Round Trip
Southwest Madagascar. National Parks, Granite Mountains and the Vezo Coast
Trip Duration
15 days
Travel Type
Tailor-made private tour
Price per Person
From 3’440 CHF
Included
15 days of private travel on the RN7 – from the highlands through rainforest and rocky landscapes to the sea at Ifaty.
Beneath the granite walls of the Tsaranoro Valley, hiking trails lead through an expansive landscape. In the rainforest of Ranomafana, you look out for lemurs; in Isalo, green oases appear between pale sandstone rocks. On the journey southwest, Madagascar reveals an ever-changing landscape.
The route follows Route Nationale 7 through the highlands, past rice terraces and small towns. In Ambalavao, you gain an insight into local life, while in the community-run Anja reserve, you watch ring-tailed lemurs. To round off the trip, you spend three nights in Ifaty on the Vezo coast, with a snorkelling excursion, a visit to the spiny forest and time to relax.
You travel privately with your own driver, local guides and personal support from MadaPlus TRAVEL. Two nights each in Ranomafana, the Tsaranoro Valley and Ranohira allow time for hikes and discoveries. Throughout the journey, you travel in your own group: as a pair, with friends or with your family.
You are met in person at Ivato Airport and accompanied to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there is room to rest and settle in. Your first impressions of Madagascar can take effect at their own pace.
Overnight at the San Cristobal Boutique Hôtel.
On the famous RN7 you pass rice terraces, red clay houses and lively villages. In consultation with your driver, there is time along the way for photo stops and short breaks.
In Antsirabe, the brightly painted pousse-pousse are part of the townscape. Visiting a workshop, you see how zebu horn is turned into finely crafted everyday objects. On your very first day on the road you thus encounter both the landscapes and the crafts of the highlands.
Overnight at the Couleur Café.
In Ambositra you encounter the region’s woodcarving tradition. In the workshops, geometric patterns on doors, chests and small everyday objects tell of traditions handed down over generations. The woodcraft of the Zafimaniry is recognised as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage; their villages lie in the mountains outside the town.
The journey then continues towards Ranomafana. The air grows more humid, the slopes greener, and gradually the rainforest takes over the landscape. After arrival there is time to settle in and let the evening wind down quietly.
Two nights at the Thermal Hotel.
In the morning you explore Ranomafana National Park with a local guide. The trails lead through dense vegetation, past tree ferns and streams. Your guide knows the tracks and calls of the forest’s inhabitants and helps you spot animals in the canopy.
Species living here include golden bamboo lemurs, red-bellied lemurs and Milne-Edwards’ sifakas. Which of them show themselves remains part of the experience of nature. The route and pace of the walk are matched to your fitness and to conditions on the ground.
In the evening there is a guided night walk along the edge of the park. In the beam of the torches you may, with a little luck, spot sleeping chameleons, frogs and nocturnal lemurs.
In Fianarantsoa a walk leads through the historic upper town. Between old houses and churches, views open out over the rooftops and the surrounding countryside.
The journey continues to Ambalavao. If your visit falls on market day, you experience the zebu market, where traders and cattle farmers from various regions come together. On other days there is time for an insight into the small town.
In the afternoon you visit the Anja Community Reserve. Below the striking rock face, ring-tailed lemurs live among trees and boulders. A local guide accompanies you through this community-run reserve and talks about his work on site.
Overnight at the Anja Reserve Lodge.
You leave the RN7 and follow a track into the Tsaranoro Valley. Fields, small villages and wide grasslands lie beneath the steep granite walls. With your arrival at the camp, a quieter stage of your journey begins.
On a walk you discover the sacred forest. It holds special meaning for the local population and also provides a habitat for ring-tailed lemurs. Your guide explains local traditions and the rules for a respectful visit.
Two nights at Camp Catta.
Today you have time to experience the valley on foot. If you enjoy hiking uphill, you choose the route to the Pic Caméléon. The ascent leads to a viewpoint with a wide outlook over the valley and the granite walls opposite. Sure-footedness and a good level of basic fitness are helpful.
If you prefer a gentler option, you choose the “village and forest” walk. It combines the landscape of the valley with insights into the surroundings of the villages. You agree on the right option with your guide.
In the late afternoon there is time at the camp. As the light grows warmer, the rock faces change colour – a fine moment simply to sit and enjoy the view.
Back on the RN7 you continue south. The landscape opens up, the vegetation becomes sparser, and finally the sandstone massif of the Isalo appears on the horizon.
Towards evening you visit the Isalo Window. This natural opening in the rock frames the landscape and, in suitable weather, makes an atmospheric spot for sunset.
Two nights at the Relais de la Reine.
With a local guide you explore Isalo National Park. Pale rock, narrow gorges and surprisingly green retreats characterise this landscape. Depending on fitness and accessibility, your walk leads to the Canyon des Makis and the Canyon des Rats or to the Piscine Naturelle.
Along the way you look out for ring-tailed lemurs, sifakas and the striking pachypodiums. At suitable spots and in the right conditions, a swimming break is possible. After returning there is time to relax at the hotel and by the pool.
On the drive towards Toliara the landscape changes once again. Dry plains, thorn scrub and unusual plants line the route. If you are interested and time allows, a short stop in Ilakaka is possible, a place that became known for its sapphire deposits.
At the Arboretum d’Antsokay near Toliara you discover the flora of the dry southwest. A circuit shows how varied the forms of leaves, trunks and thorns are, and how these plants manage with very little water.
The final stretch then leads to Ifaty. After the days in the highlands and the national parks, your stay by the sea now begins.
Three nights at Les Dunes d’Ifaty.
Two full days remain for the coast and its surroundings. A snorkelling excursion with Atimoo Plongée is included. Location and timing depend on tides, weather and sea conditions. With mask and snorkel you explore the underwater world at a suitable spot.
A guided visit to the Reniala Reserve is also part of the programme. Among baobabs and the distinctive didiereaceae you get to know the spiny forest of the southwest. In the morning in particular it is worth listening for bird calls and watching for movement between the branches.
In between there is time for the beach, the hotel and relaxation. In season, usually between June and September, whale-watching trips may additionally be offered. These, like dives, are optional and paid separately.
Transfer to Toliara Airport and domestic flight to Antananarivo. This way you reach the highlands without having to drive the long stretch back along the RN7. After the transfer to the hotel, the remaining time is at your disposal.
Two nights at the San Cristobal Boutique Hôtel.
Today you get to know the capital and its history more closely. At the Rova, the royal palace, the view opens out over the city. Outside Antananarivo you visit Ambohimanga, the historic royal site and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A visit to the handicraft market rounds off the day. You might find a raffia piece, a small wooden object or spices as a memento of your journey. The order of the visits is adapted to traffic and opening hours.
Depending on your departure time, there is still room for last purchases or a quiet morning. You are then taken to Ivato Airport for your international return flight.
Your accommodation
Extend your trip: after this tour, you can add beach days on Nosy Be, island life on Sainte Marie or an adventure along the west coast. See the extensions
The tour is tailored individually to your wishes. The personally prepared itinerary and the written offer from MadaPlus TRAVEL are binding for the price and scope of services.
International flights, visa, tips and personal expenses are not included.
Adequate travel insurance is mandatory for trips with MadaPlus TRAVEL. It must cover cancellation and trip interruption, medical expenses abroad, medical assistance and medically necessary repatriation.
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