Southern Madagascar

Southern Madagascar and the RN7

The RN7 crosses Madagascar from the central highlands to the south-western coast. It is a journey full of contrasts, during which rainforests, terraced rice fields and colonial towns gradually give way to granite mountains, canyons, savannahs and semi-desert landscapes.

The itinerary allows you to discover not only the island’s biodiversity but also its cultural heritage: villages, markets, agriculture, crafts and traditions feature along much of the route.

The tour can end on the beaches of Ifaty or with a stay in Anakao.

Why travel along the RN7

Route Nationale 7 is ideal for those wishing to discover Madagascar through a genuine road trip.

The main stops may include:

• Antananarivo;
• Antsirabe;
• Ambositra;
• Ranomafana National Park;
• Fianarantsoa;
• the Anja Reserve;
• Isalo National Park;
• Tulear;
• Ifaty or Anakao.

Although it is one of the country’s main roads, the RN7 has uneven sections and journey times can vary. The itinerary should therefore include well-balanced stops and allow for sufficient time.

Antananarivo and the highlands

Antananarivo, the capital, lies in the central highlands and is generally the starting point of the tour.

The city is spread across hills, with historic neighbourhoods, markets, rice paddies and often heavy traffic. The visit depends on flight timetables and the time available.

Leaving the capital, you head towards Antsirabe, passing through agricultural landscapes and small villages.

Antsirabe and Ambositra

Antsirabe boasts historic buildings, tree-lined avenues and numerous craft workshops. It is also known for its pousse-pousse and the local production of handcrafted items.

Continuing southwards, you reach Ambositra, an important centre for woodcraft. Visiting workshops and co-operatives offers an insight into skills passed down through the generations.

These stops help to illustrate that Madagascar is not just about nature: the human and cultural aspects are a fundamental part of the journey.

Ranomafana National Park

Ranomafana protects one of Madagascar’s most important rainforests.

The trails wind through dense, humid vegetation, home to various species of lemurs, chameleons, frogs, reptiles and birds. The duration and difficulty of the hikes are tailored to the travellers’ fitness levels.

Rain, mud and high humidity are possible at any time of year. Suitable footwear and waterproof clothing are essential.

Sightings are not guaranteed and may require patience: the animals move freely within the forest.

Fianarantsoa and the rural landscapes

The Fianarantsoa region is characterised by hills, vineyards, rice paddies and villages.

Depending on the duration of the programme, it is possible to include cultural visits, walks or experiences related to local agricultural production.

This section of the RN7 offers some of the island’s most picturesque rural landscapes and provides an opportunity to observe the daily life of the highland communities at close quarters.

Anja Reserve

The Anja Reserve is best known for its ring-tailed lemurs, recognisable by their long tails with black and white rings.

The area features granite boulders, vegetation and small bodies of water. The reserve is managed with the involvement of the local community and represents an interesting example of conservation linked to local development.

Visits take place on foot with a local guide.

Isalo National Park

Isalo is one of the most spectacular landscapes in southern Madagascar.

Sandstone massifs, canyons, grasslands and natural pools create an environment almost entirely different from the Ranomafana forest.

Hikes can range from relatively easy walks to longer routes. Temperatures, sun exposure and water availability must be carefully considered.

Having a park guide allows you to choose the most suitable route and to understand the geology, vegetation and wildlife of the area.

Ifaty or Anakao

After the journey along the RN7, you can round off your trip with a few days by the sea.

Ifaty is situated north of Tulear and can be reached by land. The area offers beaches, a coral reef and the chance to visit the thorny forest and its baobab trees.

Anakao is usually reached by boat from Tulear and is ideal for those seeking a more secluded atmosphere. Sea conditions may affect the timetable and arrangements for the crossing.

The choice between the two locations depends on the time available, the type of accommodation desired and the overall logistics.

Our tours in southern Madagascar

To explore the region, you can choose:

• the Southern Tour, RN7, Ranomafana, Isalo and Ifaty;
• the Southern Tour with a beach holiday in Anakao;
• the tour of theWest and South, for a longer itinerary that also includes baobabs and the Tsingy.

When to travel along the RN7

The best time to visit is generally from May to October. During the winter months, nights in the highlands can be cold, whilst temperatures become milder as you head south.

Between November and April, the heat and rainfall increase. Conditions can vary considerably between the highlands, Ranomafana, Isalo and the coast.

Is the trip challenging?

The RN7 involves several transfers and changes of accommodation. You don’t need to be particularly fit, but it’s important to be prepared for days spent travelling and for conditions that differ from European standards.

The itinerary can be made more relaxed by spending extra nights at the main stops or by adding a final stay by the sea.

Organisation of the trip

We offer private tours and, on selected dates, group departures. Where applicable, the tour is accompanied by an Italian-speaking guide and local guides within the parks.

We organise only all-inclusive trips comprising the services necessary to complete the itinerary.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, quotations exclude international flights. Any necessary domestic flights are included and quoted as part of the package.

See also the page dedicated to trips to Madagascar or request a bespoke itinerary along the RN7.

Galleria fotografica