We get up early to go to the bus station to take a taxi brousse (local bus) with direction Fianarantsoa.
Service area
We have an intense 10 hour journey ahead of us. We meet our friend Sulufu to pick us up at the hostel and take us to the station, this time he takes us in a Renault 11 that was falling apart. It is total chaos, as we approach several people grab the car and run beside us until we reach the station itself, they are commission agents and immediately open the trunk to carry our bags and therefore earn a tip (10,000 Ar.). Luckily Sulufu had already informed us of the real price of the ticket and accompanied us personally to the ticket office to buy them. The truth is that he is a charming man and we recommend you to contact him as he is a great help.
As you approach the station we start to be more aware of the poverty that exists throughout the country.
The main road that crosses the country from north to south is in good condition, a luxury if we compare it with the rest of the accesses in the country. This road and the one going from east to west are among the few that are asphalted. Despite the fact that the trip is hard, it takes many hours (one lane for each direction with third party ports) and with the luck of traveling one passenger per seat. The taxi brousse is quite good although we are crowded.
We make a technical stop and everyone goes to the toilet, women on one side of the van in the ditch and men on the other side. We stop for lunch in an area with four thatched stalls, we buy some rolls 200 Ar. and some cookies 500 Ar. A few hours later we stop to eat 2 plates of pasta with vegetables 1.000 Ar.
Madagascar landscape
Finally we arrive at Fianrantsoa, after being tired it is difficult to pack our bags avoiding the porters. We take a taxi and go to the Hotel Restaurant Petite Bouffe. We take a triple room with bathroom included, it is very clean and we have spectacular views of the city. This accommodation is famous for its restaurant, totally recommended, but the rooms are a very good economic option.
Taxi to Tana bus station: 20.000 Ar.
Taxi brousse from Tana to Fianarantsoa: 25.000 Ar. per pax (remember that in the price of the ticket is included the suitcase, sometimes they try to charge a plus but in the ticket it says it clearly)
Taxi from Fianrantsoa to the hotel: 4.000 Ar.
Dinner: Hotel Restaurant Petite Bouffe 37.000 Ar. 3 pax.
Accommodation: Hotel Restaurant Petite Bouffe: 85.000 Ar. 3 pax. room with breakfast included
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