Nature Tana → Ifaty (RN7)

Road Trip — Lemurs, Landscapes & Adventure

An extraordinary 10-day expedition through the landscapes and biodiversity of Madagascar. From Antananarivo, drive to Antsirabe through villages and rice fields, stopping in Ambositra to discover Malagasy woodcraft. Explore Ranomafana National Park, sanctuary of the endangered golden bamboo lemur, then travel via Fianarantsoa and Ambalavao to the Anja Reserve for a close encounter with ring-tailed lemurs. Hike the canyons and natural pools of Isalo, and reach the coast at Ifaty via Zombitse National Park, home to dancing sifakas and ancient baobabs.

Highlights

Discover Isalo Park
Explore Ranomafana rainforest
Home of the dancing sifakas
Ring-tailed lemurs at Anja

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1
Arrival at Antananarivo
Highlights: Our agent greets you at the airport, helps with a SIM card and currency exchange, and transfers you to your hotel. Overnight at Sakamanga Hotel.
Day 2
Antananarivo → Antsirabe (170 km, 4h)
Highlights: Drive south to Antsirabe along a scenic route of villages and rice fields. Stop at Ambatolampy, known for its aluminium craftsmanship, then after lunch explore Lakes Andraikiba and Tritriva — the latter perfect for a refreshing swim. Overnight at Ecolodge Chambre du Voyageur.
Day 3
Antsirabe → Ranomafana (250 km, 7h)
Highlights: Tour Antsirabe by rickshaw — the railway station, Hôtel des Thermes and craft workshops — then continue to Ambositra, capital of Malagasy woodcraft, for lunch. In the afternoon, descend from the highlands to the lush east and Ranomafana, with a night walk at the forest edge to spot nocturnal species. Overnight at Hotel Thermal.
Day 4
Ranomafana National Park
Highlights: Explore Ranomafana — 'hot water' in Malagasy, for its springs. Protected since 1986, it shelters the rare golden bamboo lemur, 12 lemur species in all, and 30 endemic birds. Follow forest trails such as Varibolomena in search of bamboo lemurs and Milne-Edwards' sifakas. Overnight at Hotel Thermal.
Day 5
Ranomafana → Anja → Ranohira (360 km, 7h)
Highlights: Drive the famed RN7. Stop in Fianarantsoa, Betsileo capital of colonial architecture and lively markets, then Ambalavao for its Antemoro paper factory and zebu market. At Anja Reserve, meet ring-tailed lemurs in the wild before crossing the scenic Ihorombe plateau to Ranohira. Overnight at Le Jardin du Roy.
Day 6
Isalo National Park
Highlights: A full day among the canyons and oases of Isalo. Hike through dramatic landscapes to natural pools and waterfalls, follow the 'Piscine Bleue et Noire' trails and their unique wildlife, and end with the mesmerising sunset over the famous Window of Isalo. Overnight at Le Jardin du Roy.
Day 7
Ranohira → Zombitse → Ifaty (280 km, 5h)
Highlights: Journey to the coast, passing the sapphire town of Ilakaka and the baobabs of the south-west. Explore Zombitse National Park and see traditional Mahafaly and Antandroy tombs before reaching the tranquil fishing village of Ifaty. Overnight at La Bella Donna.
Day 8
Ifaty — lagoon day
Highlights: A relaxing beach day: stroll golden sands as fishing pirogues drift by, swim in the reef-protected lagoon, savour fresh seafood, and end with a sunset pirogue ride. Overnight at La Bella Donna.
Day 9
Ifaty → Toliara → Antananarivo (flight)
Highlights: Transfer to Toliara airport and fly to Antananarivo; transfer to your hotel. Overnight at Sakamanga Hotel.
Day 10
International departure
Highlights: Your tour comes to an end. We arrange your transfer to Ivato Airport. Safe travels!