3 weeks Madagascar | The Grand Circuit

Tonga Soa Madagascar - welcome!

You’ll land at Ivato International Airport and stay at a hotel in Ivato, near Antananarivo. If you arrive in the afternoon, you’ll have time to exchange money, get a SIM card, and load an internet bundle.

Start: Ivato
Destination: Antsirabe
Drive: 190 km | 5.5 hours

After the car handover at your hotel, it’s time to hit the road and start your Madagascar adventure!

Your journey begins on the RN7, with windy roads passing rice paddies and small highland villages. For a lunch break, consider stopping at Coin de Foie Gras in Behenjy, Madagascar’s foie gras hub. Or try the surprisingly great paella (we're not kidding) at El Torro in Ambatolampy.

Once you reach Antsirabe, here are some restaurant recommendations:

• Chez Jenny for the best pizza
• Trianon for classic French cuisine
• Vatolahy for more French dishes
• Conterno for pastries and fresh baguettes

Start: Antsirabe
Destination: Ranomafana National Park
Drive: 255 km | 6.5 hours

Today's drive takes you along another scenic, winding road through highland villages, rice paddies, and rainforest-covered hills.

The best route to Ranomafana is to stay on the RN7 and turn off at Alakamisy onto the RN45. Avoid branching off at Ambohimahasoa onto the RN25, as that road is in poor condition and will slow you down significantly.

Enjoy: Ranomafana 

Ranomafana is a small, but lively tropical town set along a beautiful riverside, surrounded by rainforest-covered hills and the scent of fresh flowers. It’s the perfect place to search for the famous golden bamboo lemur.

Start: Ranomafana National Park
Destination: Andringitra National Park
Drive: 130 km | 5 hours 

Head to Andringitra National Park. This drive might be the most scenic yet, especially after Ambalavao, where the highland plateau opens up to deserted grasslands, sandstone massifs, and sweeping horizons.

Tip: have a coffee break in Ambalavao town. 

Enjoy: Andringitra National Park

For hiking enthusiasts, Andringitra is a must. Several trails are starting from the camps in the area. One challenging option is the real Andringitra hike, a full-day trek to the peak. Be sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat - the sun can be intense!

If you have time, consider staying a few extra days to complete the Imarivolanitra trek, which takes 2–3 days and offers an unforgettable experience.

Start: Andringitra National Park
Destination: Isalo
Drive: 255 km| 4 - 5 hours 

After breakfast, get back on the road toward your next adventure in Isalo National Park. Stop in Ihosy to refuel and grab a simple lunch.

If you check in at your lodge early enough, consider driving to Isalo Window for a stunning sunset. It’s a popular spot, but still a beautiful way to end the day.

Enjoy: Isalo National Park

Isalo National Park is Madagascar’s most popular park, famous for its striking sandstone formations, deep canyons, waterfalls, and natural pools, all surrounded by unique native plants. The Piscine and Cascade hiking trail can be busy during peak season. For a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, consider Momo Trek, which offers multi-day hikes with camping in the park’s remote areas.

Other activities include horse riding and climbing the Via Ferrata. Check with Relais de la Reine for more details.

Start: Isalo National Park
Destination: Tulear
Drive: 240 km | 6 hours 

After visiting several stunning national parks, it's almost time for a week of off-road adventure along the beach. In about 6 hours, you will arrive in Tulear, the largest city in the southwest of Madagascar.

Make sure to get enough cash and fuel for your West Coast trip. The first opportunity for both will be in Morondava in four days.

Start: Tulear
Destination: Salary Bay
Drive: 108 km | 3 hours 

Today, you’ll meet your pisteur - the navigator who will accompany you for the next few days. After Ifaty, it’s time to leave the asphalt behind, lock those hubs, and start your 4x4 Madagascar adventure!

The drive from Tulear to Morombe offers stunning scenery, with the Mozambican Channel to the west and the Mikea Forest to the east. While the road includes some sandy stretches, you won’t need sand plates or to deflate your tyres.

Enjoy: beach time at Salary Bay

After constantly being on the move, it's refreshing to enjoy a day ( or two!) of complete relaxation by the beach.

Start: Salary Bay
Destination: Andavadoaka
Drive: 60 km | 3 hours 

Start: Andavadoaka
Destination: Manja
Drive: 210 km | 6 hours

Pack your car with plenty of water and food for lunch, as there are no restaurants or roadside stalls for the next two days. Today’s drive is intense but rewarding, taking you through varied terrains and remote landscapes.

The first two hours are on a reasonably good 4x4 track to the village of Morombe. Beyond Morombe, the RN9 is challenging, with potholes, bush, mud, shallow creeks, and rocks. You’ll even need to cross quicksand to reach a local “ferry” that will take you across the Mangoky River - an unforgettable experience!

Alternatively, if the water level is low, you may be able to use the newly constructed dam to cross. Once on the other side, the road to Manja is in good condition. In Manja, you’ll stay in a budget-friendly but cosy guesthouse - the only accommodation option in this remote town.

Start: Manja
Destination: Morondava
Drive: 60 km | 4 hours

Drive to Morondava, while navigating mostly sandy tracks with a few bushes and river crossings where your pisteur will be invaluable. Then, finally - you’ll hit asphalt again!

Spend the afternoon exploring Morondava, a lively seaside town with plenty of small restaurants and bars. Be sure to refuel your car and withdraw cash while you’re here.

Our favourite restaurants: La Capannina and Baobab. 

Start: Morondava
Destination: Kirindy Reserve
Drive: 60 km | 3 hours

After about 1.5 hours on the road, you’ll arrive at the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs. You’ll have the chance to see this stunning landmark again on your return from Tsingy de Bemaraha - this time at sunset, when it’s at its most dramatic.

Upon reaching your lodge near Kirindy Reserve, join a guided night walk. Keep your eyes peeled - this could be your chance to spot the elusive fossa!

Start: Kirindy Reserve
Destination: Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
Drive: 140 km | 7 hours

Prepare for a long driving day on a decent 4x4 dirt track to Bekopaka, the gateway to Tsingy de Bemaraha.

Plan for an (early) lunch stop in Belo-sur-Tsiribihina at Mad Zebu, a hidden gem. The Malagasy chef, who once worked at a 3-star Michelin restaurant in France, now runs this exceptional eatery in the middle of nowhere—an experience not to be missed!

Enjoy: Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

There’s nothing else on earth like the limestone pinnacles of Tsingy de Bemaraha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend dedicating at least two full days to explore the park.

Try the well-designed circuits featuring Via Ferrata (fixed cable routes), rope bridges, and ladders for an adventurous experience. You can also combine your visit with a peaceful pirogue trip along the Manambolo River.

Enjoy: Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

We have written a blog about the most beautiful national parks to visit on your road trip in Madagascar, including Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. You can check it out here. 

Start: Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
Destination: Morondava
Drive: 200 km | 10 hours 

Enjoy a resting day in Morondava 

Start: Morondava
Destination: Miandrivazo
Drive: 265 km | 5 hours

Today’s drive takes you along the RN35 and RN34 - paved roads, though potholed in places. You’ll likely have the road all to yourself. It’s about a 5-hour journey to Miandrivazo.

Once there, you can enjoy a pirogue trip on the Tsiribihina River or simply relax by the pool at Princess Tsiribihina.

Start: Miandrivazo
Destination: Antsirabe
Drive: 220 km | 5 hours

Please note that the only way to travel from Morondava to Tana is via Miandrivazo and Antsirabe. Avoid the RN35, as the bridge is broken, making the road impassable.

Do not rely on Google Maps for this route, as it may lead you astray. Stick to the RN34 for a smooth journey.

Start: Antsirabe
Destination: Ivato
Drive: 190 km | 5.5 hours 

Back on the familiar RN7, today marks your final drive through Madagascar’s stunning landscapes. 

Most international flights depart in the evening. When you arrive in Ivato early afternoon, we recommend spending a leisurely afternoon at Relais des Plateaux. For a small fee, you can use their swimming pool. When you arrive late afternoon, we suggest enjoying a sundowner and dinner at Savanna Cafe.

When you arrive in Ivato we shall collect the car from where you are staying. Both of the above-mentioned options are conveniently located near the international airport, and they can arrange for an airport taxi.