Travel the RN7 from Antananarivo through highland villages and craft workshops: Zafimaniry woodcarvings, semi-precious stone markets, weaving, and Antemoro paper. The route reveals diverse landscapes — rainforest in Ranomafana National Park, canyons and natural pools in Isalo National Park, baobab trees and lagoons at Ifaty. Encounter endemic wildlife including Indri-Indri, sifakas, ring‑tailed lemurs, birds, reptiles and frogs. Cultural experiences include a homestay in a Zafimaniry village, a rickshaw ride in Antsirabe, and outings with Vezo fishermen. A 15‑day journey blending trekking, cultural encounters and beach relaxation, with comfortable accommodation and authentic stops.
⭐ Highlights
- Antananarivo city orientation and Ivato arrival transfer
- RN7 journey through highland villages and rice paddies
- Antsirabe rickshaw tour and semi-precious stone market
- Zafimaniry woodcarving villages and homestay cultural experience
- Hike to Mount Laibury and descent to Sakaivo
- Ranomafana Arboretum and rainforest wildlife spotting
- Golden bamboo lemur and Milne‑Edwards’ sifaka sightings in Ranomafana
- Anja Community Reserve and habituated ring‑tailed lemurs
- Isalo National Park canyon hikes, Natural Pool circuit, and Isalo Window sunset
- Zombitse National Park endemic species and transition forest
- Ifaty/Toliara beaches, snorkeling/diving, and Vezo fishing village visits
- Reniala botanical garden and baobab forest exploration
- Mitsinjo Private Reserve chameleons and night walk at VOIMMA Reserve
- Indri‑Indri encounters and Vakona lemur island visit in Andasibe
- Authentic Malagasy markets, craft workshops, and Antemoro paper demonstrations
📅 Full Itinerary — Day by Day
Day 1 – Antananarivo
Welcome to Antananarivo, the vibrant capital of Madagascar spread across hills and valleys in the heart of the Highlands. Arriving at Ivato International Airport, meet your guide and transfer to the city centre for a first contact with Malagasy life. Depending on your arrival time, explore busy streets, colonial-style buildings, stairways winding up the hills, colourful markets and viewpoints overlooking rice fields as far as the eye can see. Overnight at Havana Resort Hotel or similar.
Day 2 – Antananarivo → Antsirabe | 180 km – approx. 4 hrs drive
Leave south on Madagascar's legendary RN7 across the Highlands. The landscape moves between terraced rice paddies, eucalyptus forests, traditional red-brick villages and rounded granite hills carved by centuries of farming. Arrive in Antsirabe, a thermal town known for its cool climate, colonial architecture and lively handicraft scene. Ride a pousse-pousse through the centre, visit workshops where zebu horn carvings, embroidered textiles and miniature recycled cars are made, then browse the gemstone market — one of Madagascar's most important. Overnight at Royal Palace Hotel or similar.
Day 3 – Antsirabe → Ambositra → Antoetra | 120 km – ~4 hrs drive + 5 hrs hike
Drive south through the Highlands to Ambositra, the cultural centre of the Zafimaniry people, famous for geometric wood architecture and carving traditions listed by UNESCO. The road then climbs to Antoetra, gateway to the Zafimaniry villages. From here, hike over lush hills and through eucalyptus forests, terraced farmland and isolated hamlets. Reach the summit of Mount Laibury for views over the mountains and valleys below. The day ends in Sakaivo, one of the most traditional Zafimaniry settlements, with handcrafted wooden houses blending into the forest landscape. Homestay in a traditional Zafimaniry house.
Day 4 – Sakaivo → Antoetra → Anjozorozoro | ~6 hrs walk + 1 hr dirt track
Morning hike through the Zafimaniry countryside, passing forests, streams, rice terraces and tiny villages like Antetezandrota and Faliarivo. Encounters with villagers offer a glimpse into a life still rooted in centuries-old customs, farming and woodworking. Walk back to Antoetra, then follow the track to Anjozorozoro, a peaceful area of hills and forest. Overnight at Ivato River Lodge or similar.
Day 5 – Anjozorozoro → Ranomafana | 150 km – approx. 4 hrs drive
Drive south through the green central Highlands to Ranomafana, where the village meets one of Madagascar's most famous rainforests. Hills are engulfed by mist, waterfalls and damp flora replace the arid Highland landscape. Afternoon visit to the Ranomafana Arboretum, a reforested refuge preserving orchids, medicinal plants, palms, tree ferns and endemics. Time to walk through the village and feel the humid air of the eastern escarpment. Overnight at Karibotel or similar.
Day 6 – Ranomafana → Ambalavao | Approx. 4 hrs drive
Morning exploration of Ranomafana National Park, a large tropical rainforest crossed by rivers and hidden beneath mist. The park is home to rare species such as the golden bamboo lemur, Milne-Edwards' sifaka, rainbow-hued chameleons, frogs and a wide variety of birds. Trek through giant tree ferns, bamboo forests and dense jungle alive with wildlife sounds. Continue south with a break in Fianarantsoa, the cultural capital of the Betsileo Highlands, where steep streets, old churches and panoramic views make the Upper Town memorable. Arrive late into Ambalavao, a quaint town set against granite mountains, known for vineyards, traditional Antemoro paper workshops and large zebu markets. Overnight at Betsileo Country Lodge or similar.
Day 7 – Ambalavao → Ranohira | Approx. 4 hrs drive
Early morning visit to Anja Community Reserve, cared for by local villagers. Enormous granite boulders, ficus trees and arid woodland serve as habitat for groups of ring-tailed lemurs often seen bouncing between the stones. Continue south to Ranohira, the entry point for Isalo National Park. The vegetation gives way to arid savanna and sandstone cliffs typical of southern Madagascar. Cultural stop in a traditional Bara village, where zebu culture is central to local identity. Overnight at H1 Isalo Hotel or similar.
Day 8 – Isalo National Park
Full day exploring one of Madagascar's most stunning landscapes, Isalo National Park. The sandstone mountains, carved by erosion, display intricate canyons, wind-sculpted cliffs, hidden oases and wide plateaux. Ascend through rocky valleys with pandanus and native shrubbery to the famous Natural Pool — ink-blue waters shaded by palms. Swimming is possible. In late afternoon, the classic excursion to the Window of Isalo for sunset, when sandstone glows gold and red. Overnight at H1 Isalo Hotel or similar.
Day 9 – Ranohira → Ifaty | 270 km – approx. 7 hrs drive
Leave south into the dry lands of South West Madagascar. Visit Zombitse National Park, a transitional forest between the Highlands and the southern arid zone, home to endemic birds and the rare Zombitse sifaka. In the late afternoon, reach Toliara, a port city on the Mozambique Channel, then continue to Ifaty, a beach town with white sand backed by spiny forest. The colourful pirogues of Vezo fishermen glide through the lagoon while baobabs and octopus trees loom on land. Overnight at Bamboo Club Hotel or similar.
Day 10 – Ifaty
Free day to enjoy the tropical environment of Ifaty. Optional activities include snorkelling or diving on the coral reef, pirogue trips with Vezo fishermen, beach time, or a visit to Reniala Reserve, where ancient baobabs and the unique spiny forest ecosystem of southern Madagascar can be seen. Overnight at Bamboo Club Hotel or similar.
Day 11 – Ifaty
Another day at leisure alongside the Mozambique Channel. Visit fishing villages nearby, enjoy seafood by the beach or simply relax among the palm trees facing the lagoon. Overnight at Bamboo Club Hotel or similar.
Day 12 – Ifaty → Toliara → Antananarivo → Andasibe | Approx. 5 hrs drive
Early morning transfer to Toliara Airport for a domestic flight to Antananarivo. Head east along the RN2 through lush tropical vegetation to Andasibe, one of Madagascar's most famous rainforest regions. Afternoon visit to Mitsinjo Reserve, rich in amphibians and reptiles. At night, a guided walk through VOIMMA Reserve to look for nocturnal lemurs, sleeping chameleons, frogs and insects. Overnight at Feony Ala Hotel or similar.
Day 13 – Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Full day in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, one of the world's most famous humid rainforests, known for the songs of the Indri-Indri, the largest living lemur. Trails wind through thick virgin jungle with orchids, giant trees draped in moss, and sparkling waterfalls. The park is home to many lemur species, endemic birds, reptiles and amphibians. In the afternoon, visit the Vakona Reserve to see different types of lemurs up close in a natural setting. Overnight at Feony Ala Hotel or similar.
Day 14 – Andasibe → Antananarivo | Approx. 4 hrs drive
Return to Antananarivo through the eastern escarpment and the Highlands. Free afternoon for last visits, shopping or rest before departure. Overnight at Havana Resort Hotel or similar.
Day 15 – Antananarivo – Departure day
After breakfast, transfer to Ivato International Airport according to your international flight schedule. End of our services.