Location: Fianarantsoa
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What to do and see in Fianarantsoa, Madagascar: The Best Places and Tips
Fianarantsoa in Madagascar, from Africa region, is best know for National Parks. Discover best things to do in Fianarantsoa with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in Fianarantsoa
1. Ranomafana National Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 313 reviews
Reviewed By Happy_Camper_2004 - Massachusetts
Fortunately, it was dry when we visited Ranomafana, even though it was the start of the rainy season. The hike we took was quite easy, and we saw several types of geckos (including the Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko!), a Ring-tailed Moongoose, and several species of lemurs. All but one of our group of 10 opted out of the strenuous climb to see two other types of Bamboo Lemurs. The one who did go, do not seem all that impressed. Most of the lemur sightings are high in the trees - good for viewing, but not for photos. The night walks were great - lots of chameleon and a few night lemurs.
Beware of the spice sellers at the end of the trail. Although the prices are good, especially for vanilla beans, the beans were not sealed well and were moldy for the time I got them home!
2. Mada Diary Tour
Overall Ratings
5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By martine075 - France
3 semaines superbement bien organisées par Tita de Mada Diary Tour. Une grande descente du fleuve Tsibirina, les Tsingy, l'allée de baobabs, les lémuriens du massif de l'Isalo, la longue piste en latérite pour aller à Ifaty voir les baleines....On a tout fait sauf le train Fiana Manakara pour cause de moteur du train HS...Mais Tita avait prévu la voiture qu'il fallait pour arriver à bon port. Merci Tita et nos chauffeurs Aina et Alain. Ce sera un superbe souvenir.
3. Labo photo Pierrot Men
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Pierrot Men is the most famous photograph of Madagascar. He's also worldwide recognized as a major photograph. You can discover all his pictures and, for most of them, you can buy them directly at the Labo Men. The Labo Men is also able to organize guided tours in the Fianarantsoa area where you will discover some of the places where Pierrot Men's pictures have been captured.
Reviewed By Richard K - Auckland, New Zealand
An unexpected to chance to look at some great photography- we preferred the black and white prints - especially the large prints which painted the life, the stress, the colour and the youth of the country. They have many items for sale - the range and quality of post cards was impressive.
Definitely worth a visit.
4. Fianarantsoa Cote Est (FCE)
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By Nigel H - Abuja, Nigeria
The concept sounds charming. For a few of hours it is actually exciting and enjoyable. But - and trust me, we're patient people who like a good train ride including slow and languorous ones around the world - it really wears thin. The other recent reviews have it right.
We set off from the Lac Hotel, which is about an hour into the trip, picking it up around 0845. The train arrived at its destination, Manakara, at 0015. In anyone's world - tourist, economic lifeline, general transport - that is a seriously slow way to cover 163km. Yep, that's just about 10km per hour.
By mid afternoon, people were falling asleep. We were getting the sense that we might not make it for the reported arrival time of around 1700. And it turned out we were not yet half way there. The night came as we were sat, for the umpteenth time, at a station with no Prospect of movement any time soon. The pestering hawkers, including very young children, entering the train and knocking on the windows were no longer a novelty. (Everyone says look after your belongings - I can see why, but have no hard evidence to back it up.)
From about 1900 the toilet became blocked. (From other reviews, this is common.) Humankind can make some appalling smells; combine a load of it together and unleash it into a hot, tired and frustrated carriage and it is deeply unpleasant.
The train runs on six days, three Fiana to Manakara and three the reverse way. I do wonder whether they shouldn't be striving to go there and back in one day, meaning six visits per week, thereby reducing the urge to load up so much on each visit. But perhaps the track won't stand it.
On the journey to Manakara a week after ours, the train derailed, a Malagasy man was crushed to death, and everyone had to walk on the track to the nearest road. So by comparison, we had it lucky.
So: interesting and entertaining until about lunch. But then if you can, jump off. There are roads near some stations, but from around half way it becomes rather remote until the final three stops.
5. Cattedrale Di Ambozontany
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Madamax - Antananarivo, Madagascar
It's not a destination in itself, although the views around are great but on your way to the ancient town and its narrow paved streets and stairs, worth to stop at least on the porch to discover the Valleys around.
6. Cooking Lessons With Julienne and Patrick
Patrick welcomes you in kitchen to show you how to prepare malagasy meals. Starters, main courses, Deserts. Everything is possible! When you call us, you can arra how many and what kind of dishes you want to make. Starter, main, desert? Or three different mains? A mix? You can do the shopping with Patrick, or else we can prepare everything for you. Translator in english or french!
