The National Road 7 is to Madagascar what Route 66 is to the United States: from north to south and from east to west, it takes you to the heart of the Red Island.
From the lush green highlands to the desert plains of the south, you will traverse an incredible variety of landscapes on your motorcycle.
At each stage, you will discover the many natural and cultural treasures that Madagascar has to offer: waterfalls and legendary lakes in the highlands, forest reserves, tea plantations, the Isalo National Park...
On the 1200 km journey towards the Great South, you will not miss any of the enchantments that Madagascar has in store for its most curious travelers.
Duration: 10 days, including 7 days of motorcycle riding.
1200 km on the motorcycle
Type: Road Trip
Recommended motorcycles: KTM 790 Adventure R
Region: West and Southwest
Difficulty level: Easy
- Rental of the motorcycle (including fuel), KTM Adventure 790 R 2019 or XR 190 T 2019
- All-inclusive motorcycle guide (shared by riders)
- Accommodation in a double or twin room with half board (excluding drinks)
- Picnics for lunch
- Entrance and guide fees to parks included in the program
- Assistance vehicle (4x4 or minibus) with driver and fuel (shared by riders)
- Airport/hotel/garage transfers
- Flight ticket from Nosy-Be to Antananarivo at the end of the trip
International flight ticket - Personal insurance for the pilot - Drinks - Souvenirs - Tips - Tickets for parks and nature reserves outside of the program, etc.
Day 1: Arrival in AntananarivoUpon your arrival at Ivato International Airport, our team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Villa Sibylle is a private guesthouse located near the airport, surrounded by a tropical garden. Relax after your flight and enjoy your first dinner in Madagascar with an overnight stay. |
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Day 2: Antananarivo - AmpefyDaily stage of 160 km Embark on the short first stage to take control of the motorcycle. After leaving the city, the landscape becomes more pleasant. The day starts with a visit to the Lemurs Park, followed by a ride on less-traveled roads to Analavory. The small town of Ampefy is located by the Kavitaha Lake, west of Antananarivo in the center of Madagascar. Ampefy is characterized by its volcanic landscape, with volcanoes formed two million years ago scattered over an area of 400 km². Due to its volcanic origin, the area is very fertile, and the overall ambiance is peaceful and relaxing. Stay overnight at a guesthouse. |
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Day 3: Ampefy - AntsirabeDaily stage: 150 km Our journey in the heart of the highlands extends to the second largest city in the center of the island, Antsirabe. Enjoy a beautiful route on a nearly deserted road that reaches over 2000 meters in altitude. Located 170 km south of Antananarivo, Antsirabe is a major economic hub known for its pleasant high-altitude climate and healing hot springs. Founded in the 19th century by Norwegian missionaries, Antsirabe has a more "European" feel compared to other cities in Madagascar, as seen in its magnificent colonial villas and regular urban layout. |
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Day 4: Antsirabe - SahambavyDaily stage of 160 km. Departing from the Antananarivo province towards the Fianarantsoa province. As you descend in altitude, the vegetation becomes denser at the gates of Sahambavy, the capital of Malagasy tea. |
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Day 5: Sahambavy - Ambalavao100 km stage After breakfast, you will visit the Sahambavy tea plantation. Following breakfast, the journey continues south on well-paved roads. Leaving behind the huge granite rocks and barren red laterite soil, the landscape changes dramatically to lush greenery. Driving through many small villages, you will see a variety of colors ranging from red earth tones to vibrant red against a green backdrop. The landscape is rich green, with rice fields creating a mosaic of various shades of green reflecting in countless ponds. The Fianarantsoa region is intensively used for agriculture. You will visit the photo studio of the world-renowned photographer Pierrot Men in Fianarantsoa, before entering a completely different mountain landscape. Overnight in Ambalavao |
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Day 6: Ambalavao - RanohiraTravel distance of approximately 200 km As you leave the highlands, you will discover an extraordinary sacred mountain range: the Isalo Massif. The day begins with a hike in a reserve founded and managed by the local community, known as the "Association Anja Miray" or Anja Park. Located 13 km south, this 3-hectare reserve is home to hundreds of ring-tailed lemurs, as well as rare reptiles like the Brookesia pygmy chameleon. The park also features several burial caves and spiritual gathering places for the local Betsileo people, making it well worth a visit of 2 to 4 hours. Continuing south, you will leave the fertile highlands behind and enter a landscape dominated by enormous granite rocks. After a brief stop in Ihosy, a 2-hour drive will bring you to Ranohira, located in the vast Horombe Plateau. Ranohira is home to the famous Isalo National Park, which you will visit the next day. |
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Day 7 - Isalo National ParkDay trip of about 100 km Explore Isalo National Park. This spectacular 81,540 ha site is completely silent and rich in secrets. More than 400 species, most of them endemic, cover the vast savannah areas that you will visit with a specialized guide. Amidst the barren and mineral landscape, there are magnificent natural pools and waterfalls surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The duration and difficulty of the day hike will be tailored to the abilities of the participants. |
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Day 8: Ranohira - TulearDaily stage: 240 km Embark on the final and longest leg of the race route, as the road leading to Tulear leaves the mountain ranges behind to reveal a dry and semi-desert landscape, the territory of Madagascar's famous Baobabs. Savannahs, thorn forests, Zombitse National Park, sapphire mines - exciting adventures await on the way to the Tropic of Capricorn. |
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Day 9-Tulear - Antananarivo (Domestic Flight)Depending on the time of your flight to Antananarivo, you can visit the lively streets of Tulear and its colorful markets. A vehicle will take you to the airport for your return flight to Tana. Optional connecting tours and stay in Antananarivo are possible. |
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Travel Checklist for Your Adventure DayPlease keep your luggage under 45 lbs weight limit (equivalent to 20 kg). Bags: An ideal option is a duffle bag, or a hiking bag (without steel rod) is also suitable. You can secure your bag with a padlock. Remember to label your bag with your address and the address of your destination in Madagascar. A small 20-liter backpack is perfect for daily essentials like your camera and sunscreen. Sleeping Gear: A mattress will be provided at the accommodations. If you desire more comfort, bring an additional foam mattress. A sleeping bag is required. Beds, mattresses, and blankets are available on-site. Additional comforts like pillows are at the discretion of each traveler. Clothing and Personal Equipment: Two lightweight pants, four shirts (including long-sleeve for sun protection), a swimsuit, sweater or jacket for cold nights, sunglasses, hat, lightweight sports shoes, sleeping bag, flip-flops, flashlight with batteries. Special Motorcycle Gear: Motorcycle boots or waterproof hiking shoes are highly recommended, lightweight leather or synthetic motorcycle jacket, rain gear, gloves, helmet. |
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“Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with the exciting ‘Motorcycle trip to the south to the Mozambique Channel’. Journey down the iconic National Road 7 of Madagascar, traversing a variety of landscapes from lush green highlands to desert plains. Discover cultural and natural treasures along the 1200km route within 10 days, suitable for all skill levels. Recommended motorcycle: KTM 790 Adventure R.”
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