The best itineraries for exploring Madagascar

The Grand Circuit

Do you love the beach? Are you an experienced off-road driver? Then you can see it all in Madagascar! The interior highlands of Madagascar are distinctively Asian, while the west coast is truly African. Visit remote Vezo fishing villages with colourful boats, enjoy pristine beaches, view the bizarre limestone pinnacles of Tsingy de Bemaraha, and explore the most beautiful lodges. All while meeting just a handful of other travellers. This is our most popular Madagascar self-drive itinerary. And for good reason!

The Western Route

Madagascar's most striking landscape is found in the west - the Tsingy limestone pinnacles. Climb the well-constructed steps, ladders, cables and bridges in the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, marvel at giant baobab trees, and enjoy relaxing beach days along the beautiful west coast.

This Madagascar self-drive itinerary is recommended as a one-way rental trip. Fly back to Antananarivo or to Nosy Be, to continue your travels in Northern Madagascar. 

The Classic RN7

This classic one-way route will whisk you from Antananarivo down to Tuléar along the famous RN7 road. The sheer variety of national parks along the RN7 is incredible: enjoy the rainforest at Ranomafana, the mountains at Andringitra National Park and the desert and canyons at Isalo. Finish off your Madagascar roadtrip with relaxing beachtime at Saint Augustin before you fly back to Antananarivo.

The RN7 Round Trip

Are you interested in combining national park with the coast but not much interested in a domestic flight and paying extra for the one-way fee? Than this round trip is for you. After exploring various national parks, such as Ranomafana and Isalo, enjoy a few days of rest at Madagascar's West Coast before you drive back towards the capital city via Ambalavao and Andasibe. Similar to our Classic RN7 route, yet different stops and golden hour experiences. 

Roadtrip to Northern Madagascar

Tantalising white beaches, world-class kite surfing, ancient rainforests, baobabs, and the tsingy—welcome to the natural wonders of northern Madagascar! The north is the most lush and tropical region of the island, but most visitors only fly in and out from Nosy Be. So you'll be lucky to have the road and all its sights to yourself—a true off-the-beaten-path experience!

This Madagascar itinerary is recommended as a one-way road trip. Start from Ivato International Airport and return your car to Ankify, where the ferry point is to Nosy Be. 

The Tropical Extension

The eastern region is the most tropical part of Madagascar, famous for its Canal des Pangalanes. Built by the French in colonial times, you'll now encounter some fine lake resorts here. Visit Mahambo, with its beautiful beaches overhung by coconut palms and consistent surf spots. From here, take the ferry to the bounty island of Ile Sainte Marie, the very best place for whale watching. Sit back, relax and enjoy your tropical holiday in Madagascar!