The most beautiful natural sites to discover Tamatave – Toamasina

This little island was once a port, after being a repaire of pirates. It is a sacred place for the descendants of the Zanamalata, a Métis born of the union of pirates and Malagasy princesses. One of their most important cemeteries, with the tombs of the Zafindrabe family, of King Ratsimilaho's dynasty (th century). Inside the island, a huge cast iron pot (about a metre in diameter) was used to prepare the royal meals during the Fêtes festivities. It is still an object of worship, since we come to the site of the pot. It was on the reefs surrounding the island that Thomas White, the future father of King Ratsimilaho, failed before the love of a princess and a pirate would give birth to a Métis dynasty.

This small island covered with dense forest offers the opportunity for a day trip from Toamasina (about 1h30 of navigation from the port). Here the seabed is superb; a mask and a snorkel allow you to get close to the marvelous ocean fauna... In complete safety because the coral reef belt blocks all access to the sharks. On the island, you can walk in the forest, walk to the lighthouse (the highest in Africa at 66 m). Put in your bag some products to keep away the insects that abound in the forest...

Nice botanical garden where the vegetal varieties of the great forest of the East are well represented. An opportunity to greet lemurs (we observe at least five species in semi-liberty). Ecological approach of sustainable development of the places to underline. A visit to the garden of medicinal plants, to the old prison and to the fish farm is recommended. A snack bar and a refreshment stand are available. Jean René, a French-Malagasy half-breed who created a factory and a sugar refinery and developed education under the reign of Radama^I, is buried here.