secondary roads can be quite difficult to access due to floods. It is also not advised to drive at night. More information here. However, do not worry, the local rental car agencies usually rent cars with a driver.

Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting in this itinerary :

• Discover Antananarivo, the island’s capital, as well as its history and its culture
• Meet lemurs at the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
• Hop on a rickshaw to get around Toamasina
• Surf on the beautiful waves of Mahambo, or diving is also an option if you prefer
• Board on a dugout and sail along Sainte-Marie Island’s coast
• Make your childhood dream come true when discovering a pirate cemetery

To travel safely and without any worry on your mind, we recommend Chapka Insurance !

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Itinerary of the road trip in Eastern Madagascar

 

 

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For this itinerary, we recommend to rent a car from Hertz. , It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

Need a road map to prepare your itinerary ? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date !

The best period to do this road trip to Madagascar is between may and december. It’s when the temperatures are the most enjoyable, there is less rain and the temperature of the ocean is perfect to swim. More information here.

Do not leave Madagascar before tasting its 2 national dishes. First there is the romazava, a delicious broth of vegetables, meats and spices. The second one is ravitoto, the perfect mix of cassava leaves, garlic, and pork meat, usually served with rice on the side.

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The itinerary : step by step

 

What to do in Antananarivo ?

Madagascar’ capital, Antananarivo is the first stop of your trip. But don’t worry if you don’t have time to do everything, you’ll be coming back at the end of your trip ! 

• Explore the Analakely neighbourhood and its independence avenue.
• Stroll through its market, one the the city’s largest, where you can find anything : from fruits to blankets !
• Walk through the higher parts of the city, in neighbourhoods like Faravohitra. Go up to the viewpoint where you’ll get an amazing view over the city, lake Anosy and Mahamasima (very popular place, totally free !).
• Did you know that, like Los Angeles has the Hollywood hill, Antananarivo also has a hill with white letters ? Yes it’s true, there are at Rova de Manjakamiadana ! One of the best panorama over the city.
• On the road going to/coming back from the airport, stop at the craftsman’s market of Ambohitrimanjaka (try saying this out loud …) and get souvenirs.
• Discover a mansion once home to the king who reunited the country in the 18th century, on Ambohimanga hill.
• Why not take a guided tour with a local ? It’s the best way to get around the city, discover its hidden gems and have a better understanding of the culture.

 

Where to sleep in Antananarivo ?

 

• Mid-range : if you are looking to dive into the local culture right away, the Mandrosoa Guest House will be the perfect place for your first night on the island. Well located, the food is delicious, the staff is great, the rooms are comfortable, you have your privacy as well as some common areas and there is a pool !
• High-end : want to relax after your flight and first day in the city ? Then the Novotel Convention & Spa is the perfect fit ! You will only have to enjoy the pool, the sauna, or the nice garden.

 

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What to do in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park ?

A must-see in the middle of nature. You can access Andasibe-Mantadia National Park by foot or by car. This park and its abundant flora will make anyone fall in ove with nature, Lemurs or other animals like Indri-indri and Boas !

There are 5 trails that you can hike on to discover the local flora and wildlife, as well as beautiful natural landscapes. It will also be your chance to learn more about the local culture and its beliefs regarding nature, especially in this park. To live the full experience, you can also decide to do the hike with a guide.

 

Where to sleep in Andasibe ?

 

• Mid-range : for you the perfect hotel is comfort and a good view ? Then the Andasibe Lemurs Lodge will be perfect for you !
• High-end : if you want a change of scenery, book the Mantadia Lodge, with its beautiful view over the mountains. The rooms have great bedding and are air-conditioned. The restaurant also serves good food.

 

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What to do in Toamasina ?

The Malagasy Venice, Toamasina, is ideal to experience the real tropical rain. 

• Hop on a rickshaw and get to know the local way of life.
• Walk on the Place Bien Aimée, heritage telling the colonial past of the city.
• Take the time to buy local vanilla or cinnamon at the market.
• Need to freshen up after a sweaty day ? Head to Ivoloina Park and go swim under the waterfall !

 

Where to sleep in Toamasina ?

 

• Mid-range : located 2km away from the city center, the Java Hotel is a great option if you want to be near the main attractions. It offers standard rooms, suites and the front desk is open H24.
• High-end : if you are looking for a great accommodation, then the Streamliner Hotel Apartment is it ! We especially appreciate the professionalism of the staff, that makes you feel like you are in a luxury hotel on the Champs-Elysées !

 

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What to do in Mahambo ?

Before getting to  Mahambo , stop by Foulpointe. A small village on the Malagasy coast, Foulpointe is absolutely gorgeous. Architecture lovers, this is not for you, the village is better for relaxing on the beach and tanning up ! So put your bathing suit on and head to the ocean. Need anything ? A cocktail ? Oh I’ve got something better … a massage on the beach ! End your day with a calm dugout cruise near the coral reef and observe the starfish and sea snakes !

Fishermen’s village, Mahambo has the same atmosphere as Foulpointe. Beaches, walks and nautical sports… 

• Mahambo’s main activity is to farniente as the italiens say. Indeed, it is the perfect place to relax, grab your best swimsuit, a good book, and don’t forget the sunscreen ! You will have all the essentials for the perfect relaxing day on the main beach of the village.
• Diving enthusiasts, get a guide and go on an underwater excursion. Don’t try going on your own, it could be dangerous !
• If you want to surf in the Indian Ocean, well, this is the perfect place as Mahambo is known for its great waves. There is even a surf school if you are a beginner and would prefer to take a class.
• To discover the local life and specialties, head to the market, where yo will find delicious vegetables, fruits, spices, meat, fish…
• Don’t forger your insect repellant spray, or you could end up quite badly and be stung by mokafohy – and trust me you do NOT want to.

 

Where to sleep in Mahambo ?

 

• Mid-range : there are not many accommodation available around, however, La Pirogue is great. It is located just next to the water, the restaurant and the terrace are very nice to enjoy the food and the view.

 

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What to do in Soanierana Ivongo ?

Before getting to Soanierana Ivongo, you will go through Fenerive a city specialized in pepper and clove. And oh, your inner child has always dreamed of being a pirate ? Be sure to go explore the ruins of an old pirate fortress. Walk through the forest near the city and go see a rooster fight on a Sunday.

Soanierana Ivongo is an important port, a mandatory stop for those who want to go to Sainte-Marie Island for a few hours or a few days.

In order to have more accommodation options, we recommend spending the night on Sainte-Marie Island. From Soanierana Ivongo it takes about 2 hours by boat to reach the island. There are several companies to cross the water, and the departures are usually early in the morning.

 

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What to do in Sainte-Marie Island ?

Travelers, the time to relax has come, here in Sainte-Marie !

• From June to December, get on a boat to observe – and listen to – humpback whales !
• The weather is ideal from September to November so go ahead and go discover the island and its hidden creeks.
• Explore the East of the island on a motorcycle or a quad bike !
• 15km /9.3 miles away from the city, after the « Chez Hélène » hotel sign, turn right and you’ll find Ampanihy Bay. Get on a canoe and explore the bay, then go taste some local dishes.
• On the way to the North of the island, take a dip in one of the 3 natural pools of Ambodiatafana where you can very safely enjoy the translucent water. For lunch, go to Le Cottage d’Ambodiatafana and eat some grilled fish, calamari or pineapple.
• The North is perfect for those who like to lie on the beach for hours.
• In the South, make sure to go to Ile aux Nattes, a small heaven on Earth.
• Pirates, meet your ancestors at the Pirate Cemetery.

 

Where to sleep on Sainte-Marie Island ?

 

• Mid-range : at the Nautile Hotel, you will have a nice view over the ocean, comfortable and clean rooms, as well as access to the swimming pool !
• High-end : live the perfect island getaway at Le Ravoraha, an ecolodge located by the ocean, with an infinity pool, a restaurant, a bar-lounge area, a beautiful garden… Heaven on Earth some might say !

 

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What to do in Antananarivo ?

Ending your trip in Antananarivo is a great idea ! Enjoy these lasts days to the fullest while exploring the Malagasy capital. 

• Explore the Analakely neighbourhood and its independence avenue.
• Stroll through its market, one the the city’s largest, where you can find anything : from fruits to blankets !
• Walk through the higher parts of the city, in neighbourhoods like Faravohitra. Go up to the viewpoint where you’ll get an amazing view over the city, lake Anosy and Mahamasima (very popular place, totally free !).
• Did you know that, like Los Angeles has the Hollywood hill, Antananarivo also has a hill with white letters ? Yes it’s true, there are at Rova de Manjakamiadana ! One of the best panorama over the city.
• On the road going to/coming back from the airport, stop at the craftsman’s market of Ambohitrimanjaka (try saying this out loud …) and get souvenirs.
• Discover a mansion once home to the king who reunited the country in the 18th century, on Ambohimanga hill.
• Why not take a guided tour with a local ? It’s the best way to get around the city, discover its hidden gems and have a better understanding of the culture.

 

Where to sleep in Antananarivo ?

 

• Mid-range : if you are looking to dive into the local culture right away, the Mandrosoa Guest House will be the perfect place for your first night on the island. Well located, the food is delicious, the staff is great, the rooms are comfortable, you have your privacy as well as some common areas and there is a pool !
• High-end : want to relax after your flight and first day in the city ? Then the Novotel Convention & Spa is the perfect fit ! You will only have to enjoy the pool, the sauna, or the nice garden.

 

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Learn more…

 

• You want to know all the information about the country ? it’s here.
• To rent a car at the best price, we advise you this website.
• To book a flight at the best price, we advise you this website.
• You are looking for a great travel insurance : we recommend you this one !

Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures !

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If you have more information, good deals, or any advice to share about this itinerary, leave a comment below ! Our team will be happy to hear about your experiences !