FROM THE HIGHLANDS TO THE SHORES OF THE MOZAMBIQUE CHANNEL

Central Highlands of the island up to the Mozambique Channel

DES HAUTES TERRES AUX RIVAGES DU CANAL DE MOZAMBIQUE

This unique journey takes you from the Central Highlands of the island to the Mozambique Channel, offering a kaleidoscope of natural, cultural, and human discoveries. The RN7, which winds its way from the capital Antananarivo, is much more than just a road. It is the guiding thread of an adventure through the heart of the country, revealing an authentic and diverse Madagascar. Crossing green valleys, high plateaus, traditional villages, and lively markets, each stage of this journey is an immersion into Malagasy life. As you travel south, you will witness the changing landscape: from the green hills of the Highlands to the arid bush of the south, before reaching the coastal plains, where the tropical climate and the influence of the Indian Ocean are felt. At every turn, the road offers new discoveries: from archaeological sites to lush forests, and breathtaking panoramas.

Trip Description

The journey between the Malagasy highlands and the Mozambique Channel, via the legendary RN7, is a fascinating adventure through varied landscapes and rich cultural discoveries. The RN7, a true artery connecting the heart of the country to the coast, is one of the most iconic roads in Madagascar. It crosses a great diversity of landscapes, from the steep mountains of the high plateaus to arid plains, passing through lush forests and terraced rice fields. The starting point of this journey is the Highlands, a central plateau with cool temperatures and abundant vegetation. This region is the cradle of many Malagasy traditions and is home to cities such as Antananarivo, the capital, before heading south. As you descend, the road winds between picturesque villages, offering a glimpse of rural life, while providing spectacular views of valleys and mountains.

Accomodation

Comfort

Stay program

day 1
Antananarivo
Welcome and transfer to the hotel in Antananarivo, the capital, which is the beating heart of Madagascar. Indeed, the "City of a Thousand" is at once the largest economic, political, historical, and cultural hub. Antananarivo is a stop not to be missed, as it has undeniable tourist appeal, which is not always apparent at first glance. The palaces, streets, squares, and houses of the upper town tell a fascinating past. Welcome upon your arrival and transfer to the hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
day 2
Antsirabe
169 KMS +/- 3h30 by road Breakfast at the hotel and departure towards the South. As soon as you leave Antananarivo, the rice fields and characteristic villages of the central highlands of Madagascar shape the landscape. In Ambatolampy, a stop is a must to discover the amazing work of the aluminum pot makers, the ones you find all over Madagascar. Overnight at the hotel in bed and breakfast.
day 3
Ranomafana
253 KMS +/- 6h drive After breakfast, head towards the land of the Betsileos, then stop at Ambositra. Cultural discovery is the hallmark of this lively little town full of surprises. Stalls of carved wooden objects and marquetry line the alleys: statuettes, spears, jewelry boxes, paintings, furniture... The main creators of these works are the Zafimaniry, and a visit to their workshops is a must. Along the way, you can admire the beauty of the wooden sculptures atop the tombs. Continue to Ranomafana. Check-in at the hotel with bed and breakfast.
day 4
Fianarantsoa
60 KMS +/- 1h drive Breakfast then visit to Ranomafana National Park. Ranomafana National Park offers a lush landscape of humid tropical forests. Alongside this luxuriant vegetation, there are secondary formations that continue to grow and expand within the park. Due to the high humidity that characterizes the climate of Ranomafana, the park is crossed by numerous streams that originate in the massifs, then wind through the rugged landscape or hills to flow into magnificent waterfalls and spectacular falls. They also form natural pools nestled in a dreamlike setting. In addition to these natural sights, Ranomafana also builds its reputation on its thermal stations. NOTE: 3 to 4 hours of walking depending on your physical condition Attention, from June to August, high humidity Equipment to bring: walking shoes, rainwear, mosquito repellent spray. After the visit, return to Fianarantsoa. Check-in at the hotel in bed and breakfast.
day 5
Ranohira
330 KMS +/- 6h drive After breakfast, head south with the last descents from the plateaus through the wine region of Fianarantsoa. On the way, visit the Anja village reserve, where you will get up close to the lemurs. Anja is home to the northernmost population of the best-known lemur: the ring-tailed lemur. After the visit, the road opens onto the vast southern expanse with the crossing of the Ihorombe plateau, a vast steppe frequented by herds, which stretches to the foothills of the Isalo massif. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel with bed and breakfast.
day 6
Ranohira
Isalo National Park is located in the Ihorombe region, about 700 km from Antananarivo. It borders the commune of Ranohira, which serves as its entry point, and covers an area of about 80,000 hectares. Visitors are enchanted by its natural pools, majestic canyons, and caves formed in rocks dating from the Jurassic period. All arrangements are made to allow everyone to fully enjoy their stay in the park. Numerous hotels, apartments, villas, and bungalows are available for them to have a pleasant time in the wilderness. If you wish to try the experience, we offer vehicle rentals (cars, 4*4s, minibuses, quad bikes, motorcycles) and the assistance of a guide. Check-in at the hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
day 7
Tuléar
300 KMS +/- 5h drive Departure from Ranohira to reach Tuléar. The vegetation of the South gradually takes its place in the landscape: baobabs, aloes, euphorbiaceae... Along the road, you can observe the impressive herds of zebu as well as the tombs of the Mahafaly ethnic groups. The mushroom villages of sapphire seekers are born in desert expanses. Arrival in Tuléar, in the heart of a landscape of rocky massifs with spectacular shapes. Short tour of the city, then continuation to Ifaty. Stop along the way to visit the Reniala reserve. Check-in at the hotel in bed and breakfast.
day 8
Ifaty
Free day. Several activities are possible from your hotel. The sea and the beach invite you to relax and unwind. Check-in at the hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
day 9
Antananarivo
After the last dive in Tuléar, according to the Tsaradia flight schedule, transfer to Tuléar for the flight to Antananarivo. Transfer and check-in at the hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
day 10
Antananarivo
Breakfast at the hotel. If the weather permits, you will make a short stop at the craft market for some shopping. Transfer to the airport.