Extreme driving experience on RN5

Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo

After completing the visa formalities, you will be picked up at 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 are possible.
The guesthouse is always located near the airport.

Overnight stay at the "Villa Sibylle". Explore more about this hotel here.

Day 2: Antananarivo - Andasibe

Start your day early as you drive east on the winding and well-maintained RN 2. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to visit the famous private reserve "Madagascar Exotique" owned by the renowned researcher Andre Pereyras, where a surprising variety of reptiles, amphibians, and lemurs pose fearlessly for the camera in a nearby forest.

Moramanga is the next stop before heading to the nearby area of Analamazoatra.

Upon reaching the Andasibe National Park, you'll check into your accommodation and have the chance to listen to the distinctive calls of the Indri Indri lemurs, who often venture into the hotel grounds.

Andasibe is likely one of the most visited places in Madagascar, with thousands of visitors coming each year to see the largest lemur species on the island.

The proximity to the capital city of Antananarivo contributes to the high number of visitors to the Andasibe National Park. Especially during peak season, it can be quite challenging to book a room in the few hotels in the area.

Therefore, it is recommended to plan your visit to the Andasibe National Park well in advance.

Overnight stay at the "Eulophiella Lodge" or equivalent hotel.

Day 3: Andasibe- Mitsinjo

Today, after breakfast, we will visit the Mitsinjo Reserve in Andasibe.

During the several-hour hike, you will have the chance to see Indri-Indris and other highly rare animal and plant species.

Upon returning to the hotel in the late morning, we will head to the famous "Vakona Zoo": on the Lemur Island, reached by boat, you will encounter numerous lemurs that were once rescued from illegal captivity and "rehabilitated" here.

These animals, however, have lost all fear and may literally jump on visitors.

Therefore, it is highly recommended to wear washable rain gear.

The nearby forest is home to a large number of crocodiles, the rare "Fossa", and other zoological wonders of Madagascar.

It is easily explored on a 1 to 2-hour guided tour.

Overnight stay at the "Eulophiella Lodge" or equivalent.

Day 4: Andasibe– Tamatave-Mahambo

Early in the morning, you will leave the rainforest and continue driving on the fairly busy road towards the east.

After Brickaville, a small detour can be made to Manambato and Lake Rasoabe, if the condition of the track allows it.

After a longer lunch break, you will continue on to Tamatave (Toamasina), the largest port city in Madagascar and the second largest city in the country.

The road is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.

60 km north of Tamatave, you will pass through Mahavelona (Foulpointe), a beach resort that has become popular mainly among the city dwellers as a holiday destination.

Here, you can swim. A coral reef keeps the sharks away from the beach. On the other side of the road, a dense tropical forest begins.

Behind this town, there is a "floating bridge". Since a cyclone destroyed the former bridge, it now only partially "floats" during the rainy season and you may have to drive through the water, but this should not be a problem with a 4x4 vehicle.

Next, you will reach the bay of Mahambo, a much more beautiful, wild, and peaceful place compared to Foulpointe.

Swimming here is always safe. The hotel right on the beach is perfect before starting the Extreme Tour, which is on the agenda for the next day.

Overnight at the hotel "La Pirogue"

Day 5: Mahambo – Fenerive Est – Sonierana Ivongo – Manompana

Experience the wild landscapes as you travel through Fenerive Est, a small and typical town on the east coast surrounded by lush greenery.

During the rainy season, the air is filled with the scents of cloves and cinnamon. Trees are abundant with mangos and lychees. As you wind through the curves near Sonierana Ivongo, you can catch a glimpse of the shadowy outlines of the island of Sainte Marie, located about 40 km east parallel to the coast of Madagascar.

Sonierana Ivongo offers little in terms of attractions, with the road abruptly ending at the riverbank. However, it is a bustling town thanks to its port, serving as the starting point for ferries to the island of Sainte Marie (not included in this trip but can be arranged upon request).

The same port is also the starting point for one of Madagascar's most impressive experiences. Follow the river north instead of east towards the sea, where your Landcruiser will board a "ferry" to navigate through the river's twists and turns until reaching a primitive dock on the other side.

From here, the real adventure begins. Travel along a sandy track to the next river crossing, then continue on a rough, yet manageable road to the shore of a third river, where another ferry crossing awaits.

Manompana was once a pirate haven, utilizing the natural protection of the Tintingue Bay for ships on the east coast of Madagascar.

Just 200 km north of the bustling port city of Tamatave, you'll find yourself in a completely different world. The bay is stunning, with coconut palms lining the endless sandy beaches and coral reefs protecting the coast.

Stay at the "Au bon ancrage" hotel, situated directly on the bay for a peaceful and scenic overnight stay.

Day 6: Manompana and Surroundings

This day starts with a peaceful boat ride to the starting point of the Ambodiriana Private Reserve, followed by a visit to the nearby coastal rainforest and a return to Manompana in the afternoon.

If time allows and the sea is calm enough, a quick visit to the "Ile aux Sorciers" (Island of the Shamans) can also be planned.

Rituals are still performed here today, and there are quite a few local taboos.

Overnight stay at the "Au bon ancrage" hotel, located right on the bay.

Day 7: Manompana – Antanambe

Today's journey covers a short 40 km distance, but the road conditions become significantly more challenging: river crossings, mud, bridges, along with breathtaking views of the ocean and rainforest on the other side of the road.
Antanambe is a tranquil place that offers a lovely accommodation option.

Stay overnight at the "Chez Grondin" hotel, situated right by the ocean.

Day 8: Antanambe – Mananara Nord National Park

After breakfast, you will venture into a part of the vast reserve.

Approximately 6 hours of hiking is on the agenda for today.

Lunch will be served near a waterfall.

Afterwards, you can spend the rest of the day at the beach.

Dinner and overnight stay at "Chez Grondin".

Day 9: Antanambe - Sahasoa

After breakfast, you will start off with a 15km drive on an extreme track, followed by a boat ride to the Marine Park of Mananara and the pristine island of Nosy Antafana.

After visiting the National Park, you will return to Sahasoa.

The adventurous day will end with a village visit and dinner with the Women Fishermen's Association in Sahasoa.

Overnight stay at the "Women Fishermen's Association", no other accommodation options available.

Day 10 - Sahasoa – Mananara Nord

This section is the most challenging of all.

You are now on an extremely rough track, suitable for very few drivers and only with specially prepared off-road vehicles.

Upon arrival in Mananara, you will check into your accommodation at the hotel. Then, you will visit the "Roger Island" to observe the rarest nocturnal lemurs in the world: the Aye Aye (Daubentonia Madagascariensis) reside here.

Overnight stay at the "Aye Aye Hotel"

Day 11 bis 13: Mananara Nord – Maroantsetra

The real challenge with the off-road vehicle begins here.

The track is in such poor condition that even professionals with specially adapted cars can no longer drive between Maroantsetra and Mananara Nord.

Accommodations are only available in very basic lodgings or camping.

Maroantsetra is not only an absolute paradise for nature lovers, the small town is also known as the gateway to the vast Masoala Peninsula.

The largest national park in Madagascar, known for its unique flora and fauna that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, starts here.

Located at the Antongil Bay between the sea and the lush tropical forest, 100 km north of Mananara, is the end of the "road" from Tamatave towards the rainforest.

From here, there are only forest paths that lead through the dense jungle or along the coastline north towards the Vanilla Coast.

Maroantsetra, situated in the middle of the Antongil Bay, is the starting point for many excursions and more or less challenging trekking tours through the rainforest or along the coastline.

Whether on foot, by boat, or even by kayak, progress is slow. Due to the very favorable climatic conditions, this area has the most diverse and densest forests on Madagascar.

The very remote location probably also contributes to the fact that here, more than anywhere else in Madagascar, you can truly experience untouched nature.

Day 11Bis 13: Mananara Nord – Maroantsetra

Today marks the start of the real challenge with the off-road vehicle.

The track is in such poor condition that even professionals with specially adapted cars would struggle to drive between Maroantsetra and Mananara Nord.

Accommodation options are limited to very simple lodgings or camping.

Maroantsetra is not only a paradise for nature lovers, but also known as the gateway to the vast Masoala Peninsula.

The largest national park in Madagascar, famous for its unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth, begins here.

Located at the Antongil Bay between the sea and the lush tropical forest, 100 km north of Mananara, this is where the "road" from Tamatave to the rainforest ends.

From here, there are only forest trails that lead through dense jungle or along the coastline north towards the Vanilla Coast.

Maroantsetra, situated in the middle of Antongil Bay, is the starting point for many excursions and more or less challenging trekking tours through the rainforest or along the coastline.

Whether on foot, by boat, or even by kayak, progress is slow. Due to the favorable climatic conditions, this area boasts the most diverse and densest forests on Madagascar.

The extremely remote location probably also contributes to the fact that here, more than anywhere else in Madagascar, you can truly experience untouched nature.

Day 11 bis 13: Maroantsetra

Experience pristine and endless beaches with fine sand, fantastic landscapes, and an intact traditional culture in Maroantsetra. For the "elite" of hikers and nature lovers, Maroantsetra is also the starting point for a 5 to 7-day trekking tour that crosses the rainforest of the Masoala Peninsula, fully traversing the Masoala National Park. This area also provides the only overland access to the Vanilla Coast.

The difficulty of accessing this region, both by land and by the small plane that flies to Maroantsetra, is directly related to the very low number of visitors. However, this guarantees the authenticity of this unique region, which will surely be preserved for a long time.

While the adventure on land ends in Maroantsetra, other exciting experiences await you. This journey will be tailored to your wishes and expectations.

If you are interested, please contact us. Our offers in Masoala and surrounding areas are managed by two highly specialized local partners:

- Arol Lodge
- Masoala Forest Lodge

Important Information

A 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.

The driver 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 night driving should never be necessary.

This tour is tailored to the wishes and expectations of the guests, 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 southern and eastern regions of Madagascar are very hot areas, with the coolest months being June to August. However, the tour is still doable in the other months when it is offered.

While it is not a physically demanding trip, participants should ensure they do not have any serious health issues as medical assistance may be difficult to access when traveling far from the usual tourist routes.

The climate is predominantly very warm to hot, but it can get very cold in the winter months (June to August) in the highlands. Therefore, both light summer clothing and warmer attire should be packed.