The best itineraries for exploring Madagascar
Madagascar is undeniably big, and exploring the country comes with its challenges. If you have never been to Madagascar before, planning your route and estimating your travel time might not be an easy task.
Our solution? Start planning with one of our suggested Madagascar itineraries! We have developed some beautiful and exciting self-drive routes. These include popular drives such as the RN7 and some less-discovered areas of Madagascar, with the 21+ day Grand Circuit being the most popular itinerary.
At Roadtrip Africa, our experienced team is happy to help you plan the trip of a lifetime while offering car rentals and 24/7 roadside assistance. Your self-drive adventure in Madagascar starts with us!
Let our routes guide you
- Enjoy the freedom of the open road
- Follow a carefully designed itinerary
- Receive accommodation tips
- Make use of 24 /7 roadside assistance
- Plan less, enjoy more
- Driver-guide (optional)
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!
Madagascar is a road trip paradise and a unique destination for the independent traveller. Watch and see for yourself!
Extra tips & information
Once you've selected your itinerary and are ready for your self-drive holiday in Madagascar, swing by our practical info section. We have selected multiple important topics that contain information, tips and frequently asked questions about self-driving and independent travel in Madagascar.
More questions? Feel free to contact us! Roadtrip Africa is happy to point you in the right direction as you prepare for your adventurous self-drive holiday in Madagascar.
Rent your car in Madagascar
Roadtrip through Madagascar
Anouk from the Netherlands
On our 13 days trip from Tana to Tuléar we saw so much of the beautiful island of Madagascar! Stunning landscapes, and extraordinary and unique flora and fauna. Our excellent driver Mika explained us a lot about the customs and way of live of the...Read all reviews
Madagascar self-drive
Edina from Doha
Great car provided, with all necessary gear and camping equipment. We felt perfectly safe, enjoyed camping in various random places. Magical and a wonderful experience. Highly recommended and the local people were wonderful. Madagascan people are...Read all reviews
The vehicles are top shape
Luis from Peru
The whole process, from researching, deciding the route and type of vehicle, to delivery and performance of the vehicle were handled very professionally. The vehicles are top shape and the knowledge shared when delivering the vehicle was priceless.Read all reviews
How about other self-drive itineraries in Africa?
Tanzania
Tanzania is Africa’s ultimate safari destination and a road trip paradise. The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar are justifiably popular, but there are so many more hidden gems to explore, which we are keen to share with you. Hire a 4x4 with Roadtrip Africa and follow the roads less travelled.
Kenya
There is no better place in the world to watch herds of elephants than in Amboseli National Park. And did you know that Masai Mara is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the planet? While travelling your Kenya self-drive route, make sure not to skip the beautiful coastline. A stunning blend of African, Indian and Arabic culture, the Swahili coast feels wildly different from the rest of Kenya.
KenyaUganda
Uganda is emerging as an up-and-coming travel destination. It’s a wonderful country for primate lovers, and a great place to experience an African safari for a considerably lower budget than in one of the neighbouring countries.
The warm hospitality of the locals, well-maintained roads, and its relatively compact size make Uganda an ideal choice for a self-drive adventure.
Uganda