We provide a 4x4 vehicle, create a customized itinerary based on the guests' wishes and expectations, and our expertise, and the guests drive the tour themselves.
Self-driving in Madagascar was nearly impossible before our offerings. Unlike other African countries known for this trend, Madagascar remained untouched due to its rustic conditions and challenging traffic situations.
The traffic conditions are still not easy, and self-driving during a vacation in Madagascar is not recommended for beginners.
The journey is a fascinating blend of breathtaking and incredibly diverse landscapes, partly on asphalt and approximately half on sandy tracks with moderate difficulty levels.
An experienced local guide is present to take care of the guests and the vehicle. The guide is also an experienced driver who can take over the wheel at any time if the guests feel tired or overwhelmed.
In cases of negligence or endangerment of themselves or others, the guide has the authority to take over the driving at any time.
I have had guests who confidently claimed to have plenty of off-road experience in other countries and trips, only to be grateful when someone else took over the wheel.
For the provision of a single room, a surcharge of a total of 690.00 euros will be charged.
The services included in the base price
- complete planning and logistics
- English-speaking guidance by experienced drivers
- 4x4 vehicle including driver and fuel
- all overnight stays in the specified hotels including breakfast
- transfers, taxes, and rides specified in the program
Services not included in the base price
- lunch and dinner
- drinks and other individual catering
- tips and all personal expenses
- entrance fees for national parks and private parks
- additional local guides and optional leisure activities
- airfares for international and domestic flights
- flight taxes and airport fees
- travel health insurance and trip cancellation insurance
- visa costs (approximately 30€)
Day 1: Arrival in AntananarivoAfter completing the visa formalities, you will be picked up at the airport by one of our guides or directly by the hotel. Depending on the arrival time, either a hotel transfer and well-deserved rest are on the agenda, or if time allows, various activities can be arranged. The guesthouse is always located near the airport. Overnight stay at the "Villa Sibylle" (learn more here). |
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Day 2: Antananarivo – Antsirabe (170km paved road)As agreed, the driver will take over the car until the chaotic city of Antananarivo is out of sight. Once the RN7 begins, you will slowly have to get used to the specially converted Toyota Landcruisers for off-road driving and the local "traffic rules". Antsirabe is the highest city in Madagascar and there is plenty to experience. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try the first off-road track to the volcanic lake Tritriva, otherwise city visits are on the schedule. Overnight at the "Chambres du Voyageur" hotel. Visit their website here. |
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Day 3: Antsirabe – Ranomafana (250 km off-road and paved road)After breakfast, we leave Antsirabe and continue our journey south until we reach Ambositra after a winding drive. Next, we have lunch and continue on through an almost unknown shortcut, passing through highland villages into the rainforest west of Ranomafana. You have the option to enjoy a warm bath at the local thermal bath to relax after the journey. Overnight stay at the Hotel "Grenat". Check out more information here. |
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Day 4: Ranomafana National Park – Ambalavao (130km paved road)Early in the morning, the drive takes us up numerous switchbacks to the park entrance. In the morning hours, the various species of lemurs are most active and the misty forest reveals its full enchantment. Breakfast is packed as a picnic and enjoyed at "Solitude," an impressive viewpoint in the middle of the forest. We then drive through many small villages, where the colors range from red earth to vibrant red with a green background. The landscape is lush green, with rice fields creating a mosaic of various shades of green reflecting 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-famous photographer Pierrot Men. Continuing on the well-paved road further south, we pass by massive granite rocks, increasingly arid red laterite soil, and sparse grasses. The landscape undergoes a dramatic change as we reach the pass with a beautiful viewpoint. From there, you can see far down into the valley of Ambalavao, peacefully nestled between high mountains. The drive downhill is winding, with vineyards appearing on both sides of the road. The landscape is surrounded by a truly unique mountain scenario. Overnight stay at the "Tsienimparihy Lodge" hotel. |
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Day 5: Ambalavao – Anja – Andringitra – Tsarasoa Camp (52km paved road and dirt track)Embark on a true adventure today: after breakfast, we head south to visit a reserve founded by a local community, where hundreds of lemurs and other animals live undisturbed in a beautiful setting. Next, we continue for 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 1-hour drive on a rough track, we arrive at the Tsarasoa Camp located below the famous "Pic Chameleon," living up to its name. You'll have plenty of time to either take a 2-hour hike to the summit or opt for a close encounter with numerous lemurs in a nearby forest area. Enjoy dinner and spend the night at the Tsarasoa Camp. |
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Day 6: Andringitra - Ranohira (185 km tarred road)Continuing south: After passing through the southern gate, the landscape becomes increasingly barren. We quickly leave the highlands behind as the road is well-paved. The area resembles the African savannas to some extent. In the afternoon, we reach the most famous national park on the island in Ranohira, the Isalo National Park. Stay overnight at the "Isalo Rock Lodge****" hotel. |
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Day 7: Isalo National Park (22km Off-Road)Today is the day to explore the Isalo Massif, with its strange granite and sandstone sculptures, as well as its unique flora and fauna. The Isalo National Park covers a large part of the massif north of the RN7. It is made up of continental sandstone from the Jurassic period, with shapes, colors, and natural sculptural 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 clear water there and let your thoughts wander. The duration and difficulty of the day hike will be tailored to the abilities of the participants. Overnight stay at the "Isalo Rock Lodge****" hotel. |
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Day 8: Ranohira - Zombitse - Ifaty (280 km of good road and track)After the unique landscape of Isalo National Park, we will drive through savannas and desert landscapes to Toliara, the coastal city with only a few rainy days per year. We are almost directly below the Tropic of Capricorn. Along the way, we can visit a sapphire mine in Ilakaka and see the first giant baobab trees. In a village with no access to water, we will distribute the drinking water collected on our journey to those in need. From Toliara, we will continue north through remote areas. Before reaching Ifaty, a stretch of land between sand dunes and mangrove forests surrounding a turquoise blue lagoon, the excitement builds. Overnight stay at the Hotel "Hotel Belladonna" |
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Day 9: Ifaty and SurroundingsToday is a rest day before hitting the slopes of the West. But for those who are looking for some action, a variety of visits and activities are available. Expert guides are at your disposal, and planning and logistics will be taken care of under the best possible conditions. There's diving, pirogue rides, motorboat tours, canoeing, off-road driving, visits to a huge nature reserve, and even paragliding. If you just want to relax, you can enjoy the 32°C warm sea and uninterrupted sunshine. Accommodation at "Hotel Belladonna" |
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Day 10: Ifaty - Ambatomilo (mainly Off-road 120km)After breakfast, we drive to Tuléar and then head north on the RN9. Visits to Ifaty are possible. A must-see is the spiny forest in Reniala. We continue our journey on a sandy track to Ambatomilo, passing through barren vegetation with euphorbias and spiny forests, countless baobab trees, and dazzling white coral sand as the sea comes into view. Overnight stay at the "Shangri La" hotel. |
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Day 11: Ambatomila - Andavadoka (Track 50 km)Experience a sandy track with sometimes very deep sand, turquoise lagoons, the most beautiful beaches without crowds as far as the eye can see, and a fantastic thorny forest with huge baobab trees: This is where the legendary Mikea people, a small ethnic group considered to be the indigenous people of Madagascar, live. Stay overnight at the "Manga Lodge" hotel. |
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Day 12: Andavaoka – Manja (Track 210 km)Embark on a magnificent red laterite track that meanders through the vast savannas and baobab forests, passing by small dusty villages and Zebu carts - showcasing the beauty of Madagascar. The first challenge is crossing the Mangoky River. The ferry from Beovay crosses the wide Mangoky River, but first you must conquer the churned up sand, a possible scenario during the Camel Trophy. After that, it's onto the ancient ferry to the other side, a journey that takes at least 2 hours. The journey continues on rough tracks until reaching Manja, a small town "in the middle of nowhere", where we will stay at the only hotel available. Overnight stay at Hotel Kanto. |
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Day 13: Manja - Belo sur Mer (100km Track)Experience wild and beautiful landscapes, sandy tracks surrounded by euphorbias and baobabs, termite mounds, and tall grasses typical of this dry savannah landscape. Slowly, you 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 are in pristine landscapes, with little to no population around. The nature is immense and untamed. There are some rivers to cross in the heart of the deep south, until you finally reach the lagoons and beautiful fishing villages of the Vezo tribe 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 14: Belo sur Mer – Morondava (Track 90km)After a satisfying breakfast on the beach, where you can watch the fishermen's outrigger canoes earning their living on the turquoise sea, we continue our journey on the tracks to Morondava. Here, we will stay at a lovely beach hotel. It's time to refuel and prepare for the upcoming 900km of tracks. Accommodation at Hotel "Chez Maggie" |
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Day 15: Morondava and SurroundingsToday is dedicated to exploring Morondava and its surroundings. We will take a trip to the north to visit the famous "Baobabs Amoreux", two baobab trees that appear to be embracing 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 dine at one of its excellent restaurants. Overnight stay at the Hotel "Chez Maggie" |
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Day 16: Morondava - Bekopaka (Road and rough track 235km)This stage is relatively long: 235 km and at least 7 hours of driving through the territory of the Sakalava ethnic group. Stay at the "Olympe de Bemaraha" hotel. |
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Day 17: Little TsingyToday's agenda includes a visit to the Petit Tsingy and the Manambolo Gorge. Start your day early with a visit to the Manambolo Gorge by dugout canoe. Explore caves and a famous family tomb of the mythical Vazimba tribes, who are believed to have settled there in the 17th century and are considered Madagascar's original inhabitants. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely exploration of the Little Tsingy, a maze of limestone and other unusual mineral formations. Here, you'll encounter the Sifaka Lemurs, various bird species, and countless other endemic animals. Stay overnight at the "Olympe de Bemaraha" hotel. |
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Day 18: Grand TsingyStart your day early with a 15 km drive on rough roads to the Grand Tsingy. It will take at least an hour to navigate the relatively short distance, as the road is only accessible during the dry season. Once there, you will embark on hikes through this fantastic landscape, tailored to the abilities of our guests. In addition to the bizarre rock formations, you will marvel at incredible rock cathedrals, waterfalls, wooded gorges, and a unique array of flora and fauna. In the evening, local guides offer an optional night walk to spot chameleons and the rare mouse lemurs. Overnight stay at the "Olympe de Bemaraha" hotel. |
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Day 19: Bekopaka – Kirindy – Baobab Alley – Morondava (150 km paved road and track)On the way back, you can visit either the Kirindy Forest, which is on the way to Morondava, or the famous Baobab Alley at sunset. The Kirindy Forest encompasses one of the most outstanding and highly threatened habitats for wildlife in Madagascar: the dry deciduous forest, which has been reduced to only 3 percent of its original extent. Dominated by majestic baobab trees and a forest canopy reaching up to 14 meters high, this protected area of about 100 square kilometers is the only place where the smallest known primate in the world, the giant jumping rat, can be found. It is also the best place to spot the Fossas. Overnight at Hotel "Chez Maggie" |
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Day 20: Morondava - Antsirabe (550 km paved road)After an early breakfast, we will drive on the newly built "Chinese Highway" through the steppe-like landscape up to Miandrivazo. Along the way, we will pass the Mahajilo River, which is known as Tsiribihina further down. It 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. Overnight stay at the "Chambres du Voyageur" hotel. |
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Day 21: 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 rest assured: the animals are not force-fed in a notorious manner, but lead a free life without coercion. The restaurant "Au Coin du Foie de Gras" is famous beyond the national borders and offers a surprising variety of dishes. As we get closer to the end of our journey, the traffic becomes heavier. The driver takes over to navigate through Antananarivo. Overnight stay at the guesthouse of the "Villa Sibylle". |
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Day 22: Antananarivo and Surroundings - Airport TransferExperience the beauty of Antananarivo and its surroundings with a visit to the "Lemurs Park", where you can marvel at these adorable creatures. Your guide will be happy to show you other attractions in the area as well. In the evening, we will take you to the airport for your flight. Since most flights depart after midnight, you will appreciate the option of a "Day Use" at the hotel, allowing you to relax and prepare for your journey ahead. Enjoy the Day Use at the "Villa Sibylle" hotel, more information can be found here. |
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Important Information:A local and resident driver will be present throughout the entire journey, maintaining the status of a "captain on board" as they know the roads and driving conditions, and can assess situations and dangers much better. They have the right to take over the car 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 off-road vehicle, or other vehicles. The stages are planned so that driving at night should never be necessary. This tour is tailored to the guests' wishes and expectations, so there is no fixed price for it. Please inquire directly with us. |
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“Experience self-driving in Madagascar with our customized 4×4 adventure tours. Navigate the breathtaking Tsingy and RN7 roads, blending diverse landscapes on asphalt and sandy tracks. An experienced local guide ensures safety without compromising the thrill. Ideal for experienced drivers seeking a unique African driving experience.”
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