Toamasina is small enough that the central area — Boulevard Joffre, the Bazary Be, and the port district — can be covered on foot. The distances involved are modest and the city is flat, which helps in the heat.
Pousse-pousse: The traditional Malagasy rickshaw, the pousse-pousse, remains in common use in Toamasina and is the preferred way for locals to travel across town. Prices are negotiated in advance and are very cheap by any standard. It is worth agreeing the fare before getting in.
Taxis: Shared taxis (taxi-be) run fixed routes around the city and its outskirts, and are very inexpensive. Private taxis are available for hire at the central market and along Boulevard Joffre; agree a price before setting off. For the journey to Ivoloina Wildlife Park, hiring a taxi for the half-day is the most practical option — ask your hotel to help negotiate a fair rate.
Bicycle: A few guesthouses hire bicycles, which are useful for exploring the beach area south of the centre. The city's roads are potholed and traffic is chaotic, but the traffic volume is not high enough to make cycling genuinely dangerous.