RN7 GREAT SOUTH TOUR

RN7 GREAT SOUTH TOUR

The RN7 is the most famous highway in Madagascar and brings you from Antananarivo to Tulear. During this tour you visit three parks. Starting in Antananarivo you go to Antsirabe and from there via Ambositra to Ranomafana NP. After visiting this park you go via Ambalavao and Anja Park Reserve to Isalo NP to hike through the sandstone massifs. This tour ends in Tulear. From here you can visit the beaches of Anakao or Ifaty or you can take a domestic flight to other part of the island.

Map

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TRIP

  • Find unique experience with untamed wildlife in National parks and private reserves
  • Hiking in Andringitra National Park wih camping
  • Authentic interaction with local people throughout your journey
  • water sport or relaxation on the Mozambique Channel
  • Overland journey from rainforest in Ranomafana NP

ITINERARY:

Antananarivo – Antsirabe – Ambositra – Ranomafana National Park – Ambalavao – Anja Park Reserve – Isalo National Park – Tulear

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Airport transfers;
  • Car, including fuel;
  • English Speaking Driver/guide
  • Hote for 3 nights;
  • Park entrance fees;
  • All taxes.

PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • Food and drinks;
  • Local guide fees;
  • Tips;
  • Hotel before the tour starts
  • All other expenses

Feel free to ask if you have any more questions or need additional details!

The price depends on your choice of hotels options

Sales condition
  1. Day 1

    ANTANANARIVO - ANTSIRABE

    In the morning you drive to Antsirabe, the city of the ‘pousse pousse’, located at 1500 meter altitude in the central highlands. You pass rice paddies and drive through the mountains. Along the way, you can visit a craft market and see the tombs of the Merina. Antsirabe means ‘place of much salt’. It’s a nice city with colonial houses and a cathedral. It’s possible to visit lake Andraikaba, that is located 7 km outside the city. You can walk around the lake or visit the gemstone market next to the lake. Overnight in a hotel.

  2. Day 2

    ANTSIRABE - AMBOSITRA - RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK

    On the way from Antsirabe to Ranomafana you pass the typical highland scenery of rice paddies. You stop in Ambositra, the centre of Madagascar’s woodcarving industry, to visit the handicraft factory. After lunch you continue to Ranomafana NP, on the way you stop to see the biggest waterfall in Madagascar, Rian-Draono Be. Ranomafana means ‘hot water’. During the colonial area this friendly village was a thermal bath centre. Today people go to Ranomafana to visit the national park, the place where the rare big bamboo lemur lives. You can do a nocturnal walk in the park with a local guide to see mouse lemurs, frogs and chameleons. Overnight in a hotel.

  3. Day 3

    RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK

    About 34 years ago, the golden bamboo lemur was discovered in the forest near the village of Ranomafana. Subsequently, the national park was established to protect this rare lemur. After breakfast you drive to the entrance of the park where you meet your local guide. You can choose from several walks ranging from a few hours to half a day. In the rainforest you can see the Edward’s sifaka, the golden bamboo lemur and reptiles. There are also about 96 bird species, some endemic. In the afternoon you can visit the village or go to the thermal bath and swim in the hot swimming pool. Overnight in a hotel.

  4. Day 4

    RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK - AMBALAVAO - ANJA PARK RESERVE - ISALO NATIONAL PARK

    Today you drive to Isalo. You stop in Ambalavao to visit two traditional factories, the Wild Silk factory and the Antaimoro Paper factory. On Wednesday the biggest zebu market of Madagascar is held in Ambalavao. You will also visit the community-run Anja Park Reserve, where you can see the traditional Bara family tombs, caves and ring tailed lemurs. You can picnic on the top of the rock or you can continue the way to Ihosy to have a lunch. Overnight in a hotel.

  5. Day 5

    ISALO NATIONAL PARK

    After breakfast you go to Isalo NP. You visit the park with a local guide. Isalo is sacred to the Bara tribe. The Bara use the caves as cemeteries. Isalo is dominated by narrow ravines and by wind and water sculptured rocks. First you hike to the natural swimming pool and after a swim you hike to the Namaza circuit. You can also choose to do only one if these hikes. After the hike you drive to the Window of Isalo.Overnight in a hotel.

  6. Day 6

    ISALO NATIONAL PARK - ZOMBITSE NATIONAL PARK - TULEAR

    After visiting Zombitse NP you continue the way to Tulear, you pass the region of cotton. You see the traditional tombs of the Mahafaly and the painted tombs of the Bara and the Antandroy tribe. The tour ends in Tulear, from where you can travel to Ifaty.Overnight in hotel.

  7. Day 7

    VISIT THE RENIALA FOREST

    Today you visit Reniala, the forest of baobab and the turtle  village.Overnight in hotel.

  8. Day 8-9

    RELAXING NEAR THE BEACH IN IFATY.

    diving and snorkeling, or watching walls on october,  Overnight in hotel.

  9. Day 10

    TRANSFER AIRPORT IN TULEAR TO ANTANANARIVO.

    Overnight in hotel.

  10. Day 11

    ENDS OF TOURS

    Depends on the departure of the International flight. The sightseeing in Antananarivo

Tips

  1. Packing: Bring comfortable hiking shoes, light clothing for hot days, and warmer clothes for cooler evenings and the flash light. Don’t forget a rain jacket, because of to visit Rain forest
  2. Health: Check if any vaccinations are needed and carry any personal medications.
  3. Cash: Have local currency (Malagasy Ariary) for small expenses and tips.
  4. Camera: Essential for capturing the diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.
  5. Guides: Respect local customs and follow the guidance of your local guides for a safe and enriching experience.