Unmissable RN7

170 km, around 5h of driving depending on stops We head south. Discover the rural world of the Malagasy Highlands, the architecture of traditional houses, the rice paddies and the farming techniques specific to the region... Stop in Ambatolampy. This small town, at the foot of the Ankaratra massif, is famous for its workshops making kitchen utensils, exclusively in aluminum. Then, on to Antsirabe. Lunch and dinner not included, at your own expense. Overnight and breakfast at the Ecolodge Les Chambres du Voyageur or similar.

Overnight: Chambre du Voyageur — Bed & breakfast

250 km, around 6h of driving depending on stops Breakfast and orientation tour of the town of Antsirabe. An industrial town, famous for its thermal springs and its rickshaws, Antsirabe stands out for its grand colonial buildings and wide avenues, a legacy of the missionaries and settlers. Meet and share time with skilled artists and craftspeople working zebu horn or wood, making miniatures, or embroidering. We then set off again for Ambositra, a multi-ethnic trading hub where masters of fine woodworking can be found. After a short stop, we go to discover sculptors and marquetry craftsmen in their workshops — skilled, friendly artisans who will be delighted to welcome us into their homes. We continue on to Ranomafana National Park. Ranomafana lies between Betsileo country and Tanala country, the land of the forest people. The region takes its name from its iron-rich hot spring, whose water has various beneficial properties. The town is the starting point for all excursions into the National Park. Lunch not included, at your own expense. Dinner, overnight and breakfast at the Thermal Ranomafana or similar.

Overnight: Hôtel Thermal — Half board

65 km, around 2h of driving depending on stops Early morning, guided walking tour of the Ranomafana forest. Ranomafana National Park is covered mainly by humid tropical forest and montane forest. It is home to a remarkable biodiversity, with abundant and varied wildlife including the golden bamboo lemur, along with rich, lush vegetation thanks to the climate and its many waterways. Up to 3h of walking, up to 200m of elevation gain, easy walk, hiking trail. Lunch not included, at your own expense, then we head to Fianarantsoa in the afternoon. Orientation tour of the town before checking in at the hotel. Dinner, overnight and breakfast at the Tsara Guest House or similar.

Overnight: Tsara Guest House — Half board

55 km, around 1h30 of driving depending on stops Continue through the vineyards of Betsileo country: destination Ambalavao. This small town is home to one of the largest weekly zebu markets in the south of the country, held only on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. After a few visits in town, we drive on to the edge of town to reach the Anja Reserve. This small gallery forest, at the foot of an impressive granite dome, is home to several troops of ring-tailed lemurs. A few reptile and bird species can also be spotted here. Lastly, it is also a sacred mountain, home to ancient tombs that are now places of worship. 2h to 3h walking in the park. Transfer to your hotel for lunch, not included, at your own expense. Free afternoon: on foot or by bike, set off to discover the valley surrounding the lodge and enjoy a magnificent landscape of mountains, terraced rice paddies and a traditional village. Dinner, overnight and breakfast at the Betsileo Country Lodge or similar.

Overnight: Betsileo Country Lodge — Half board

After breakfast, we head back onto national road 7 before leaving it to reach one of the most beautiful spots in the South. The Tsaranoro Valley, at the foot of the Andringitra massif, a national park home to Madagascar's second-highest peak. We arrive in the late morning. Lunch not included, at your own expense. Free walk around the lodge in the afternoon. Half-board accommodation at Camp Catta or similar.

Overnight: Camp Catta — Half board

We have a long half-day to discover the Tsaranoro Valley. Depending on your preference and fitness, several walks are offered from the lodge. In any case, they all cross stunning scenery and lead to memorable, immersive encounters. We leave the valley and continue south, with a picnic lunch prepared by our team en route. A change of climate and scenery marks the entrance to the Deep South. Rocky massifs, some of them sacred, now define the landscape. We pass through the legendary Gates of the South and cross the Ihorombe plateau. We are now in the heart of Bara territory. We continue to Isalo, arriving in the late afternoon. Check in at the hotel. Dinner, overnight and breakfast at the Relais de la Reine or similar.

Overnight: Le Relais de la Reine ★★★ — Half board

A day visiting Isalo National Park. Transfer to the park entrance for a hike across the massif's most beautiful sites. We first reach the natural pool via a trail that winds between magnificent rock walls hiding Bara tombs. Stops at a few viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramas over the massif. After swimming, we continue the hike along a ridgeline on the eastern side of the massif, ending at the Namaza cirque and forest. With luck, we will cross paths with a few groups of lemurs. For the more adventurous, the walk continues to the Black Pool and the Blue Pool, then to the Nymphs' Waterfall. Around 5h of walking, 350 to 500 m of cumulative elevation gain, moderate difficulty, hiking trail. Equipment to bring: walking shoes or sturdy sneakers, sun protection, insect repellent, water bottle. Picnic lunch prepared by our team. About Isalo National Park: Madagascar's oldest geological formation reveals its secrets. This continental sandstone massif, with its ruin-like formations, dates back to the Jurassic period. Its highly distinctive geomorphology, sculpted by erosion, offers a display of colors and shapes... Considered the second-largest national park in Madagascar, it holds remarkable biodiversity (endemic rock-dwelling vegetation such as aloes, euphorbias, pachypodiums and kalanchoes) and a distinctive fauna. Dinner, overnight and breakfast at the Relais de la Reine or similar.

Overnight: Le Relais de la Reine ★★★ — Half board

The hotel was specially designed to let visitors immerse themselves in this place, unique for its geology, flora, fauna and history. Several activities and excursions are organized around the lodge: Spa: beauty treatments and massages; Horseback riding; Visits to an organic plantation; Discovery of sapphire mines and gem cutting Walking, quad-biking and mountain-biking circuits Lunch not included, at your own expense Dinner, overnight and breakfast at the Relais de la Reine or similar.

Overnight: Le Relais de la Reine ★★★ — Half board

225 km of paved road and 100 km of dirt track, around 7h of travel with stops A long transfer day. Departure for Toliara: half a day of driving through the small boomtowns of sapphire prospectors. A glimpse of the vegetation typical of the Malagasy South: aloes, baobabs, euphorbias, as well as the magnificent Mahafaly tombs. Arrival in Tuléar, a quick orientation tour of the town, then continuation to Ifaty for lunch by the sea, not included, at your own expense. Visit to the arboretum and continuation along the coastal track to reach Ankasy, not far from Tsiandamba and Salary. A seaside stay along one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Dinner, overnight and breakfast at the Ambatovaky Lodge or similar.

Overnight: Ambatovaky Lodge — Half board

Free days. Ankasy and the lagoons of the Southwest: here you will find some of the most beautiful beaches and lagoons in Madagascar. Stretching for hundreds of kilometers along the island's southwest coast, these fine, wild white-sand beaches combine with the turquoise sea to form the perfect setting for an unforgettable beach stay. Several activities can be organized from the hotel: Water activities: traditional dugout canoe rides, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, water sports… Land activities: quad-biking, visits to Vezo villages… Humpback whale watching in July and August. Lunch not included, at your own expense. Dinner, overnight and breakfast at the Ambatovaky Lodge or similar.

Overnight: Ambatovaky Lodge — Half board

80 km, dirt track, around 3h30 of driving depending on stops Depending on flight times, transfer by car from the hotel to Tuléar airport (4h drive). Flight to Antananarivo. Welcome and transfer to your hotel Lunch and dinner not included, at your own expense. Overnight and breakfast at the Les Trois Métis hotel or similar.

Overnight: Trois Métis — Bed & breakfast

Last day in Tana. Depending on your return flight, an optional historical and panoramic walk through the old neighborhoods of Tana is possible. Transfer and assistance for the return flight.