Safari to Manakara

a peripherally interesting colonial backwater

Set half way down on the east coast of Madagascar, Manakara is a small port city that sits alongside a river of the same name.

The town is best known for the colonial railway which climbs from here up into the mountains to eventually reach Fianarantsoa on the RN7 highway.

This train ride is cited in some publications as being a scenic and fascinating side trip that can be easily incorporated into a trip around the country. The truth is that this is unfortunately a terribly faded and almost dilapidated route which can only really be considered by budget travellers who have lots of time on their hands in case things don’t work out.

We say this as great enthusiasts of rail travel, it’s a great disappointment.

As a result, there is rarely if ever a sufficient reason to include Manakara in a trip, even though there is an airport in the town with regular connections to Tana.