7 Days Trip
Lemurs & Parks
Beach Relaxation
Strong Points
"Known as "South," Malaysia evokes a unique natural environment found nowhere else in the world: the shrub savanna. This low-lying, thorny, and arid vegetation is adapted to rainfall of less than 500 mm per year. There are no trees or plants of familiar appearance to be found here! Sea lovers will think of a coastline protected by the second largest barrier reef in the world, stretching over 300 km. Others will picture a singular funerary art, where all sadness seems to vanish, like the brightly painted tombs of Mahafaly. But to get there, the RN7, or Southern Route, the busiest of the tourist roads, offers no respite. It unfolds its long ribbon from the verdant rice paddies of Antananarivo to the Tropic of Capricorn, after crossing three former provinces and showcasing the full richness of Malagasy diversity."
Detailed Itinerary
Antananarivo - Antsirabe
After a day of rest in Antananarivo, punctuated by a visit to the old town and the sacred hill of Ambohimanga, we depart for the town of Ambatolampy. At kilometer 68, we arrive in Ambatolampy, renowned for its cool winter climate and its handicrafts. Around midday, we arrive in Antsirabe, an elegant and airy city with wide, straight avenues where rickshaws and bicycles circulate. On the agenda: unusual visits, such as a workshop making miniature cars from tin cans and Lake Tritriva, guardian of the legend of Romeo and Juliet. Overnight stay at the hotel chosen by the client.
Antsirabe - Ranomafana
At the border between the two regions, Vakinankaratra and Amoron' i Mania, at kilometer 233.6, we pass the new Fatihita Bridge, named the National Unity Bridge. The old bridge, destroyed during the tragic events of 2002, was left in place as a memorial. Lunch in Ambositra, at kilometer 259, and a visit to discover the woodcarving art of Zafimaniry, inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
Ranomafana National Park
We will take the RN7 to Ambohimahasoa, then head towards Ranomafana National Park, arriving in the late afternoon. Ranomafana Park is one of the best-equipped for discovering the rich biodiversity of the rainforests on the island's eastern coast. It was here that a previously unknown lemur species, the golden bamboo lemur (Hapalemur var. var. var. var. var. var. var. var. var. var. var. var. var. var. r. r. Refreshments and overnight stay at the hotel.
Ranomafana - Fianarantsoa
Visit the park in the morning, then depart for Fianarantsoa after lunch. In this Betsileo capital, the old town (Antananambony) is a must-see. Dating back to 1830, it is the only place in Madagascar where some 19th-century buildings form a coherent architectural ensemble. It was listed among the 100 sites in 2008 by the World Monuments Fund. Overnight stay at the Tsara guesthouse or in accommodation of the client's choice.
Fianarantsoa - Ranohira (Isalo)
In the morning, depart for Ambalavao (km 466), the capital of magnificent Betsileo fabrics, sometimes adorned with small beads, and Antemoro paper, handcrafted from bark. The itinerary includes a visit to a workshop and a wine cellar. Ambalavao is also renowned for its Malagasy wines. Don't forget to photograph the charming houses with their wooden floors, so characteristic of the region. Continue on to Isalo.
Isalo National Park Expedition
After lunch, we hit the road again. After crossing the rapidly changing Horombe Plateau, we arrive in Ranohira, at the gateway to Isalo. This iconic Malagasy tourist destination is well worth two days of exploration! Here, erosion has sculpted fantastical shapes where the imagination will recognize a lion, a boot, a crocodile, a queen, which have become the emblem of the place… A sacred land, Isalo also shelters ancient tombs carved into the cliffside. A visit to the "House of Isalo," hikes along a wide variety of trails, a swim in the natural pool… These two days will fly by!
The Sapphire Road to Toliara
We continue along the RN7, leaving behind towns like Ilakaka, which strangely evoke the Wild West: a simple, anonymous hamlet, it has transformed into a boomtown of over 100,000 inhabitants, fueled by the sapphire rush. Lulled by the slumbering waters between the Onilahy and Fiherenana rivers, Toliary is nicknamed "the White City" because of its relentless sun. Overnight stay at a hotel in Alain or at a location of the client's choice. Here we are at the end of the 950 km of the RN7, captivated by the magic of this fascinating deep south…
Guests have the option of relaxing on the beaches of Ifaty or Anakao.
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Tour Photos
