Manakara, the ideal destination on the Indian Ocean
Madagascar is a wonderful island with a magnificent landscape that it offers to the rest of the world. This large island is rich in a variety of splendid cities, including Manakara. The latter is the economic and administrative capital of the Vatovavy-Fitovinany region and belongs to the Fianarantsoa province. It attracts people through the beauty of its landscape and the hospitality of the locals in this region. You will surely enjoy your visit to this part of the island.
Where is Manakara located?
Manakara is located on the southeast coast of Madagascar, near the mouth of the river of the same name. Manakara, a coastal town in Madagascar, is crossed by the Canal des Pangalanes and features a small port built during colonial times in 1936. Covering an area of 31,756 km², half of which is already urbanized, Manakara is home to approximately 40,000 residents belonging to the Antaimoro ethnic group. Serving as the endpoint of the FCE Railway or Fianarantsoa East Coast, stretching about 158 km, Manakara is connected to Fianarantsoa by this railway, with a train journey taking at least 12 hours. Known for its coastal charm, the town experiences annual temperatures typical of the region.
The best time to visit Manakara is in June, July, August, and September when the temperature is around 27°C.
How to get there?
If you depart from Antananarivo, the capital, you will need to travel 570 km. The car journey takes about 12 hours with a direct drive. Nighttime driving is strongly discouraged due to the unsafe road conditions. It is better to leave the capital in the morning and arrive in Manakara in the early evening. You can also make a stopover in Fianarantsoa and stay overnight to leave early the next morning. Alternatively, a stopover in Ranomafana is another option.
For two-wheelers, it would be ideal to ride alone or in a group on a motorcycle. You will be part of a fascinating and adventurous expedition, a journey that you will not soon forget.
What you will find along the way
The RN7 is an asphalt road that makes travel easier. However, you will find that it is already in poor condition, especially from Antsirabe to Alakamisy-Ambohimaha. Nevertheless, this does not deter anyone from venturing there.
This national road offers a magnificent view of the landscape. Rice fields, mountains, zebus, clay houses… will surely fascinate you. You will also find sellers of Malagasy products along the roadside. Crafts such as various musical instruments, sculptures in different sizes, wooden toys, woven bags and hats, and much more can be found in Madagascar. Vendors selling organic fruits and vegetables set up their small stalls between Ambatolampy and Antsirabe, as well as after the bridge over the Faraony River in the east, where local endemic tropical fruits are available all year round.
The journey to Manakara alone offers an incredible discovery of Madagascar’s culture. Motorcyclists especially enjoy the RN7 road, which offers interesting curves. Taking a motorcycle tour is highly recommended as it provides a sense of total freedom and allows for a unique exploration of the island. More adrenaline, in short, an adventure not to be missed.
From the junction to Ranomafana before Fianarantsoa, the road is full of twists and turns and the landscape changes completely. Dense forests, people with a completely different accent are on the way. With a bit of luck, you may encounter a rare species, as this part of the island protects more than a hundred endangered species in Madagascar. A short stay, even if just for a day in Ranomafana is recommended. Craft vendors and various fruits are available on site. Not to be missed: a relaxation in the famous heated pool and in the hot. Sources of Ranomafana.
Manakara, a Heavenly City
Finally arrived in Manakara, it is a perfect place for those seeking peace and tranquility. You don’t need warm clothing, the wind that the sea brings provides gentle waves of freshness. The warmth in the region ensures a very satisfying well-being. You will have understood, this city is in no way polluted.
On site, you will be surprised by the beauty of the beach lined with numerous coconut palms. The Ocean currents are too strong to allow swimming, not to mention the sharks that can be found in the sea. However, you can sunbathe by the sea while enjoying the sea breeze.
In the city center, you will find the market, some offices, the police station, cybercafés, the Alliance française, and the town hall. Hotels are also scattered throughout the city. All of this is enhanced by the undeniable hospitality of the Antaimoro, the people of Manakara. You will greatly appreciate this city, which is a pride of the Malagasy people.
Transportation in the city
There are very few. There are few cars in the city. Instead, residents use bicycles for their daily shopping. That’s why Manakara has earned the nickname “The City of Bicycles”. There are also rickshaw pullers available to take you where you want to go. This way, you can enjoy a pleasant ride and gradually discover this impressive civilization. If your goal is a quick and efficient visit, riding a motorcycle is more efficient. The city is large enough, and you can make more discoveries by moving faster.
With only a few cars around, the streets are clear and you can move around freely.
Activities not to be missed
Several activities are available to you:
– A visit to the Antemoro paper factory, where Madagascan handmade papers are produced for postcards, parchments, and letters.
– A small excursion aboard pirogues on the Pangalanes Canal.
– You can visit the famous “Trou du Commissaire,” a completely safe beach where swimming is secure. There is also a small restaurant on site.
Discover a small village.
– Take a dip in the natural swimming pool.
– Enjoy various restaurants and nightclubs.
