PRIVATE WILDLIFE & BEACH ADVENTURE
TOUR OVERVIEW
A 12-day journey from Madagascar’s rainforests and canyons to the beaches of IfatyDiscover the remarkable diversity of southern Madagascar on a private 12-day journey along the legendary RN7, from the Central Highlands to the tropical beaches of Ifaty.
Travel from Antananarivo through the rice terraces and traditional villages of the Highlands to Antsirabe and Ambositra before entering the lush rainforest of Ranomafana National Park. Walk through the forest in search of lemurs, endemic birds, chameleons and other remarkable wildlife.
Continue south through Fianarantsoa and Ambalavao, discover traditional Antemoro paper and meet ring-tailed lemurs at Anja Community Reserve before reaching the dramatic landscapes of Isalo National Park.
Explore Isalo’s sandstone formations, deep canyons and natural swimming pools, then continue towards Madagascar’s southwest coast, where the dry landscapes and baobabs give way to the beaches of Ifaty.
Finish your journey with time to discover the unique spiny forest and relax beside the Mozambique Channel before flying back to Antananarivo.
Combining wildlife, culture, hiking and beach relaxation, this private journey can be tailored to your travel dates, interests and preferred pace.
Tour availability: Year-round
Recommended travel period: April to November
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Travel through the terraced rice fields and traditional villages of Madagascar’s Central Highlands
- Discover Antsirabe and its local handicraft traditions
- Visit Ambositra, one of Madagascar’s best-known centres for traditional woodcraft
- Search for lemurs and endemic wildlife in Ranomafana National Park
- Discover the historic Highland landscapes of Fianarantsoa and Ambalavao
- Learn about traditional Antemoro paper and Malagasy silk craftsmanship
- Meet ring-tailed lemurs at Anja Community Reserve
- Trek through the sandstone canyons and natural swimming pools of Isalo National Park
- Watch the sunset near the iconic Isalo Window
- Discover the extraordinary spiny forest of southwestern Madagascar
- Relax on the beaches of Ifaty at the end of your RN7 adventure
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Day 1: Antananarivo
Day 2: Antananarivo – Antsirabe
Day 3: Antsirabe – Ambositra – Ranomafana
Day 4: Ranomafana National Park
Day 5: Ranomafana – Fianarantsoa – Ambalavao
Day 6: Ambalavao – Anja Community Reserve – Ranohira
Day 7: Isalo National Park
Day 8: Ranohira – Toliara – Ifaty
Day 9: Ifaty & Reniala Reserve
Day 10: Ifaty
Day 11: Ifaty – Toliara – Antananarivo
Day 12: Antananarivo – Departure
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1
Antananarivo
Welcome to Madagascar! Upon arrival at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure and prepare for your journey along Madagascar’s legendary RN7.
Overnight: Hotel in Antananarivo
DAY 2
Antananarivo – Antsirabe
After breakfast, leave Antananarivo and travel south along the RN7 through the scenic Central Highlands.
Along the way, admire terraced rice fields, traditional Highland villages and rural landscapes. A stop can be made in Ambatolampy, known for its traditional aluminium workshops.
Continue to Antsirabe, a charming Highland town known for its thermal springs, colonial heritage and colourful rickshaws.
Depending on the arrival time, discover some of the town’s local handicraft workshops.
Overnight: Hotel in Antsirabe
DAY 3
Antsirabe – Ambositra – Ranomafana
After breakfast, continue south towards Ambositra, one of Madagascar’s best-known centres for traditional arts and woodcraft.
Take time to discover local craftsmanship before continuing through changing Highland scenery towards Ranomafana.
As you approach the east, the landscape becomes greener and more tropical, announcing your arrival in one of Madagascar’s most famous rainforest regions.
Overnight: Hotel in Ranomafana
DAY 4
Ranomafana National Park
Spend the day exploring Ranomafana National Park, one of Madagascar’s most important rainforest protected areas.
Accompanied by a local guide, walk through the tropical forest in search of lemurs, endemic birds, chameleons, frogs and the remarkable plant life for which Madagascar is famous.
The length and difficulty of the walk can be adapted to your interests and physical condition.
After the visit, return to your hotel and enjoy the peaceful rainforest surroundings.
Overnight: Hotel in Ranomafana
DAY 5
Ranomafana – Fianarantsoa – Ambalavao
After breakfast, leave Ranomafana and continue south through the beautiful landscapes of the Central Highlands.
Pass through Fianarantsoa, one of Madagascar’s most important Highland cities, before continuing towards Ambalavao.
In Ambalavao, discover local craftsmanship and traditional Antemoro paper, handmade from natural fibres and often decorated with dried flowers.
Settle into your hotel and enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery.
Overnight: Hotel in Ambalavao
DAY 6
Ambalavao – Anja Community Reserve – Ranohira
After breakfast, continue south and visit Anja Community Reserve, a community-managed protected area known for its ring-tailed lemurs and dramatic granite landscapes.
Enjoy a guided walk through the reserve and learn more about local conservation efforts and the surrounding environment.
Continue towards Ranohira as the scenery gradually becomes drier and more dramatic.
Arrive at the gateway to Isalo National Park and settle into your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Ranohira
DAY 7
Isalo National Park
Today is dedicated to exploring Isalo National Park, one of Madagascar’s most spectacular natural areas.
Accompanied by a local guide, trek through sandstone formations, deep canyons and open landscapes. Depending on the selected route, discover waterfalls and natural swimming pools where you can enjoy a refreshing break.
The park combines remarkable geology, endemic vegetation and breathtaking scenery.
At the end of the day, enjoy the sunset near the iconic Isalo Window before returning to Ranohira.
Overnight: Hotel in Ranohira
DAY 8
Ranohira – Toliara – Ifaty
After breakfast, leave Ranohira and continue south-west towards Toliara.
The journey crosses increasingly dry landscapes and introduces the distinctive vegetation of southern Madagascar.
Continue north along the coast towards Ifaty, a relaxed seaside destination overlooking the Mozambique Channel.
Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel in Ifaty
DAY 9
Ifaty & Reniala Reserve
Enjoy a free day in Ifaty to relax and experience the peaceful atmosphere of Madagascar’s southwest coast.
Depending on your interests and local conditions, you may choose to enjoy the beach, snorkelling, a boat excursion, village discovery or simply unwind at your hotel.
This flexible day provides a welcome opportunity to slow down after the overland journey along the RN7.
Overnight: Hotel in Ifaty
DAY 11
Ifaty – Toliara – Antananarivo
Enjoy your final morning on Madagascar’s southwest coast according to the domestic flight schedule.
Transfer to Toliara Airport for your flight back to Antananarivo.
Upon arrival in the capital, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on the flight schedule, enjoy some free time in Antananarivo.
Overnight: Hotel in Antananarivo
DAY 12
Antananarivo – Departure
Enjoy your final moments in Madagascar according to your international flight schedule.
If time allows, you may visit a local craft market or enjoy some last-minute shopping for Malagasy handicrafts and souvenirs.
At the appropriate time, transfer to Ivato International Airport for your departure flight.
End of your Madagascar journey.
