The most beautiful travel route through Madagascar

Day 1 - Arrival in Antananarivo

Your first task in Madagascar is to take care of the visa formalities at Ivato Airport. Right after that, your adventure in Madagascar begins. We will meet you at the exit of Antananarivo-Ivato Airport and provide continuous assistance. Depending on the time of day, you can either start exploring Tana or enjoy your first night's rest at our Villa Sibylle. Overnight stay at "Villa Sibylle".

Day 2 Antananarivo-Antsirabe

As we stop for lunch in Behenjy or Ambatolampy, the outskirts of Tana are already behind us and we are driving along the famous N7. Antsirabe, which we reach after about 170km on a well-maintained road, was originally founded in the 19th century by a Norwegian missionary. The architecture of some buildings in the older part of the city still reflects this history. In a beautiful and peaceful hotel, you can unwind and process the first experiences of your journey. With a bit of luck, you may even spot some chameleons in the garden. Overnight at the "Chambres du Voyageur" hotel.

Day 3 Antsirabe-Ranomafana

As you continue your journey, the excitement grows for what lies ahead. Today, we will drive on a winding yet excellent road to Ranomafana, home to the eponymous National Park. Along the way, we will take you to a hidden gem of sustainable tourism. The privately-run "Ialatsara Camp" is a sanctuary for numerous rare lemur species, which can be discovered and observed on a short nature walk. As the landscape transforms into a dense rainforest with lush vegetation and the road winds through the forest, we are nearing the end of today's journey. The gates of Ranomafana National Park open for us. Overnight stay at the "Hotel Thermal".

Day 4 Ranomafana National Park - Ambalavao

After an early rise, today's agenda includes hikes in Ranomafana National Park. We drive up the winding, almost serpentine road to the park entrance. There, our guide will greet you and lead you through the park, offering various hikes in the cloud forest based on your fitness level and preferences. Immerse yourself in this experience and absorb the energy of the forest. Afterwards, we pass through small hidden villages with red and earth-colored huts and houses on our way back to the highlands. Our journey continues on the N7 towards Fianarantsoa and Ambalavao, with mosaic fields of rice paddies in all shades of green lining the road. In Fianarantsoa, we visit the photo studio of world-renowned photographer Pierrot Men, whose works are internationally recognized but can only be seen in his studio in Fianarantsoa on the island. After this visit, we continue on a well-paved section of the N7. The landscape dramatically changes on the way to Ambalavao, with huge granite rocks and barren laterite landscapes flanking the road. We take a break at a viewpoint above the city to take in the vastness of the landscape. From here, the destination of today's journey is already visible. Ambalavao lies between high mountains covered in vineyards. Overnight stay at the "Tsienimparihy Lodge" hotel.

Day 5 Ambalavao-Anja Park-Ranohira

Leaving Ambalavao early in the morning, we drive through landscapes that strongly resemble African savannas. Our first stop of the day is at the privately owned and well-organized "Anja Park". The park is home to numerous chameleons and reptiles that can be observed closely. The highlight of the visit is encountering families of ring-tailed lemurs living in the park. After passing through the Southern Gate and the capital of the Bara tribe, Ihosy, we continue on long straight roads until we reach Ranohira. We stay at a first-class hotel with an incredible view of the Isalo Mountains and unwind in a pleasant atmosphere in the evening. Overnight at Hotel "La Reine d'Isalo".

Day 6 Ranohira and Surroundings

On the seventh day, you will visit one of the most famous national parks in Madagascar, the Isalo National Park. This park features a massive mountain range where granite and sandstone sculptures alternate with waterfalls and tropical nature. Spanning over 80,000 hectares, the entire national park offers a maximum of landscape diversity. The difficulty level and length of the tour through the park will be tailored to your personal preferences and physical conditions. After an exciting day trip, you will spend the night at the La Reine d'Isalo hotel.

Day 8 - Drive from Ranohira to Sarondrano via Ilakaka

On the eighth day of your Madagascar adventure, bid farewell to Ranohira and continue your journey southwards by car. Along the way, there are various opportunities for excursions: the sapphire mines of Ilakaka, the Zombitse Vohibasia National Park, and the giant Baobab trees are just three examples. You will leave Tulear behind and head straight to Sarondrano. Here, a breathtaking peninsula stretches out into the sea, with beautiful dream beaches awaiting you. You will stay at the Résidence Eden Lodge, an excellent guesthouse that is still considered a hidden gem on the island.

Day 9: Stay in Sarondrano and Surroundings

On day nine of your journey through Madagascar, you will focus on various day trips and individual activities. During these three days, you will stay exclusively in Sarondrano and the nearby area, spending your nights in the wonderful Résidence Eden Lodge. You have the freedom to customize your daily itinerary, and we are here to assist you every step of the way: Relaxing hours on the dreamy beach, sailing excursions, scuba diving, or a boat trip to see humpback whales are all possibilities. Simply reach out to us, and we will arrange a tailor-made program that suits your individual preferences.

Day 10 – Tulear – Ifaty - Morombe

Early in the morning, we continue our journey north from Tulear to Ifaty, with the road in good condition allowing plenty of time for breaks in the Madagascan bush.

Morombe is a hot and dusty town, serving as the starting point for a scenic off-road drive along the most beautiful beaches of Madagascar.

Traditional accommodations with facilities and hot water, friendly atmosphere and decent food await you in Morombe.

Day 11 Morombe to Andavadaoka

Today marks the beginning of the off-road adventure along the Mozambique Channel, with sandy tracks, some partially and some 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 giant baobab trees.

This area is home to the legendary Mikea, a small ethnic group considered to be the indigenous people of Madagascar.

Overnight stay at "Chez Laurette".

Day 12 Andavadaoka

Today, you will spend this rest day at one of the most beautiful beaches I know in Madagascar. If desired, an additional day can be planned here.

Located at one of the most beautiful spots on the Mozambique Channel, wonderfully secluded yet offering very cozy and high-quality hotels.

Day 13-Andavadaoka to Ambatomilo

Impressive landscapes mark this journey, sand tracks through thorn forests, huge baobabs, euphorbias, and other endemic plants of the deep south. Occasionally a glimpse of the turquoise sea, an unforgettable drive through a very sparsely populated area.

Overnight stay at Hotel Shangri La.

Day 14 - Ambatomilo

The beach and surrounding Baobabs are too beautiful to not take a rest day right there. There is only the Shangri La Hotel, the finest coral sand I have ever seen, and an emerald green sea.

Overnight at the Shangri La Hotel

Day 15 - Ambatomilo to Ifaty

Shortly after Ambatomiloha, you will encounter huge baobab trees of a kind you won't see elsewhere, some growing in groups and resembling gigantic bonsais. The sandy track continues until you reach a dazzling contrast with the sparse vegetation, snow-white sand, and a full range of colors between emerald green and sapphire blue on the horizon. Comfortable bungalows in Ifaty offer an unforgettable stay amidst the dry tropics.

Day 15   Flight from Tulear to Antananarivo

Day fifteen is filled with a sense of excitement: After relaxing days along the Mozambique Channel, it's time to head back to Tulear and then take a direct flight to the capital Antananarivo. Depending on the time of day, you can explore the surrounding area, or head straight to the Villa Sybille Hotel or to an exceptional restaurant with excellent dining options.

Day 16 Antananarivo and Surroundings

On the second to last day of your exciting journey through Madagascar, the capital city of the island nation is on the agenda: Antananarivo. Here, you will have numerous opportunities to go on a discovery tour. One example of a real attraction is the Lemurs Park, where you can closely observe many of these adorable animals. For this day, we have planned a Day Use at Villa Sybille, where you can store your luggage and freshen up in the evening before we take you to the airport.

Day 17 - The Return Flight

In the evening, we will take you to the airport. The return flight is usually after midnight, so you will appreciate the opportunity for a "Dayuse" at the hotel, where you can prepare everything in peace before your flight.

Overnight stay at the guesthouse of the "Villa Sibylle"

Special Notes

It is possible to book this trip as an individual tour on your preferred travel dates.

This tour is available all year round. The southern and western regions of Madagascar are very hot areas, with the coolest months being June to August. However, the tour is still feasible in the other months when it is offered.

This is an adventure tour to remote and sparsely populated areas. We strive to provide the best possible accommodations wherever possible, but on this trip, a few lower-quality accommodations may need to be accepted due to the lack of alternatives in some areas.

Although not physically demanding, participants should be in good health as medical assistance can be difficult to access when traveling far from the usual tourist routes. Vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis are not required, but it is advisable to have some precautionary medications for tropical travel. Good physical condition is essential, and guests with heart problems are not recommended for this tour.

The climate is mostly 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.

While there are chargers and voltage converters in the vehicle, it is recommended to bring your own power bank or sufficient batteries.

For any other questions, we are happy to assist.