Ideas please re where to stop between Andasibe and Taomasina/Tamatave

We are going to Madagascar second half of November - currently planning on going to Andasibe and from there, to Isle des Nattes via Taomasina, stopping on the way for a couple of days but not sure what would be best. Was thinking of staying in Manombato or Ambila-Lemaitso via taxi brousse and then up to Taomasina on the train (which, according to madarail website looks as if it works on a Monday and we could pick it up at Brickaville or Ambila?). Would be grateful for any information on the likelihood of the train existing and running, and where would be good to stay for a couple of nights....
Thanks
Fi,

Why don't you head to Ankanin'Nofy ?
you can take a boat ( arranged through a hotel ) from Manambato, spend one or two nights in Ankanin'Nofy.
Hotels in Ankanin'Nofy can also arrange a boat transfer from Ankanin'Nofy to Tamatave.
I recomment the Palmarium hotel in Ankanin'Nofy.