Madagascar Classic Road Trip: RN7 & Indri Calls

You will be greeted by our welcoming agent at the airport, who will assist you with anything you need such as purchasing a SIM card, exchanging currency, and then transferring you to your hotel.

Overnight at Sakamanga hotel or similar

This morning, our team will pick you up for a journey south to Antsirabe. Enjoy the picturesque route, featuring charming villages and lush rice fields. Our first stop is Ambatolampy, known for aluminum craftsmanship. The visit offers insights into crafting traditional artifacts. After a delightful lunch in Antsirabe, explore the serene landscapes, visiting Andraikiba and Tritriva Lakes. Tritriva Lake is perfect for a refreshing swim. After our lakeside adventure, we’ll return to Antsirabe.

Overnight at Ecolodge Chambre de Voyageur or similar.

After a hearty breakfast in Antsirabe, explore the city by rickshaw, visiting landmarks like the railway station and Hotel des Thermes. Immerse in local culture, exploring craftsmanship and unique items. After the cultural exploration, head to Ambositra, the capital of Malagasy woodcraft, for a delightful local lunch. In the afternoon, transition from highlands to the lush east en route to Ranomafana, making a fascinating stop for a night walk at the park’s edge. Spot elusive nocturnal species for an adventurous touch to the day.

Overnight at Hotel Thermal or similar

Explore Ranomafana National Park, known as ‘hot water’ in Malagasy for its hot springs. Discovered by Dr. Patricia Wright in 1986, the park gained National Park status and safeguards the rare golden bamboo lemur along with 30 endemic bird species, including the endangered crested ibis and velvet asity. The park features five trails, such as Varibolomena (4 hours, offering bamboo lemur sightings), Vohiparara (two days, crossing the park via a sacred lake), Sahamalaotra (a 10-kilometer round circuit), Varikatsy (one or two days, with a natural pool), and the challenging Soarano trek (two or three days, passing traditional tanala villages). Home to 12 lemur species, including the golden bamboo lemur, Milne-Edward’s sifaka.

Overnight at Hotel Thermal or similar

After breakfast, we depart Ranomafana for an exhilarating journey along the renowned RN7. Our first stop is Fianarantsoa, the captivating capital of Betsileo, known for its colonial architecture and lively markets. Continuing to Ambalavao, we explore the Antemoro paper factory and experience the vibrant zebu market, a vital part of Malagasy culture. Anja Park offers a thrilling encounter with ring-tailed lemurs in their natural habitat. Moving southward, the scenic Ihorombe Plateaux treat us to stunning landscapes of rolling hills and unique rock formations. Our day concludes in Ranohira.

Overnight at Le Jardin du Roy Hotel or similar.

Embark on a day-long journey through the captivating canyons and oases of Isalo, immersing yourself in the natural wonders of this paradise. Begin with a picturesque hike, revealing diverse landscapes and panoramic views. Traverse rugged terrain, encountering natural swimming pools and waterfalls, and then embark on a 4-kilometer trek to a carefully selected camping site for a serene nature experience after lunch. Explore the sheltered canyons along the ‘Piscine Blue and Noire’ trails, discovering cascading water features and the unique biodiversity of Isalo, including the endemic Benson’s Rock thrush, 3 diurnal lemur species, and 98 amphibians and reptiles. Cap off the day by witnessing the mesmerizing sunset over the famous window of Isalo, creating lasting memories of this unforgettable exploration of Madagascar’s diverse landscapes.

Overnight at Le Jardin du Roy Hotel or similar

Embark on a scenic journey to Toliara in southern Madagascar, passing through iconic baobab trees and the « mushrooms city » of Ilakaka. Explore Zombitse National Park and encounter traditional tombs of the Mahafaly and Antandroy ethnic groups. Arrive in the tranquil coastal village of Toliara, known for the serene ambiance, providing a perfect setting to unwind and appreciate the coastal paradise.

Overnight at Auberge de la Table or similar

After breakfast, we will head north to Ambatomilo. We’ll make a stop in Ifaty to visit Reniala Reserve, an outstanding forest extending over 60 hectares, mainly composed of baobabs and thorny trees. Today, the reserve is a protected ecotourism area where you can discover species native to the Malagasy bush. Passionate ornithologists will surely enjoy visiting this park! Reniala Reserve is a paradise for birders. Alongside birds, you will also find tortoises, reptiles, snakes, and microcebus, delighting all fauna enthusiasts. After the visit, we will continue to Ambatomilo, check in at your hotel, and you will have the rest of the day free.

Overnight at Shangri-la Lodge or similar

Several nautical activities are available for you to enjoy the magnificent lagoon, and you can arrange them directly with the hotel. Snorkeling: the barrier is about one kilometer from the beach. You have the option of a healthy and safe swim or renting one of our canoes, which will take you there in a few minutes. Humpback whale watching is available in season, from July to September. Explore and discover the traditional Vezo village of Tsiandamba. Scuba diving: the extensive reef that stretches from Tulear to Morombe showcases the full richness of its fauna and flora, particularly in the section between Salary and Andavadoaka.

Overnight at Shangri-la Lodge or similar

You will be transferred back to Toliara for your flight to Tana. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight at Sakamanga Hotel

We will embark on a journey along a picturesque road leading directly to Andasibe, the gateway to exploring the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. It offers a stunning landscape adorned with small villages, rice paddies, tropical flora, and forests. Along the way, we will make a stop at a farm specializing in Madagascan reptiles and butterflies before reaching our lodge. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit the exotic farming center of Mr. Pereyras, where you can observe various chameleon species native to Madagascar, along with butterflies, lizards, snakes etc. We will arrive in good time to take a leisurely stroll through Andasibe villages, immerse ourselves in Malagasy daily life.

Overnight at Andasibe Lemurs Lodge or similar

After breakfast, we head to the Analamazaotra Special Reserve to encounter various lemur species, including the impressive Indri. Our guides will lead us to observe these fascinating creatures, along with sightings of ‘Woolly Lemurs’ and ‘Brown Lemurs’. The reserve also hosts diverse wildlife like chameleons, unique frogs, and various bird species. While most of the tour sticks to trails, you may need to venture off-path to see lemurs up close. Later, we visit the Vakona Reserve (Lemur Island) to meet habituated lemur species. In the evening, join a night walk at VOIMMA Reserve to spot nocturnal species like the mouse lemur and leaf-tailed gecko.

Overnight at Andasibe Lemurs Lodge or similar

To conclude your exploration of Andasibe, our final stop will be at the Mitsinjo Reserve, managed by the local community. Following that, we’ll embark on a scenic 4-hour drive covering 160 kilometers back to Antananarivo. Along the route, you’ll encounter numerous captivating sights, offering you plenty of opportunities for those last « wow » moments as you take in the quintessential Malagasy landscapes. Upon reaching Antananarivo, we’ll briefly explore the capital by strolling along Independence Avenue before concluding the day with a visit to the Queen’s Palace.

Overnight at Sakamanga hotel or similar

Today marks the conclusion of your tour. We will arrange a transfer back to Ivato Airport. We hope you have had a comfortable journey throughout your stay and are confident that you will depart with cherished memories of Madagascar. Safe travels!

Overnight at Sakamanga Hotel