Self-driving on Madagascar was nearly impossible before our offerings. Unlike other African countries known for this, Madagascar remained untouched by this trend due to its somewhat rugged conditions and challenging traffic conditions.
The traffic conditions are still not easy, and self-driving during your vacation in Madagascar is not recommended for beginners.
The journey is a fascinating mix of breathtaking and incredibly diverse landscapes, partly on asphalt and about half on sandy tracks with moderate difficulty levels. An experienced local guide will be there to take care of the guests and the vehicle.
Included in the base price:
Logistics and guidance from an experienced English-speaking tour guide
An off-road vehicle with a driver for a maximum of 4 guests throughout the entire tour (diesel included)
All overnight stays in the specified hotels
Meals as per the program (breakfast) in very good restaurants
All transfers, rides including taxes as per the program
Not included in the base price:
Drinks, dinners, and lunches
Tips and personal expenses
Sightseeing and excursions with additional local guides and optional leisure activities
International and domestic flights
Day 1: Arrival in AntananarivoAfter completing the visa formalities, you will be picked up at the airport by one of our guides or at the hotel directly. Depending on the arrival time, the program may include a hotel transfer and well-deserved rest, or if time allows, various activities. The guesthouse is always located near the airport. Overnight stay at the "Villa Sibylle". Visit our website for more information about our hotels: Madagascar Hotels |
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Day 2: Antananarivo – AntsirabeThe driver takes over the car as agreed until the chaotic city of Antananarivo is out of sight. Antsirabe is the highest city in the country and a former spa town located at around 1600 meters above sea level. There are beautiful lakes of volcanic origin and countless hiking opportunities. Bike tours are possible and can be organized upon request. One of the excursions takes us through a peaceful and rural area, including a picnic at a waterfall surrounded by rocks covered with vines and various tropical plants. Upon return to Antsirabe, you can visit some workshops of local craftsmen (e.g. gemstones, tin toys). Overnight stay at the "Chambres du Voyageur" hotel. |
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Day 3: Antsirabe – Miandrivazo – MorondavaThis day will be dedicated to exploring Morondava and its surroundings. We will take a trip to the north and visit the famous "Baobabs Amoreux", two baobab trees that appear to be embracing each other. We will also see the unique "Avenue of Baobabs", one of the most iconic sights in all of Madagascar. In the afternoon, we will return to Morondava and have the opportunity to explore the city and dine at one of its excellent restaurants. Accommodation at Hotel "Chez Maggie". |
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Day 4 – Exploring Morondava and SurroundingsThis day is dedicated to exploring Morondava and its surroundings. We will take an excursion to the north to visit the famous "Baobabs Amoreux", two baobabs that appear to embrace each other. We will also see the unique "Allee des Baobabs", one of the most iconic sights in all of Madagascar. In the afternoon, we will return to Morondava and have the opportunity to explore the city and dine at one of its excellent restaurants. Overnight at Hotel "Chez Maggie" |
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5. Day: Morondava-Belo sur MerAfter breakfast, we depart Morondava heading south and drive on sandy tracks through a landscape dominated by baobabs, dry forests, and agricultural land. A 4x4 vehicle is essential here, providing the necessary comfort for any difficulties on the track. By midday, we reach the vast lagoon of Belo-sur-Mer, where salt is traditionally harvested. Driving on an elevated embankment, we enter the town of Belo, which is an island surrounded by the expansive lagoon and directly located by the sea. Accessible by car only during specific lunar phases, Belo-sur-Mer is also a hub for shipbuilding. Numerous shipyards here construct the well-known coastal sailboats called "Boutres." Accommodation at the beachfront "Ecolodge du Menabé." |
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Day 6: Belo-sur-Mer - ManjaIn the morning, we depart Belo-sur-Mer heading south. The landscape starts to change: it gets drier, the ground becomes rocky, and the track can often only be driven at a walking pace. You may see some of the most impressive Baobabs in all of Madagascar. Finally, we reach Manja, a city in the middle of nowhere dominated by livestock farming and still very primitive. However, the city is a bustling market town with its own charm. Accommodation at the simple "Kanto Hotel", the only lodging in town. |
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Day 7: Manja - MorombeEmbark on a challenging journey through a quiet, karstic hilly landscape, initially rocky and then increasingly sandy. As you travel, the scenery transitions into lush, wooded areas with small villages lining the path. Eventually, you will reach the wide riverbed of the Mangoky, where a primitive ferry will take you across the river. During the dry season, the Mangoky is just a narrow stream amidst a vast expanse of sand, but during the rainy season, it swells into a mighty river. Your journey will take you to Ambahikily, a significant market town that signals your proximity to civilization. From here, a well-maintained road leads to Morombe, which you will reach in the afternoon. Once a popular seaside resort, Morombe now leads a somewhat touristy existence. As a result, accommodation and dining options are limited. You will stay at the "La Pirogue d'Or" hotel, located directly on the beach. |
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Day 8: Morombe – SalaryLeaving Morombe heading south, we drive along the track parallel to the coastline through a jungle-like dry forest. Andavadoaka, a hidden gem for those looking to escape and a paradise for divers, is our next stop. Located by a wide bay, the town with its haphazardly stacked houses feels remote and picturesque. After a break at one of the restaurants by the shore, we continue south, always along the coast through a sublime dune landscape. Passing small villages of Vezo fishermen and driving slowly on the bumpy track, we finally arrive in the afternoon at the bay of Salary, another "hidden gem" for travelers in Madagascar. Giant sand dunes surround the blue shimmering bay, with endless sandy beaches offering unparalleled "postcard-worthy" views. We stay at Salary Bay, where they have built a bungalow complex directly on the dunes and operate a remarkable project in harmony with the local Mikea people. This ethnic group is the smallest in Madagascar and has a very archaic culture based on fishing, trading flamingo feathers, and collecting honey. Stay overnight at "Salary Bay" |
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Day 9: Salary – IfatyAfter breakfast, we continue our journey south. The route can either run directly along the coast or several kilometers inland, as the paths through the thorn forest change after each rainy season. We make a short stop in Manombo to refresh ourselves at the only store in the remote village with cold drinks before continuing southward. In the late afternoon, we finally arrive at Ifaty/Mangily, the ultimate beach paradise, and check into our hotel. Water sports are a big deal here, and you will have plenty of time for them over the next two days. Accommodation at the comfortable "Hotel Belladonna" right by the sea. |
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Day 10 - Ifaty and SurroundingsRelax and unwind from the drive on the beach, go snorkeling/diving, take a boat trip, or even try your hand at kite-surfing, which is particularly popular here. The inland areas also offer a variety of attractions: the renowned Reniala Reserve provides insights into the flora and fauna of the south. At the Village des Tortues, you can witness an interesting breeding and conservation program for rare rays and spider tortoises. The cuisine here is naturally "maritime": seafood lovers will be in heaven. Stay at Hotel Belladonna. |
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Day 11: Ifaty – Tulear – SarondranoAfter breakfast, we will head south on the sandy track towards Tulear, the major port city on the Mozambique Channel. The day's itinerary includes a city tour. After a long drive through remote areas, you will have the opportunity to use the internet and do some shopping. Before reaching the Sarondrano peninsula, which extends into the turquoise lagoon between sand dunes and mangrove forests, the excitement builds. One of the most beautiful guesthouses I know on this island is located between Tulear and Saint Augustin. The "Résidence Eden Lodge" is still somewhat of a hidden gem, but it won't stay secret for long. Overnight stay at the "Résidence Eden Lodge" hotel. |
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Day 12 and 13: SarondranoEnjoy two well-deserved vacation days in Sarondrano, which can be much more than just your typical beach holiday if you're looking for a more active experience. The Tsinjoriake Nature Park offers plenty of opportunities for exploration, from observing humpback whales during their migration to canoeing and sailing in outrigger canoes through the mangrove forest. Don't miss the Sarondrano Cave and Dunes, both worth a visit for their natural beauty. For those looking to extend their stay, consider taking a boat to Nosy Ve, Anakao, and Itampolo. Stay at the "Résidence Eden Lodge" hotel for a comfortable and relaxing accommodation during your vacation in Sarondrano. Book now for the best rates! |
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Day 14: Sarondrano – Tuléar – AntananarivoAfter breakfast, we say goodbye and drive back to Tuléar to the airport. There, we board a plane and fly one hour up to Antananarivo, the capital city where the journey began. If the flight arrives in the morning, we have the opportunity to explore Antananarivo and its surroundings. If the flight arrives late, we will be picked up at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Dinner will be served there or at a special restaurant. Overnight at the "Villa Sibylle" hotel. |
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Day 15: Antananarivo and Surroundings - Airport TransferExperience the beauty of the "Lemurs Park" if you can't get enough of these adorable animals, both young and old. There are plenty of other attractions to explore as well. Your tour guide will be happy to advise you! In the evening, we will transfer you to the airport. Since the return flight is usually after midnight, you will appreciate the option of a "Day Use" at the hotel, allowing you to relax and prepare before your flight. Enjoy a Day Use at the "Villa Sibylle" hotel. |
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Important NotesDuring the entire journey, a local and resident driver will be present and will maintain the status of "captain on board" as he knows the roads and driving conditions, and can assess situations and dangers much better. He has the right to take over the car if guests drive poorly or dangerously. Guests have the right to drive, except in the chaotic city of Antananarivo, as long as they do not endanger other individuals, themselves, the provided Toyota Landcruiser, or other vehicles. The stages are planned in a way that traveling at night should never be necessary. This tour will be customized to the guests' preferences and expectations, so there is no fixed price for it. Please inquire directly for more information. It is possible to book this trip as an individual journey on your preferred travel dates. This tour is only feasible from mid-May to mid-November. The south and east of Madagascar are very hot regions, with the coolest months being June to August. However, the tour can still be comfortably done in the other months when it is offered. Although it is not a physically demanding trip, it is important that participants do not have any serious health issues since medical assistance can be challenging when traveling far from the usual tourist routes. The climate is mostly very warm to hot, but it can get very cold in the winter months (June to August) in the highlands. Therefore, it is advisable to pack both light summer clothing and warmer attire. |
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“Explore the untouched beauty of Madagascar with our Baobab West Self-Driving tour. Encounter rugged conditions and challenging traffic, perfect for adventurous souls. Enjoy diverse landscapes on asphalt and sandy tracks with local guides ensuring your comfort and safety.”
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