
The Eastern region ticks every box at the top of most tourists' must see and must do list for Madagascar.
It has rainforests, traditional culture, beaches, lemurs, vanilla and even whales which, from July to Setember, swim past Taolagnaro and Ile Sainte Marie en route to the warmer waters of Baie d'Antongil.
The region, with its humid tropical climate, boasts an abundance of plantations growing coffee, cloves, vanilla and all tropical fruits, making it generally the most affluent region of Madagascar. Along the banks of the Canal Des Pangalanes built by the French during colonial times to connect the lakes and rivers along the eastern shore, you can spot the vanilla plants as well as cinnamon and coconut trees.
With its sun and secluded white sandy beaches the 50km coral island of the Ile Sainte Marie (also called Nosy Boraha), formerly a haven for 18th century pirates (hence the pirates' cemetery), is now plundered by beach lovers.
The rainforests were also plundered by local farmers clearing land for cultivation but thanks to current protection schemes the rainforest of the Masoala National Park, now a World Heritage Site and the largest of the island's protected areas, is, today, a safe and flourishing habitat for the many exceptional species of fauna and flora.
Three marine parks are included in the Masoala National Park and, for kayaking and snorkelling, provide fascinating marine environments to explore.
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, about 15km northern from Andasibe, is also a protected rainforest area in Eastern Madagascar. The park includes the Analamazaotra Reserve, home to the largest lemur, the Indri, which is known for its distinctively loud call. The park is home to native species including the big Parson's chameleon, plus rare orchids and ferns. Trail circuits weave through dense forest, past lakes and the stunning Sacred Waterfall.
Thanks to the rich biodiversity of the Eastern region and traditional medicine practise, many of the plants are used for treating ailments by the Betsimisaraka and Tanala. Sixty eight have been identified with preparations and administrations as varied as the plants themselves.
The tribes of the Betsimisaraka north and the Betsimisaraka south in the area of Tamatave also practise ancient rituals combining traditional music and superstition via colourful tromba ceremonies communicating with living and ancestral spirits.
MAJOR CITIES/TOWNS: Tamatave, Ile Saint Marie (Nosy Boraha), Mananara, Maroantsetra, Vatomandry, Mananjary, Manakara
NATIONAL PARKS AND RESERVES: Masoala Peninsula, Nosy Mangabe, Parc Ivoloina (Duke Primate project), Andasibe-Mantadia.
Prime Magazine Featured destinations in the Eastern Region

Mother Nature was very feeling very generous when she created Vangaindrano: fertile soil, mountains, trees and even a beach that gives the impression of being untouched by man.
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Sainte Marie Island is known for its beauty, its people’s joie de vivre and for its history linked with the Golden Age of Piracy. Among many other gifts of nature, the forest of Ikalalao, which in many aspects reflects the island’s natural glories, is the best place to go to recharge one’s batteries.....
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Let yourself be carried away by the "Mora Mora" rhythm of life of the population of eastern Madagascar for a relaxing stay in Andranokoditra, Tamatave. Appreciate it.....
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To relax during your journey in Madagascar, stay away from major cities and opt for a "mora-mora" holiday in Vatomandry. Located on the East coast of the Red Island, this village is partly owes its development and its proximity to the capital city.....
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The city of Fénérive-Est or Fenoarivo Atsinanana in Malagasy is the origin of the creation of the Betsimisaraka people. As that region was inhabited by the Antanaratra ethnic group, they were expelled from their lands by the Tsimbala, a rival clan.....
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Ideally located between the Canal des Pangalanes and the Indian Ocean, Ambila Lemaitso is a destination that will amaze you with its beauty and its quietude. Enjoy an enchanting stay in one of the most popular tourist spots in Madagascar.....
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Have you ever taken the National Road 2 connecting Antananarivo and Tamatave ? If so, a palm alley in Melville, 20 km away from the city's port has probably not escaped you.....
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Capital of the Antsinanana region, the name of the town Toamasina comes from the word "toa" and "masina" meaning "salty". The city is home to the largest port on the island, making it also the economic capital of Madagascar.....
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Andovoranto is on a small piece of land between the Pangalanes Canal and the Indian Ocean. A fishing village, the isolation of the latter allows it to be preserved from mass tourism. Its natural and cultural wealth is thus protected.....
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The island of Sainte-Marie is one of Madagascar's leading destinations, called paradise on earth with its stunning beaches and lagoons....
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For your next trip, choose the south-eastern part of Madagascar and visit a little-known destination that is not far from the capital of the Vatovavy Fitovinany region, more precisely 8 kilometres from Manakara.....
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Let yourself be surprised by the magic of a cruise in the Pangalanes Canal! With varied itineraries in this area, travelling by yacht will surely bring a touch of originality to your stay. These short cruises from Ambila-Lemaitso are an opportunity to see the eastern part of Madagascar from a new angle. So, enjoy your trip!....
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The eastern part of Madagascar is a very attractive area for tourism, and tourist sites continue to attract national and international tourists. Exploring it is a privilege thanks to its magnificent fauna and sublime flora. For a unique experience, opt for the river and discover the wonders of nature during a very rewarding course.....
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Located 42 km south of Manakara on the national road (RN12) to Farafangana, Vohipeno in the southeastern region, with more than 10,000 inhabitants, is the ancient cultural capital of the Antemoro ethnic group, one of the 18 tribes of Madagascar.....
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The Vohibola Reserve is an area of more than 2,000 ha, located along the Pangalanes Canal on the east coast of Madagascar, between the towns of Tamatave and Brickaville.....
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Visiting this site located in the region of Analamanga is interesting two ways: firstly for its more than charming landscapes and secondly for its history related to the princess Ramiangaly, 7th wife of King Andrianampoinimerina, ruler of Imerina from 1787 to 1810.....
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The Anjanaharibe-Sud Reserve is a wildlife reserve located about thirty kilometres southwest of the city of Andapa, in the northern part of Madagascar, in the SAVA region. It is managed by Madagascar National Parks, which has registered there 365 species of ferns, more than 30 species of palm trees and 18,500 takhtajania perrieri, an ancient tree species dating back to prehistoric times.....
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Located about 19km near the town of Brickaville in eastern Madagascar, Lake Ampitabe is one of the lakes that separate the Channel of Pangalanes from the Indian Ocean. The saga that surrounds the place and the nature reserve which borders the lake, make all its charm.....
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Antsampanana ("crossroads") is an essential stop-by in Eastern Madagascar. The village is the point of intersection on the national road between Toamasina and Mahanoro, Vatomandry. After the fatigue caused by the kilometres traveled by car, the village atmosphere, rich in all the Malagasy products presented, will provide a very relaxed time.....
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Sainte Marie Island is a Malagasy jewel located off the Eastern coast of Madagascar, 35 km from Soanierana-Ivongo. The island is famous for its idyllic scenery and breathtaking activities. It requires a stay long enough to fully enjoy all the splendor it offers. One of the highlights is the guided tour of Ambodiforaha's Endemika Park located 2 km off the airport.....
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Located at the East coast of Madagascar, about 45 km North-west of Toamasina in the district of Toamasina II, the Betampona Integrated Nature Reserve was created, as the first reservation of the country on December 30, 1927. Covering an area of 2,228 hectares, it lies between the rural towns of Ambodiriana and Sahambala, containing the last remnant of natural forests in the Atsinanana region. This Low Elevation Moist Dense Forest, 270 to 590 meters high, is the habitat of a rich and exceptional flora and fauna.....
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the Big Island is rich in ancient monuments with incredible stories – which must be valued as tourist attractions! One of them is Farafaty, located east of the Big Island. A few kilometers from Tamatave, Farafaty is a splendid place, breathtaking.....
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According to numerous ship-logs and tales, around a thousand buccaneers must have used the island of Sainte-Marie as their hideout during the 17th and 18th centuries. The presence of shipwrecks in Ambodifotatra Bay is consistent with these stories. According to numerous ship-logs and tales, around a thousand buccaneers must have used the island of Sainte-Marie as their hideout during the 17th and 18th centuries. The presence of shipwrecks in Ambodifotatra Bay is consistent with these stories. Attracted by the beauty and serenity of the island, famous pirates such as Christophe Condent, John Avery, Thomas Tew, the Hawk and Thomas White settled in Sainte-Marie.....
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Brickaville is one of the districts of the Atsinanana region, east of Madagascar. It is named after Charles Bricka, a French engineer, director of Public Works of Madagascar during colonization. Charles Bricka contributed to the construction of the Tananarive-Côte-Est or TCE railway line before becoming Inspector General of Public Works of the colonies.....
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Fetraomby, here the forest, a protected area, part of the Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor, is home to the Indri-Indri...
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The city of Fénérive-Est or Fenoarivo Atsinanana in Madagascar is where the Betsimisaraka people come from. Once the area was inhabited by the Antanaratra ethnic group, but they were expelled from their lands by the rival Tsimbala clan....
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While the Malagasy west coast has a reputation for its warmth and sunsets, the east coast is known for its beautiful seaside resorts and lush vegetation. For those who are spending their holiday in the city of Manambato, take a boat trip to discover the fishing village of Vavaony.....
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The National Park of Zahamena, listed as a World Heritage site, is named after a tree called ‘Zahagna’, coloured red or ‘mena’ in Malagasy. Situated in the province of Toamasina, the park is a cradle of biodiversity with a few notable treasures of nature buried in its dense rain forest.....
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It's an authentic natural environment with breathtaking landscapes plus atypical and astonishing animals, but no words can really do justice to the splendour of the Mangerivola reserve.....
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An idyllic spot, the island of île aux Nattes is the perfect place to relax. It is a truly exceptional corner of paradise, a place you dream about with superb beaches of fine sparkling white sand and a unique biodiversity.....
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West of Antalaha two branches of a large river meet before emptying into the Indian Ocean, with Ankavanana being the right fork and Ankavia the left one. Their estuary is called Ambinany or Mananarabe. The place can be visited on a tour that follows the Ankavia River to the Eastern Cape forest area and offers several attractions.....
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Located on the east coast of Madagascar, 6km away from the seaside resort of Mahavelona-Foulpointe, the Analalava Special Reserve harbours unique faunal and floristic treasure.....
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Mahambo is more than just a paradise for surfers, although it is considered to be the best spot in Madagascar. Its outstanding appeal makes it one of the most visited places on the Big Island.....
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While descending the cliff, one can admire this long forest corridor, a remnant of a primary forest, in one of the most remarkable and diverse ecosystems on the planet.....
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The impression of finding yourself at the ends of the earth, nestling in the midst of exceptional enchanting scenery. Nosy Varika is the ideal place for finding serenity and inner peace.....
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It’s a small village that has managed to preserve its original character, with lofty bamboos around a waterfall where overlapping rocks form a natural staircase. And what better than cool water in a tropical region? The name of the village comes from the Onibe River that runs down the easternslopes of Madagascar, flowing into the Indian Ocean.....
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The largest Protected Area of Madagascar National Parks, this is an exceptional place defined by the diversity of its landscape allowing you to make cultural visits plus faunistic and floristic discoveries.....
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Just let yourself be carried away by this unique enchanting spot, which has become the most popular seaside resort in the east of Madagascar and one of the most frequently visited of the whole island.....
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Travellers in search of peace and quiet, a heavenly secluded spot untainted by large-scale tourism is ready to welcome you: the delightful natural pools of Ambodiatafana!.....
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Having obtained notoriety through the innumerable assegai blades thrust into the ground at the entrance to the town, you can relax and enjoy the protection of the town of Maroantsetra.....
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Nosy Mangabe or Nosy Marosy, is a small island 5 km from Maroantsetra, is a perfect destination if you are looking for an authentic unspoilt place rich in history...
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Located 17km off Toamasina, 45 minutes by boat, Plum Island, 2km long and 400 metres wide, is an ideal place for nature and adventure seekers...
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The Island of Maurice, located in the south west part of the Indian Ocean is best known for its beaches, but there is also a whole world of nature to discover...
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Marolambo is a corner of Madagascar, located in the Atsinanana region. Ambodinonoka is a beautiful village typical of the East region, its name derived from the Nonoka, a tree of the fig family, whose leaves, are taken as an infusion...
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Visiting Hen Island or Nosy Akoho is a must with its magnificent view of the coastline from the open sea, beautiful beaches, the friendly fishermen, pirate legends and Betsimisaraka culture.....
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Vohipeno in the south eastern region, with more than 10,000 inhabitants, is the ancient cultural capital of the Antemoro ethnic group, one of the 18 tribes of Madagascar. One of the most visited sites, in this part of Madagascar, is the Royal Palace, located in the rural town of Ivato.
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Between July and September, humpback whales come to the waters of the Canal of Sainte Marie to breed or to give birth. During a sea trip, you will have the opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures.....
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