Combo Overland Great South & East tours - 15 days

More than the RN7

You’ll be welcomed into a world where the raw beauty of nature blends harmoniously with the rich tapestry of local cultures.

Your journey starts in the mountainous central Highlands, a land painted with red lateritic soil and cascading terraced rice fields. As you descend, the lush rainforest of the Eastern slope unfurls before you, transitioning into the contrasting semi-arid savannah and rugged canyons of the south.

It’s an intimate encounter with Madagascar’s unique wildlife. The national parks and reserves are sanctuaries where you can marvel at the diverse fauna and flora, including several species of lemurs, which are surprisingly easy to spot in their natural habitat.

The cultural mosaic of Madagascar is equally attractive. Throughout your tour, you’ll have the chance to meet and learn about various ethnic groups, each with their own distinct traditions and way of life. From the Merina in the highlands to the coastal Vezo, each community offers a glimpse into their unique customs and beliefs.

As your adventure winds down, the journey takes you to the Spiny forest of Ifaty, a wonderland of Baobab trees, endemic birds, and turtles, set against a backdrop of pristine waters and white sand beaches.

Hiking
Wildlife safari
Botanical exploration
Birdwatching
Nocturnal walks
Cultural immersion
Sea excursions
Possibility of snorkeling
Possibility of diving
Beach farniente

Endemic wildlife and biodiversity at Andasibe and Ranomafana National Parks.
The great sceneries of the eastern, the highlands and the southern Madagascar
The handicrafts and mineral workshops in Antsirabe and Ambositra
The rice fields in terrace of the Highlands
The breathtaking outer space landscapes of Isalo
The Baobabs of the south amongst other typical vegetations
The spiny forest of the southern regions
The typical villages of different tribes
The pristine beaches of Ifaty

Itinerary outline

Antananarivo Andasibe [Périnet]
Andasibe/Mantadia National Park
Andasibe – Antsirabe
Antsirabe – Ambositra – Ranomafana
Ranomafana National Park
Ranomafana – Fianarantsoa – Ambalavao
Tsaranoro/Andringitra
Isalo National Park
Isalo – Zombitse – Tulear – Ifaty
Ifaty – Tulear – Antananarivo

Detailed itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Antananarivo

Arrival in Antananarivo. You will be met at the airport. Transfer to the hotel and briefing.

Day 2 - Antananarivo - Andasibe / Mantadia

Drive eastwards to Andasibe throughout the eastern slopes. En route, visit the reserve of Peyrieras at Mandraka. In Andasibe, visit of VOIMMA nature reserve managed by the local community. Night walk.

Day 3 - Andasibe National Park

Hike at Mantadia Reserve – a primary rainforest.

Day 4 - Andasibe - Antsirabe

Early morning visit of Analamazaotra National Park.
Head southwards to Antsirabe.

Day 5 - Antsirabe - Ranomafana

Continue down south to Ranomafana. Several sightseeing on the way including and handicraft workshops and villages.

Day 6 - Ranomafana National Park

Walking safari in the park to spot lemurs and other wildlife and plants. Visit of the village of Ranomafana. Evening walks.

Day 7 - Ranomafana - Fianarantsoa - Anja - Tsaranoro

Depart southwards. Visit of historical sites in Fianarantsoa. Continue to Anja Reserve and hike in the reserve to spot the famous Ring-tailed lemurs. Continue off-road to the valley of Tsaranoro.

Day 8 - Tsaranoro Valley - Andringitra National Park

Full day excursions and explorations of the western parts of Andringitra National Park and the valley of Tsaranoro.

Day 9 - Tsaranoro - Isalo

Depart to Isalo. Sun downing at Isalo.

Day 10 - Isalo National Park

Full day hike at Isalo National Park through and on the canyons.

Day 11 - Isalo - Tulear - Ifaty

Drive southwards.

Visit of the Zombitse National Park.

Sightseeing along the way.

Continue to coastal and small town of Ifaty.

Day 12- Ifaty