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SMS → TNR
Which side of the plane to sit from Sainte Marie Airport (Sainte Marie) to Ivato Airport (Antananarivo)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides an exceptional vantage point for the turquoise waters of the Sainte Marie coastline and the signature terraced rice paddies of the Madagascar highlands during the descent.
Search flights from SMS to TNR
Île Sainte-Marie Southern Tip
Stunning aerial views of the narrow southern peninsula and the clear turquoise lagoons surrounding Île aux Nattes.
Canal de Sainte-Marie
If flying between July and September, keep a sharp eye on the water for breaching Humpback whales migrating through the channel.
East Coast Shoreline
Dramatic views of the rugged eastern coastline where the Indian Ocean meets the lush, green mainland forests.
Imerina Rice Terraces
Intricate, multi-level rice paddies carved into the hillsides, showcasing the unique agricultural heritage of the high plateaus.
Antananarivo Outskirts
As the plane descends, observe the red-clay brick houses and traditional architecture typical of the highland villages.
For the best photography, choose a morning flight to avoid the clouds that often gather over the highlands by afternoon. During the winter months (June-August), the clarity is usually highest, offering crisp views of the coastline. Watch for the stark contrast between the blue ocean and the red earth of the mainland.
Get eSIMs for Madagascar
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Ambodifotatra Bay
View the main harbor of Sainte Marie and the historic pirate cemetery located on a small island within the bay.
Zahamena Rainforest
Glimpses of the dense, primary rainforest canopy covering the slopes as you transition from the coast to the interior.
Angavo Escarpment
The dramatic rising terrain of the eastern cliffside that separates the coastal plains from the central highlands.
Ivato Basin
Broad views of the sprawling urban landscape of northern Antananarivo as the flight aligns for final approach at TNR.
The right side is excellent for seeing the 'Pirate Island' features of Sainte Marie immediately after takeoff. Sit toward the front or rear of the cabin to avoid wing obstruction, as the climb out of SMS is steep. This side often gets direct sunlight on afternoon flights, so keep your window shade handy.
Book Hotels in AntananarivoDistance: 311 km (193 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 31 min
Departure: SMS (-17.093900680541992, 49.81579971313477)
Arrival: TNR (-18.7969, 47.478802)
Route Type: Domestic
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