Embarking on a self-driving adventure in Madagascar was nearly impossible until our offerings came along. Unlike other African countries known for this trend, Madagascar has remained untouched due to its slightly rugged conditions and challenging traffic conditions.
The traffic conditions are still not easy, and self-driving during your holiday in Madagascar is not recommended for beginners.
This journey is a captivating blend of breathtaking and incredibly diverse landscapes, partly on asphalt and about half on sandy trails with moderate difficulty levels. An experienced local guide will be present to take care of guests and the vehicle.
Personalized planning available upon request
Day 1: Arrival in AntananarivoAfter completing the visa formalities, you will be picked up from the airport by one of our guides or the hotel directly. Depending on the arrival time, a hotel transfer and some well-deserved rest may be on the agenda, or if time allows, various activities can be arranged. The guesthouse is always located near the airport. Stay overnight at the "Villa Sibylle". |
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Day 2: Antananarivo – Ampefy (130km paved road)The driver will take over the car as agreed until the chaotic city of Antananarivo is out of sight. After leaving the city, the landscape becomes pleasant as the day starts with a visit to the Lemurs Park, followed by a drive on less crowded roads to Analavory. The small town of Ampefy is located on the shores of Lake Kavitaha, west of Antananarivo in the center of Madagascar. The area of Ampefy is characterized by its volcanic landscape, with volcanoes that emerged two million years ago scattered over an area of 400 km². The region, being of volcanic origin, is very fertile and the overall atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing. |
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Day 3: Ampefy and Surroundings (25 km of Trails and Paved Roads)Ampefy is the perfect destination if you are looking for unique and extraordinary landscapes. Its volcanic scenery and lakes offer peace and relaxation after the hustle and bustle of the capital city. Traditional houses and cereal fields add to the overall view. Throughout the area, there are a variety of hotels, inns, and comfortable guest rooms to welcome visitors. In the Ampefy area, there are countless opportunities to enjoy a leisurely walk in the heart of nature. You can explore this beautiful rural setting by hiking, getting to know the residents who may be a bit shy but always smiling. It is also possible to rent mountain bikes for a longer exploration. Fishing is also possible in Ampefy. With an area of over 3500 hectares, Lake Itasy is the third largest lake in the Indian Ocean. The Lily Waterfalls, standing at 23 meters high, are a must-see attraction. Legends surround these extraordinary waterfalls, and local guides can reveal them to travelers. Just a few hours away from Ampefy, there are many more discoveries to be made. The most significant of all is the Island of the Virgin Mary, considered the geographical center of Madagascar, and the geysers of Analavory are also worth a visit. |
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Day 4 – Ampefy – Faratsio – Antsirabe (165 km Dirt and Paved Road)Embark on a journey filled with adventure, starting with 10 km of potholes until Soavinandriana. From there, drive through one of the coldest regions of Madagascar on a newly renovated road, passing through mountainous terrain until Faratsiho, where the splendid new road ends. Continue on a dirt track to Sambaina, where the track merges into National Road No. 7. This area is known for its vast rice fields, often intricately laid out in terraces. Enjoy stunning views and drives at over 2000 m altitude. |
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Day 5: Antsirabe–Ambalavao (297 km paved road)Get ready for an early start on this leg of the journey, as you will be passing through many small villages with colors ranging from red earth tones to vibrant red against a green backdrop. The landscape is lush green, with rice fields creating a mosaic of various shades of green reflecting in countless ponds. The region of Fianarantsoa is intensively used for agriculture (especially tea, wine, and rice). In Fianarantsoa, you will visit the photo studio of the world-renowned photographer Pierrot Men. Then the journey continues south on the well-paved road. You will see massive granite rocks, increasingly barren red laterite soil, and sparse grass. The landscape undergoes a dramatic change as you reach the pass with a beautiful viewpoint. From there, you can look far down into the valley of Ambalavao, peacefully nestled between tall mountains. The drive downhill is winding. Vineyards start to appear on either side of the road. The landscape is surrounded by a truly unique mountain scenery. Overnight stay at the "Tsienimparihy Lodge" hotel. |
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Day 6: Ambalavao – Anja – Andringitra – Tsarasoa Camp (52km paved road and track)Today marks the beginning of a real adventure: after breakfast, we head south to visit a reserve founded by a village community, beautifully located where hundreds of lemurs and other animals can live undisturbed. Afterwards, we drive about 20 kilometers on the RN7 until we reach the turnoff to the Tsaranoro Valley, one of the entrances to the Andringitra Mountains. After a rough 1-hour drive, we arrive at the Tsarasoa Camp below the famous "Pic Chameleon," which lives up to its name. There is still plenty of time to take a 2-hour hike to the summit or choose to get up close to numerous lemurs in a nearby forest area. Dinner and overnight stay at the Tsarasoa Camp. |
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Day 7 – Andringitra to Isalo (185 km paved road)Continuing our journey south after passing through the Southern Gateway, the landscape becomes more barren as we swiftly leave the highlands behind thanks to the well-maintained road. The area now resembles the African savannahs. In the afternoon, we arrive at the most famous national park on the island in Ranohira, the Isalo National Park. It's advisable to avoid the overpriced national park and instead explore a similar landscape around the lodge at a more peaceful and leisurely pace. Overnight at the Isalo Rock Lodge****. |
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Day 8 – Isalo National Park (22km Trail)Today is the day to explore the Isalo Massif, with its unique granite and sandstone sculptures, as well as its exceptional flora and fauna. The Isalo National Park covers a large part of the massif north of the RN7 highway. It is made up of continental sandstone from the Jurassic period, with shapes, colors, and natural sculpture formations that vary greatly in different areas of the park. Isalo is a vast area, spanning almost 82,000 hectares with an average elevation of 1,000 meters. Amidst the barren and mineral-rich landscape, there are beautiful natural pools and waterfalls surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. You can swim in the clear water and let your thoughts wander. The duration and difficulty level of the day hike will be tailored to the participants' abilities. Overnight stay at the Isalo Rock Lodge. |
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Day 9: Ranohira - Zombitse - Ifaty (280 km of good roads and tracks)After the unique landscape of Isalo N.P., we will drive through savannas and desert landscapes all the way to Tulear, a coastal city that only experiences a few rainy days per year. We are almost directly under the Tropic of Capricorn. Along the way, we can visit a sapphire mine in Ilakaka and see the first giant Baobabs. The Zombitse Vohibasia National Park is also on the route and can be visited upon request. Here, the vegetation of the highlands mixes with the strange plants of the deep South, with Baobabs, Kalanchoe, Aloes, and Euphorbias dominating the flora. The park is known for its birds, one of which is locally endemic, as well as for insects. We will continue our journey to Tulear and then head north on tracks to reach the Hotel Belle Vue. |
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Day 10 - Ifaty and SurroundingsAn opportunity to relax from the journey's efforts on the beach, go snorkeling/diving, take a boat trip, or even try your hand at kite-surfing, which is offered in a special way here. The hinterland also has a variety of attractions to offer: The famous "Reniala Reserve" provides insights into the flora and fauna of the south, while the "Village des Tortues" showcases an interesting breeding and protection program for rare rays and spider tortoises. The cuisine here is naturally "maritime", seafood lovers will be in heaven with the abundance of fish and seafood options available. |
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Day 11: Ifaty – Ambatomila (160km track)Continue driving on a sandy track to Ambatomiloha, where you will likely see some of the most beautiful beaches in Madagascar. I have not discovered any more beautiful beaches so far: turquoise water, the finest dazzling white coral sand I have ever seen, and as far as the eye can see without seeing any people. The nature is magnificent and the living conditions for the inhabitants are so difficult due to the dryness and heat that there are very few villages in this paradise-like landscape. Just before Ambatomiloha, you will see huge baobabs of a kind not seen elsewhere, some growing in groups and resembling gigantic bonsais. The sandy track continues to a dazzling contrast with the dry vegetation, snow-white sand, and the full range of colors between emerald green and sapphire blue on the horizon. Comfortable bungalows with hot water allow for an unforgettable stay amidst the dry tropics. Overnight at Hotel "Shangri La" |
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Day 12 - AmbatomiloThe beach and the surrounding Baobabs are too beautiful not to take a break right there. There is only the Shangri La Hotel, the finest coral sand I have ever seen, and an emerald green sea. Overnight stay at the Shangri La Hotel. |
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Day 13 - Ambatomila - Andavadoka (50 km Track)We'll spend the morning at one of the most beautiful beaches I know in Madagascar, and if desired, an additional day can be planned here. This is a very difficult sandy track, with some parts having very deep sand; turquoise lagoons, the most beautiful beaches as far as the eye can see with no people, and a fantastic thorn forest with huge baobabs. This is where the legendary Mikea people live, a small ethnic group considered the indigenous people of Madagascar. Although the Manga Lodge is beautifully located and charming at first glance, the friendliness of the French owner leaves something to be desired. Overnight stay at the Hotel "Manga Lodge" |
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Day 14: Andavaoka – Manja (210 km track)A magnificent red laterite track that gets lost in the vastness of the savannas and baobab forests, small dusty villages, zebu carts: the beauty of Madagascar passes by. The first challenge is crossing the Mangoky River. The ferry from Beovay crosses the wide Mangoky River, but first, you have to tackle the churned up sand, which could happen during the Kamel Trophy. Afterwards, it's onto the ancient ferry to the other side, which takes at least 2 hours. The journey continues on rather rough tracks until we reach Manja, a small town "in the middle of nowhere", where we have to stay at the only hotel available. Overnight at Hotel Kanto |
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Day 15: Manja - Belo sur Mer (100km Track)Experience the wild and stunning landscapes of Madagascar, with sandy tracks surrounded by euphorbias and baobabs, termite mounds, and tall grass typical of this dry savannah landscape. As you slowly approach the Mozambique Channel Baobab Raid in Madagascar, navigating the narrow paths that twist in all directions would be impossible without the support vehicle – especially since there are no GPS maps available. You will find yourself in pristine landscapes, with little to no population around. The nature is immense and untamed, with some rivers to cross in the heart of the deep south, until you finally reach the lagoons and beautiful fishing villages of the Vezo people at the end of the world in Belo sur Mer, our destination for today. Overnight stay at the "Ecolodge du Menabe" hotel. |
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Day 16 - Belo sur Mer to Morondava (90km off-road track)After a satisfying beachfront breakfast, where you can watch the fishermen's outrigger canoes earning their livelihood on the turquoise sea, we continue our journey along the tracks to Morondava. Here, we will stay in a beautiful beach hotel. It's time to refuel and prepare for the next 900km of off-road tracks ahead. Overnight stay at Hotel "Chez Maggie" |
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Day 17: Morondava and SurroundingsToday is dedicated to exploring Morondava and its surroundings. We will take a trip north to visit the famous "Baobabs Amoreux", two baobab trees that appear to embrace each other. We will also see the unique "Allée 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 visit one of its excellent restaurants. Overnight stay at Hotel "Chez Maggie". |
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Day 18: Morondava - Antsirabe (550 km paved road)After a very early breakfast, we will travel on the newly built "Chinese Expressway" through the steppe-like landscape up to Miandrivazo. Here, the Mahajilo River flows, which is called Tsiribihina further downstream. This is one of the hottest places in Madagascar. From there, we will continue upwards to the coldest and highest city that we were able to explore at the beginning of the tour: Antsirabe. Accommodation at the "Chambres du Voyageur" hotel. Check it out here. |
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Day 19: Antsirabe – Antananarivo (170 km paved road)After breakfast, we set off towards the north on the legendary "Route Nationale N° 7. We drive along the winding road through beautiful villages in the highlands before stopping for lunch in Behenjy. This small town, nestled in a green, wide valley, is known for its specialties made from duck liver. Animal lovers can breathe a sigh of relief: the animals are not force-fed in a notorious manner, but instead live freely without coercion. The restaurant "Au Coin du Foie de Gras" is renowned beyond the country's borders and offers a surprising variety of dishes. Traffic is getting heavier as we approach the end of our journey. The driver takes the wheel to navigate through Antananarivo. Overnight stay at the guesthouse of the "Villa Sibylle". Learn more about Villa Sibylle here. |
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Day 20: Antananarivo and Surroundings – Airport TransferExperience the beauty of the "Lemurs Park" if you can't get enough of these adorable animals, whether you're young or old. There are plenty of other attractions to explore in the area. Your tour guide will be happy to advise you! In the evening, we will transfer you to the airport. Since most flights back home are after midnight, you will appreciate the opportunity for a "Day Use" at the hotel, allowing you to prepare for your flight in peace. Enjoy a Day Use at the "Villa Sibylle" hotel: Villa Sibylle |
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Important InformationA local and resident driver will be present throughout the entire journey, maintaining the status of a "captain on board" as they are familiar with the roads and driving conditions, able to assess situations and dangers much better. They have the right to take over driving if guests are driving 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 there should never be driving at night. This tour is customized to the guests' wishes and expectations, so there is no fixed price. 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 areas, with the coolest months being June to August, but it is still manageable in the other months when the tour is offered. Although it is not a physically demanding journey, participants should not have any serious health issues as medical assistance can be difficult to obtain when traveling far from the usual tourist routes. The climate is predominantly very warm to hot, but it can get very cold on the highlands during the winter months (June to August), so both light summer clothing and warmer attire should be packed. |
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“Embark on a unique self-driving adventure with ‘Self-driving tracks. Ampefy, Highland Route, and West.’ Explore Madagascar’s untouched and rugged terrain, mixing asphalt with sandy trails. Not for beginners but guided by experienced locals. Discover breathtaking landscapes!”
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