Andasibe Transportation Tips by Norali

Ghost cars, zebu carts while taking a bend

Pay attention to phantom cars, ox carts while taking a bend... if you choose to drive to Andasibe, and Eastern region, in general.

I know, landscape is fascinating, road in Tana-Toamasina route is superb but really curvy. Even in daylights, other "drivers" may surprise you. Be it ghost cars or ox carts.

Don't drive so fast, especially when taking bends since truck drivers are sometimes sleeping (yes!). They don't sound their horns. And while driving at night, some just forget to put on lights. That may create problems since Tana-Toamasina is so curvy.

Well, as for carts, you just have to know that they are driven in same roads as yours. No horns, no lights.. but part of the traffic.

I would say that, for once, this Route nationale 2, RN2 that liaises Tana to Toamasina (eastern city), is dangerous for it being in good shape (slippery and curvy). Plus, it's tempting to drive fast there but don't do so. Also, for this region being the most humid of all, the roads are made slippery even more.

Mode: TO,AROUND

Type: Car/Motor Home

Road trip by 4*4, taxi-brousse

They are my favourite transportation means to hop from a city to another since they allow you to see landscapes. Besides, travelling by taxi-brousse with other passengers is a good way to know about Malagasy people since this transportation means is used by Malagasy of all kinds.

Especially on RN2 (Route Nationale 2, that liaises Tana and eastern city Toamasina), the road is in good shape (too good, indeed) that it is comfortable to ride- drive on it.

EITHER book seats within taxi-brousse companies or associations in Tana. Be careful to book in advance since this is a really sought-after means (cheaper, adventure). It's quite strange but they are professional (on time, in contrary of other services). Taxi-brousses are often cars like a sedan with 8-9 seats or vans.

In Tana, book your seats at taxi-brousses station in Ambodivona. This station is dealing with roadtrips to Northern parts (Antsiranana), North-West (Mahajanga) and Eastern parts (Toamasina). I think departures would be there as well.
Antananarivo-Andasibe area: 140 km.
Antananarivo-Toamasina city: 372 km.
Best choice for backpackers and budget travellers (along with railtrip, no sure this one works already or not).

I think that you will have to do Tana-Moramanga by taxi-brousse. Then at Moramanga, hire a local cab to Andasibe.

EITHER, rent a sedan car with a chauffeur-guide who will show you around cities. Best choice if you travel with kids.

Mode: TO,AROUND

Type: Bus