Highlights of this tour...
- Lemurs and birdlife galore
- Ranomafana National Park
- Night walks in the forest
- Hiking in Isalo NP
- Snorkeling the reef at Ifaty
- Eco-friendly luxurious accommodation
- An incredible road-trip
- English-speaking guides throughout
Tour details and itinerary
Discover Madagascar with this classic tour route along the RN7. This Madagascar road-trip takes in Ranomafana, Isalo, and snorkeling on the southwest coast.
Day 1: Antananarivo arrival and welcome
Arrive in the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo, where our dedicated team member will help you with tasks like currency exchange, obtaining a local SIM card, setting up data on your SIM, and addressing any other requirements you may have.
Transfer to the Sakamanga hotel in the center of town which has a snack bar/pizzeria, a bakery/patisserie, a pool bar/garden restaurant, and the Sakamanga restaurant (up to 80 seats) offers French cooking and Malagasy specialties.
Accommodation
- Sakamanga Hotel
Day 2: Antananarivo - Antsirabe
Road trip 170km to Antsirabe, passing through the beautiful landscapes of the Merina people. Stop briefly at Ambatolampy and visit the manufacturers of pots and decorative items from aluminium.
After lunch, explore the surroundings of Antsirabe such as the Andraikiba and Tritriva lakes.
Dinner, B&B at the Ecolodge Chambre de Voyageur in Antsirabe, a charming and eco-friendly accommodation that offers a unique and immersive experience for travelers.
Accommodation
- Ecolodge Chambre de Voyageur
Day 3: Antsirabe - Ranomafana
Your route will take you through the heart of Malagasy hand-sculptured wooden craftwork in the charming town of Ambositra, located 89km south of Antsirabe. Here, you’ll find a myriad of shops brimming with exquisite souvenirs, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich artistic traditions of the region.
Leaving Ambositra behind, you’ll continue your journey south and then east, gradually venturing closer to the captivating village of Ranomafana. Nestled amidst lush rainforest, this village not only offers a picturesque setting but also serves as an open-air museum, showcasing the diverse wildlife and endemic plants that call this area home.
Ranomafana is a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and offers a wealth of opportunities to immerse yourself in the wonders of the rainforest. Whether you choose to embark on a guided hike through the trails, engage in birdwatching excursions, or simply revel in the tranquility of this biodiverse haven, you’re bound to create unforgettable memories.
Before arriving at your hotel, we take you to a location outside the national park periphery where you will be able to seek the nocturnal wildlife which inhabits Ranomafana’s upland rainforest.
The grading of these walks is easy. During night walks, most visitors see a variety of nocturnal lemurs, reptiles such as Uroplatus geckos and many tree frogs and fascinating invertebrates including the Madagascar comet (lunar) moth.
For accommodation while in Ranomafana, we recommend the Hotel Thermal. This recently refurbished hotel has great facilities and is surrounded by the rainforest-covered mountains.
Accommodation
- Hotel Thermal
Day 4: Ranomafana National Park
Day 4 is occupied with a long visit to Ranomafana National Park.
The standard circuit we include is the Sahamalaotra Circuit, which combines two captivating trails: the Akaka Circuit (3 km) and the Sifaka Circuit (4 km). This combined circuit typically takes around four hours to complete.
Ranomafana National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, particularly its impressive lemur population. During our expedition, you’ll have the opportunity to observe twelve different lemur species in their natural habitat. From the captivating golden bamboo lemur to the elusive eastern woolly lemur, and from the red-bellied lemur to the eastern grey bamboo lemur, the park offers a remarkable chance to witness these unique primates up close. Keep your eyes peeled for other fascinating mammals as well, including various tenrec species, bats, and carnivores.
For bird enthusiasts, Ranomafana is a haven of avian wonders. The park is home to several of Madagascar’s rarest bird species, making it a true paradise for birdwatchers. Marvel at the colorful plumage and melodious songs of these exquisite creatures as you explore the park’s vibrant ecosystems.
Prepare for an unforgettable day of wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature at Ranomafana NP.
In the afternoon we recommend a visit to the Ranomafana Arboretum. There are around 250 species of plant here including 36 tree species, many of which are extremely rare. It’s also a very good place to find chameleons, including the giant Parsons chameleon.
Accommodation
- Hotel Thermal
Day 5: Ranomafana - Anja Park - Ranohira
After leaving Ranomafana National Park, we will have the opportunity to make a special stop at Anja Park, a small community-managed reserve known for its thriving lemur population. This picturesque park is nestled in the stunning landscape between Ranomafana and Ranohira, providing the perfect opportunity to encounter lemurs up close.
Anja Park is not only a sanctuary for lemurs but also a prime example of community-based conservation. The park is managed by the local community, and a visit here contributes to their sustainable livelihoods and wildlife conservation efforts.
The rest of the day is a long but interesting road journey towards Ranohira in the south central plains of Madagascar.
Dinner, bed and breakfast at the Relais de la Reine. Nestled within expansive private grounds, Relais de la Reine offers a tranquil retreat near Ranohira, harmoniously blending with the awe-inspiring rock formations that adorn the southern border of Isalo National Park.
Accommodation
- Relais de la Reine
Day 6-7: Isalo National Park
After a hearty breakfast, prepare to embark on an unforgettable hiking adventure in the majestic Isalo National Park, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. Isalo, a vast massif shaped by centuries of erosion, stands as one of the most remarkable natural wonders in the country.
The Bara tribes once used Isalo as a final resting place for their loved ones, until they could afford to purchase silver coffins. This rich cultural history adds an intriguing layer of depth to the natural beauty of the area.
Venture through the park where a diverse array of endemic plants, such as the striking aloe and unique bottle plant, thrive in harmony with their surroundings. Keep an eye out also for acrobatic ring-tailed lemurs!
You’ll encounter breathtaking canyons and intricate rock formations that have been carved over millions of years, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop for your journey.
The default circuits included in your itinerary offer a taste of Isalo’s diverse landscapes and natural wonders. The “2 Crêtes” circuit takes you along the rocky edges, offering breathtaking vistas of the savannah and providing a truly immersive experience within the national park.
The “Piscine Naturelle” circuit beckons you to immerse yourself in the oasis-like setting, with its lush green pool and soothing waterfall. In just 1.5 hours, you’ll traverse the sandstone massif, encountering endemic plants and ultimately arriving at the tranquil pool, where you can bask in the warm, clean waters surrounded by towering palms.
Picnic lunch in the park provided.
On day 7, we suggest the Namaza circuit, which takes hikers through a canyon to the Black and Blue Swimming Pools. The trail leads along waterfalls inhabited by many rare birds, butterflies, and lizards, and offers a panoramic view over the green canyon. Visitors may spot lemurs along the way, and the highlight is a bath in the dark waters of the Cascade of the Nymphs.
Take the afternoon of Day 7 off to rest, or if you’re feeling adventurous, the hotel offers horseback riding and birding opportunities (not included in tour price).
Accommodation
- Relais de la Reine
Day 8: Ranohira - Zombitse - Ifaty
Embark on a scenic journey today as we make our way to Ifaty, traversing through the distinctive landscape that characterizes southern Madagascar. The route unfolds amidst dry vegetation, showcasing the iconic baobab trees and thorny forests that dot the surroundings. Along the way, we pass through Ilakaka, affectionately known as “the mushrooms city,” a nod to the straw hats worn by Sapphire seekers as they sift through the river in search of precious gems.
A fascinating stop awaits us at Zombitse National Park, where we have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the beauty of this remarkable reserve. The park is home to over 80 known bird species, including the endemic Greenbul Appert, which enchants visitors with its beautiful song. The park is also a sanctuary for lemurs, including the red-fronted brown lemur, Verraux’s Sifaka, ring-tailed lemur, and Hubbard’s sportive lemur, which can be spotted resting in the fork of a tree during the day.
As we continue our drive, keep an eye out for the traditional tombs of the Mahafaly and Antandroy ethnic groups. These intricately decorated resting places serve as captivating visual narratives, adorned with drawings and often embellished with zebu skulls, symbolizing the wealth and status of the departed.
Finally, we arrive in Ifaty, a tranquil coastal village, as the day comes to a close. With its pristine beaches and serene ambiance, Ifaty offers a perfect setting to unwind and immerse ourselves in the natural splendor of this coastal paradise.
Dinner, B&B @ La Bella Donna Hotel. Tony, the great chef on luxury boats and Francia, also trained on yachts, have recently created this beautiful oasis by the sea. You can enjoy Tony’s talents, with specialties that will make you salivate: fresh pasta, homemade lobster or shrimp ravioli, ceviche, eggplants in jars. Tony has his own vegetable garden at home and a great experience of world cuisine.
Accommodation
- La Bella Donna Hotel
Day 9: Snorkeling & Spiny forest
Start your day with a breathtaking snorkeling experience on the Great Reef of Tulear at Ifaty. In the warm waters of the Mozambique Channel, discover the underwater wonders of the Baie de Ranobe. Two of the top snorkeling sites, Rose Garden (Massif de Roses) and the south pass, are just a short boat ride from the shore. With over 150 fish species, lobsters, shrimps, rays, and octopuses, the Rose Garden is a must-visit spot for any snorkeling enthusiast.
In the afternoon, take a guided walk in the spiny forest (Reniala Reserve).
The name means as “mother of the forest”, which is the nickname of the baobabs endemic to this area. In Reniala reserve, you can admire many endemic plants of the spiny forests, including baobabs. The biggest baobab of Ifaty stands here – local people fondly call it “tea pot” due to its appearance. It is told to be 1500 years old and up to date has an impressive perimeter of more than 10 metres.
As an ornithological park, the reserve offers plenty opportunities to discover and watch animals especially for bird lovers. With a little patience you can for example see the Madagascar harrier-hawk, the sickle-billed vanga, the white-headed vanga and Madagascar buttonquail in their natural habitat.
Furthermore, Reniala is home to many reptiles only occurring in Madagascar’s south. A big population of the rare radiated tortoise and the smaller spider tortoise lives on the sandy ground and shares its territory with many Madagascar iguanas. In spring, you can find colorful chameleons and timid snakes.
Accommodation
- La Bella Donna Hotel
Day 10: Ifaty relaxation
It’s time for a day of relaxation. This free day in Ifaty gives you the chance to relax on the pristine white sandy beach, top up your suntan, do some more snorkeling or just soak in the cooling waves.
Accommodation
- La Bella Donna Hotel
Day 11: Tulear - Antsokay Arboretum - Antananarivo
In the morning, head to Tulear to visit the Antsokay Arboretum where you can have lunch.
We will visit the Arboretum d’Antsokay where species of plants most threatened are looked after in order to preserve them from constant deforestation, bush fires and looters. During numerous bush surveys, Hermann Petignat and his team were able to discover and describe new species of plants, including Euphorbia kamponi, Ceropegia petignatii, Ceropegia hermanni, Cynanchum petignatii.
After lunch, transfer to the airport and check in for the flight back to Antananarivo. On arrival, we’ll collect you from the airport and take you back to the Sakamanga Hotel for dinner, drinks and farewell.
Accommodation
- Sakamanga Hotel
Feeling inspired yet? This tour is just an example, you can make any changes you like. Want to stay for longer at one of the parks, or visit somewhere else en route? It’s up to you. All of our Madagascar vacations are 100% tailor made. Check out suggested add-ons below, or get in touch to begin planning your dream Madagascar holiday.
