Toamasina Safari Trips & Tours

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Toamasina

Drink in salty sea air and absorb modern Malagasy culture in the biggest seaport city on the island.

The chief seaport of Madagascar, Toamasina (also known as Tamatave) is tucked away at the top of a long finger of rainforest on the eastern side of the island. From early beginnings as a pirate hang-out to a modern-day city of commerce, it’s a chaotic, atmospheric place that makes a convenient stopover between Tana and Nosy Boraha. But hidden between the stilted, Creole buildings and rickshaw-filled roads are some nuggets worth exploring – the Manda fort, the ‘baazar be’ market and the waterfront spring to mind. But, if the city bustle gets the better of you, a quick drive will take you to pretty Port Fluvial, a series of lakes and bobbing pirogues, the sandy beaches of Foulepoints, and Mahambo and its laidback surfers.

Our Experts

Want to chat?

Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.

or call us on: +1 (646) 542 0667

Kevin Zimmermann

Madagascar Travel Specialist

Annie Irankunda

Madagascar Travel Specialist

Kristin Jessup

Madagascar Travel Specialist

Things to do

What to do in Toamasina

From its rather colourful beginnings as a pirate hideaway to its current status as a bustling port, this eastern hub serves up quite the atmospheric treat. Rickshaws weave through streets lined with stilted Creole architecture, while the grand old fort stands guard over proceedings like a watchful grandmother. Pop into the 'baazar be' market - mind the chickens - for a proper dose of organized chaos and some rather splendid people-watching opportunities. When the urban buzz starts to feel a bit much, nip over to Port Fluvial, where lakes mirror the sky and pirogues bob about like giant bath toys. Fancy a bit of wave action? The surfers at nearby beaches have the right idea, catching breaks with enviable nonchalance while the rest of us marvel at their rather impressive moves. Though do pack your sense of adventure - the roads here operate on their own particular brand of organized chaos, making every journey a proper little expedition.

Open Map

Historical Places

Take a historical tour of Toamasina

Madagascar

When to go

Best time to visit Toamasina

Excellent

Good

Mixed

january

Wet Season — a quieter time to visit

Reviews

Based on 20 Feefo Reviews for Madagascar

Guest

South Africa & Madagascar

August 2026

16 nights in Madagascar

Kevin has been great to work with. He’s very thorough and efficient and has great knowledge of our chosen destinations. Of course, we haven’t actually taken the trip yet, so I cannot comment on how well it will all flow. I have confidence that it will be wonderful.

Guest

The perfect Africa Adventure!

October 2024

17 nights in Tanzania, Madagascar and South Africa

We will definitely use them again! That says it all. Very easy to work with, covered every detail and more. It was our first time to Africa and Kevin took our idea of what we wanted and brought it to life. Every step was seamless; planning, documentation, flights, transfers, accommodations, guides, drivers, etc., we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Highly recommend!

Guest

Madagascar

September 2024

12 nights in Madagascar

I’ve now had 2 trips booked with Timbuktu and both were almost perfect. I will definitely use them again if I have any future trips. Joanna actually helped me with both trips. She is quick to respond to all emails and is so pleasant to work with. I will definitely hope to work with her again!

Wolff Maas

This has been a great experience planning our trip!

April 2024

16 nights in Madagascar, South Africa and Botswana

Everything has been great for planning and organizing. I have really appreciated the effort and experience my planner, Jeffi, has put into our trip. She has gone above and beyond my expectations for putting everything together and making this fun in the process.

Libby Palomeque

Creativity and Flexibility

February 2024

17 nights in Kenya and Madagascar

Not only did they listen to who we were and what we wanted, and create modifications to suit, but when life gave us an unexpected bump and changes were needed, they worked with us to find solutions. Highly recommended.

Guest

December 2023

15 nights in Madagascar

Responsive and good communication.

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