Manakara
Manakara is a town on the east coast of Madagascar and the capital of the Vatovavy-Fitovinany province within the Fianarantsoa region. Agriculture around Manakara includes coffee, coconut, vanilla, pepper and cloves.
Antaimoro paper making is also produced here, a traditional paper made from the bark of the araho tree.
The town has a small port and a pretty waterfront. Swimming is not recommended due to aggressive sharks and strong currents.
Manakara is located at the end-station of an old railway constructed between 1926 and 1936. This deteriorating railway was privatised in 2001. The line connects Fianarantsoa with the sea. Departures are scheduled from Fianarantsoa at 7am on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The journey can take 12 hours or longer and is often subject to delays. Manakara also has an airport with a domestic runway (which the train track crosses when arriving in the town).
For railway enthusiasts, the train journey offers a memorable and picturesque journey. There are 48 tunnels, 67 bridges and beautiful landscapes with many stops along the line. However, in July 2009 the train derailed killing six and injuring many more. There are also frequent taxi-brousse from connected cities and villages, which are of course not necessarily any safer or more convenient.
Accommodation
Parthenay Club
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Delices d'Orient Annexe
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Leong Hotel
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Padoula Chambers d'Hotel
Lot 1B 132
Manakara Be
Tel: +261 (0)72 21623
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Eden Sidi Hôtel (bungalows 12km south of town)
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Hotel Restaurant Delices d'Orient
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La Vanille
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