Madagascar: The Great South by Road
Rainforest lemurs, handicraft towns, granite valleys, the sandstone canyons of Isalo and the spiny forest and beaches of the southwest coast.
The classic journey south along Madagascar’s scenic RN7 highway, travelling by road with your own English-speaking guide. Walk the rainforests of Ranomafana in search of bamboo lemurs, hike beneath the granite walls of the Tsaranoro Valley, spend a full day exploring the canyons and natural pools of Isalo National Park, then unwind on the beaches of the southwest coast before flying back to the capital.
Itinerary
Arrive Antananarivo
Welcome to Madagascar. Your guide and driver meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel to rest before the journey begins.
Antananarivo – Ambatolampy – Ambositra
Drive south into the highlands. Stop in Ambatolampy to see artisans casting the traditional aluminium cooking pots known as marmites, then continue to Ambositra and check in.
Ambositra – Ranomafana
Start the morning in Ambositra, the handicraft and marquetry capital of Madagascar, with a visit to the local market and a workshop. Watch artisans at work, then try your own hand at inlaid woodwork. Continue to Ranomafana in the afternoon.
Ranomafana National Park
A guided 3–4 hour hike through the rainforest, waterfalls and rivers of Ranomafana National Park. The park is home to 12 lemur species, including the rare golden bamboo lemur and greater bamboo lemur, along with chameleons, frogs, birds and orchids. Return to the hotel around midday, then enjoy a free afternoon.
Ranomafana – Ambalavao – Tsaranoro Valley
Drive south with a stop in Ambalavao to see the traditional Antaimoro paper being made by hand from bark and pressed flowers. Continue to the Tsaranoro Valley and settle into your lodge beneath its towering granite cliffs.
Tsaranoro Valley
A day in one of Madagascar’s great trekking landscapes. Hike to a viewpoint over the valley, its terraced rice fields and granite peaks, visit local communities and look out for ring-tailed lemurs.
Tsaranoro – Isalo
A half-day drive across the Horombe grassland plains to Isalo. After check-in, head out to watch the sunset through the famous rock arch known as the Window of Isalo.
Isalo National Park
A full day hiking among Isalo’s sandstone formations and canyons. Climb to a panoramic viewpoint and swim in the Natural Pool. Continue to Namaza to look for lemurs and birds, and stop for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, hike through the canyon to the Black and Blue Pools.
Isalo – Toliara – Ifaty (Mangily)
Drive southwest past sapphire-mining towns, baobabs and the painted tombs of the Mahafaly people, stopping for photos along the way. Arrive at the beach village of Mangily, near Ifaty.
Reniala Spiny Forest – Madiorano
Morning visit to the Reniala Reserve, a spiny forest of giant baobabs and euphorbia trees that shelters tortoises, sifaka lemurs and many bird species. Then continue to Madiorano for a relaxing afternoon on the beach and a sunset stroll along the shore.
Madiorano – Day at Leisure
A free day to enjoy the beach, visit a nearby fishing village, or take an optional sailing-pirogue trip to snorkel the coral reef.
Madiorano – Toliara – Antananarivo (Flight)
A relaxed morning at the beach, then transfer to Toliara in the afternoon for your domestic flight to Antananarivo. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Depart Antananarivo
Free morning for last-minute souvenir shopping. Around midday, transfer to Antananarivo International Airport for your flight home. Veloma, goodbye!
Prices
Prices are based on a minimum of two travellers, are in US dollars and are subject to change until a booking is made and a deposit received. International airfare is not included.
What’s Included
Included
- 12 nights’ accommodation with daily breakfast
- Private English-speaking guide throughout
- Private vehicle with driver for all touring and transfers
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- Domestic flight Toliara – Antananarivo
- All activities and visits listed in the itinerary
- Picnic lunch on the Isalo hiking day
- Welcome gift
- 24-hour telephone assistance during the tour
Not Included
- International flights and airport taxes
- Madagascar visa fee
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
- Optional activities (e.g. pirogue snorkeling trip)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Any changes to the itinerary for any reason
Domestic flight schedules in Madagascar are subject to change. Your guide will adjust the day’s timing if needed. General Terms & Conditions apply.
