Splendors of the Great South of Madagascar, from Route 7 to Fort Dauphin via the Antandroy Coast
A 4x4 raid from Isalo to Cape Saint-Mary, between thousand-year-old baobabs and turquoise lagoons.
Duration
21 days
From
€2,200/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Madagascar's Grand South is an arid territory, giving rise to exceptional landscapes and unique vegetation. You will discover it, the beaches of the South of the Big Island are among the most beautiful in the world.
This Grand Raid in 4x4 to discover the South and Madagascar's Far South first takes us West of Antananarivo, in the Itasy region with its unique landscapes of lakes and ancient volcanoes. We reach the mythical RN7, passing through Antsirabe, the agricultural capital of Madagascar. The stages are exotic and fascinating: Ambositra and its wood craftsmanship, Fianarantsoa and its local products, Ambalavao and its vineyards…
Isalo National Park offers us unforgettable landscapes, amid canyons, waterfalls and lunar landscapes of the Jurassic sandstone massif. It also marks the limit of the Bara Country, whose lands are populated with baobabs in the midst of arid plains.
Further to the South-West, descending along the coast, we explore another most singular national park, that of Tsimanampetsotsa. This large brackish water lake is home to several colonies of flamingos, several species of baobabs, mongooses and other unique animal and plant species, adapted to the dry climate of the region.
We reach the Far South of the Big Island at Cape Sainte-Marie, in an idyllic setting. We will continue the trail to Fort-Dauphin, discovering the immense sisal plantation plain of Amboasary South, as well as a lush tropical rainforest, characteristic of Eastern Madagascar; which starts here, beyond the natural barrier marked by the Anosien mountain range. This superb region offers many surprises, such as the magnificent Lokaro Bay and the Evatraha peninsula, which we will explore in depth.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival of your flight at Antananarivo, welcome to Madagascar!
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Driving
Upon arrival of your flight to Madagascar, a member of Détours Madagascar welcomes you at Ravinala International Airport, Ivato Antananarivo. Transfer to your hotel in the city center for the night.
This program is elaborated - as an indication - based on the flight plans of the airline Air France for international flights.
Heading towards the midwest to Ampefy
On our way, we will stop to visit Lemurs' Park, a 5-hectare botanical park where visitors can observe nine different species of lemurs roaming freely in their natural surroundings.
The park was created to showcase and raise awareness of these fascinating animals among nature lovers. It also aims to contribute to their conservation, with the long-term goal of reintroducing lemurs born in the park into their natural habitat.
We will have lunch at the park before continuing our journey to Antananarivo in the middle of the afternoon. We will arrive back in the Malagasy capital by the end of the day.
Hiking in the land of lakes and volcanoes, in the Itasy region
Above the village of Ampefy rises a myriad of volcanic cones.
They tower majestically over the region and, from their summits, the panoramas are spectacular.
The earth is rich and the peasants work it in a remarkable way, the cultivated plots climb the steep slopes and draw patchworks with subtle colors.
This hike is a wonderful opportunity to meet the inhabitants on foot. We move as the people of the region do, which makes contact all the more natural and pleasant. This loop trek allows us to absorb the soul of the Malagasy Central West.
Route to Antsirabe, the Water City
Heading due south, a beautiful mountain road takes us towards Faratsiho, via Soavinandriana. We pass through a succession of rich agricultural valleys nestled to the west of the Ankaratra massif.
The landscapes are superb, with every shade of green displayed as a palette across the hillsides and rice fields at the bottom of the valleys where cassava, sweet potatoes and potatoes are grown.
Faratsiho is a large town situated on the foothills of the Ankaratra mountains. The town overlooks a magnificent rice plain.
Continuing on to Antsirabe, located 180km south of Antananarivo. Several stops along the way to meet with farmers, craftspeople and villages along National Route 7.
Antsirabe is a charming spa town surrounded by volcanic massifs. It is the third largest city in Madagascar.
With its pure air and cool climate throughout the year, Antsirabe is the ideal city for family or friends vacations.
A city tour by pousse-pousse (not included) through the wide avenues lined with jacarandas and plane trees will let you discover a new facet of life in Madagascar.
Upon our arrival, a short city tour and visit to local craftsmen, who make miniatures of bicycles and cars, and work with zebu horn.
Visit to Ambositra and meeting with marquetry craftsmen, then road to Ranomafana
After breakfast, we leave Antsirabe to continue south. We cross the highlands and visit the town of Ambositra, the famous capital of wood craftsmanship. Meeting with marquetry artisans: in their workshops, these craftsmen compete with imagination and ingenuity in the creation of marquetry items and wood sculptures.
We continue on our way to reach Ranomafana, a park entirely covered in forest, which spans 41,601 hectares. Classified as Natural Heritage of the World of Atsinanana in 2007, it is home to a great wealth of endemic biodiversity that is endangered.
It is home to rare and critically threatened lemur species.
The park is also the genetic reservoir of certain rare and endemic plant species. It is crossed by numerous watercourses, tributaries of the Namorona River.
Upon our arrival, we settle in at the hotel and visit a typical Tanala village in the afternoon, located 15km from Ranomafana on the road between Kelilalina and Ifanadiana. This forest people of southeastern Madagascar has always remained independent from Malagasy royalty, and their very specific culture has therefore been preserved. They live from forest resources : bamboo, wild honey, fruits, resin, medicinal plants… The village comprises more than 57 households, with traditional houses on stilts made of falafa, bamboo and earth. A short easy walk of 15 to 20 minutes allows us to reach the hilltop.
Visit to Ranomafana National Park then continuation to Fianarantsoa: Meeting with Le Relais Madagascar
Morning discovery of the Ranomafana forest, with very rich and varied fauna and flora. The Ranomafana National Park covers nearly 41,600 hectares of humid tropical forest. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this forest is home to exceptional endemic biodiversity, including many rare species, unfortunately facing extinction.
You may thus have the chance to spot some of the 26 species of lemurs recorded in this area, as well as birds, butterflies, bats, chameleons, other reptiles and amphibians. There is also a great diversity of medicinal plants, orchids and carnivorous plants.
Keep your eyes open!
We resume our journey toward Fianarantsoa, the historical and cultural capital of the Betsileo region. It is moreover the Malagasy city that has the most cultural buildings and schools.
Like Tana, the city is divided into three parts:
The upper town, where the Merina governor's palace once stood, and where you can today admire Protestant temples, a Lutheran college, the brick cathedral in Tuscan style, the Jesuit school of Ambozotany and Antsenakely square, where a small market is held.
The new town, the administrative district, where you can also find the zoma (Friday market),
The lower town, Ampasambazaha, the heart of the city where you will find Chinese and Indian commercial quarters.
Fianarantsoa is also known for its tea plantations and vineyards.
We meet the team of Relais Madagascar, the Malagasy branch of the French social enterprise of the same name, which collects clothing in France to redistribute it to countries in need.
Depending on the time available, we visit their factory, which contains a secondhand clothing sorting center, a textile manufacturing workshop, as well as the Karenjy car automotive construction workshop. This Malagasy car, adapted to the needs of its population, was launched in the 1980s during the socialist period in a context of car democratization. Closed in the 1990s, the workshop reopened in 2009 under the impetus of Relais.
We then head to the Relais Waste Sorting Center site, located outside the city, where organic waste is transformed into compost, used by the experimental permaculture farm, which we visit. The setting is splendid.
From Fianarantsoa to Isalo National Park, road to the village of Ranohira
Through the patchwork of terraced rice fields and diverse crops where all shades of green are displayed, heading to Ambalavaoknown for its vineyards.
Stop at the small Anja Village Reserve: a gallery forest of ficus, lianas and orchids has developed between spectacular rocky chaos, sometimes forming caves adopted as shelters by certain animals. On the slopes of the reliefs, the vegetation relay has been colonized by succulent plants, such as kalanchoes and pachypodiums.
In this green paradise live in small colonies these ring-tailed lemurs which are almost the emblem of the Great Island, the ring-tailed lemurs. They spend a lot of time on the ground, are not too shy and are therefore easily observable. The revenues from the Anja site are managed by the AMI association (Anja Miray) and channeled into economic and social projects aimed at improving agricultural yields, developing craftsmanship, health and education for neighboring villagers.
Hiking in the Lunar and Phantasmagoric Landscapes of Isalo National Park
A beautiful day of discovery on foot in the ruiniform massif of the Isalo National Park.
Isalo National Park was created in 1962, and is classified in the category of exceptional parks. Extending over nearly 100 km from North to South, it is unique to Madagascar because of its geomorphological formation dating from the Jurassic: this ruiniform massif of continental sandstone, carved with deep canyons, is home to endemic rupicole vegetation (Aloes, Euphorbias, Pachypodes…).
It is also home to exceptional fauna, where most species are endemic, such as rock reptiles, lemurs and other primates.
The predominant ethnic group in this region is the Bara ethnic group, living essentially from zebu breeding and agriculture. Considered descendants of the Bantu, the Bara are cattle breeders but also fierce warriors, proud and ready to do anything to defend their freedom.
Route to Tuleár through the arid plains of the Bara country
Departure for Tuléar. We pass through Ilakaka, a small village of 50 inhabitants that has become a real mining town since the discovery of a huge sapphire deposit in 1998. First glimpse of baobabs and the famous tombs topped with funeral sculptures called "Aloalo " and painted with naive scenes of life. Arrival in Tuléar during the day.
From Tuléar to Vezo Country by Sea
In the morning, transfer to the port of Tuléar. Boarding for a boat crossing towards Anakao. We leave our driver-guide here, who will rejoin us south of Camp Vezo in 02 days, after driving the vehicle around via the track.
From Anakao, we take to the sea once again aboard a Vezo motorized outrigger canoe, heading towards Camp Vezo (subject to availability, as only a few bungalows are available, or Bivouac if no availability).
This little corner of paradise, situated in the middle of nowhere between Anakao and Maromena, in the village of Andramandeo, will warmly welcome adventurers and simple travelers seeking calm and authenticity, with very basic comfort. A shared dining table where everyone enjoys the delicious cuisine of Philippe and Mamina, based on fresh produce and fish freshly caught from the lagoon. The bungalows built by the cheerful local team of Camp Vezo are simple and made of natural materials, with toilet facilities and outdoor bucket showers. The beauty of the place and the atmosphere that resides there more than make up for the basic comfort, with its turquoise lagoon, its pristine and immaculate beaches and its dunes, where you only encounter a few local fishermen, and the mangrove nearby.
Free stay at Camp Vezo
Free stay at the little paradise of Camp Vezo, nestled between the dunes and the Andramandeo lagoon (subject to availability, as only a few bungalows are available on site).
Philippe, Mamina, Hermann and their entire cheerful crew welcome you to their place, and you'll quickly feel right at home. Simplicity is the watchword of this place, no fuss and recommended for travelers looking for an authentic atmosphere, casual and laid-back.
Surfboards, Paddle, Kite-Surf equipment are at your disposal, and the young staff at Camp will be delighted to give you a few lessons if you wish. Outings in pirogue or in the mangrove, fishing, massages, snorkeling or swimming are possible on site.
Visit to Tsimanampesotsa National Park and road to Ambola
Andramandeo → Parc National de Tsimanampetsotsa
Early in the morning, we reluctantly leave Camp Vezo and its entire team.
We board a pirogue to reach the neighboring village of Maromena, approximately 20 to 30 minutes by boat. This village is the closest one accessible by road, and this is where we meet our driver and 4x4 vehicle, with whom we continue our journey towards the Grand South of Madagascar.
We discover the Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, a lake saturated with calcium sulfate.
We set off on a circuit in the middle of the Mahalafy limestone plateau. We enter a baobab forest, which brings together different specimens including giant baobabs and the "grandmother" baobab, which is said to be 3000 years old. Pachypodiums and other plants endemic to this region also dot our route. Observing these plants shows us the different techniques they have developed to cope with drought.
An abundant fauna is also present: many species of terrestrial birds, reptiles, tortoises, and we may even be lucky enough to encounter the famous radiated tortoise.
Picnic lunch in the park in the shade of a tree, before continuing our day of discovery in the park. In the shade of the "grandmother" baobabs, we discover the history of the Mahafaly ethnic group, through its impressive funeral art. The tombs of the Mahafaly are decorated with zebu horns and carved wooden posts, approximately 1.5 m high, representing scenes of daily life. They are also an indicator of the social status and wealth of the deceased. If located roadside, the tombs generally belong to wealthy families.
We enjoy magnificent views of the lake from our viewpoint, as the sky takes on red and orange hues at sunset.
On the way to Itampolo, along the coastal trail
Continuation of our journey to Itampolo, a village located on one of the most beautiful beaches of the south-west coast, with kilometers of fine white sand. Night in a bush hotel by the sea, or in bivouac depending on availability.
Picnic lunch
From Itampolo to the Lavanono Cliffs
The most challenging but also the most beautiful stage. Crossing the Mahafaly plateau on a sandy track, sometimes muddy but largely carved into limestone rock. A vast natural reserve of tortoises living in complete freedom and considered sacred by local populations. Strange plants adapted to the harsh, dry climate of the south.
Arrival in the late afternoon at Lavanono, located below a chain of cliffs 60km long. Night in a small hotel with basic comfort, bucket shower and outdoor facilities (subject to availability, night in bivouac if no availability), situated in an exceptional setting. The sumptuous scenery will compensate for the basic comfort.
Lunch picnic
Day excursion to Cap Sainte Marie Reserve
Early morning departure for a day trip to Cap Sainte Marie. Short transfer from Lavanono to the Cap Sainte Marie reserve, which we visit.
The special reserve of Cap Sainte Marie is the southernmost region of Madagascar. It is dedicated to protecting certain species of fauna and flora. The vegetation of Cap will amaze us with its tendency towards dwarfism, which is not considered here as a malformation but as a necessary adaptation to the arid climate. And it is this dwarf flora that captures attention in the reserve. It also houses the largest turtle colony in Madagascar.
Return to Lavanono in the evening for a second night there.
Picnic lunch
Route to Fort Dauphin through the Antandroy country
After an early breakfast, we resume our journey towards Fort Dauphin, through this amazing vegetation of the south and then the vast plain of sisal plantations in Amboasary Sud. It is hot, sometimes very hot, the chaotic track slows our progress, everything must be earned in the Antandroy region in the heart of deep southern Madagascar.
Throughout our journey, we will see a unique landscape, represented by 3 types of forest. We move from dry forest to intermediate forest to humid forest, with a very significant climate change in a short time.
Arrival in Fort Dauphin in late afternoon, a large city on the South-East coast known for the exploitation of black sand "ilmenite", which has become the main source of local activity.
We will leave our driver-guide here the next day, who will return empty-handed to the capital. Transfers will be provided by the team of our hotels on site.
By canoe through the channels to the village of Evatraha, hike to Lokaro Bay
We discover the village of Evatraha, located near the famous Baie de Lokaro. We head to the Fort Dauphin dock and set off in a motorized pirogue through the narrow channels that connect several small coastal lakes dotting the Fort Dauphin bay, until we reach this village at the end of the Evatraha peninsula. Mount Evatraha, which can be climbed easily, overlooks the bay.
From the village of Evatraha, we set off on foot for a walk of approximately one hour to Pirate Camp, an accommodation situated in the middle of the superb Lokaro Bay. We gain elevation and overlook the bay, before walking along the beach to reach the lodge, which we reach in the afternoon.
Day of Relaxation or Exploration at Pirate Camp
Free stay at the Baie de Lokaro, along a magnificent beach bordered by casuarina trees. On the program: relaxation, snorkeling, excursions, swimming…
For the more adventurous, a two-hour panoramic trail along the coast will offer you superb viewpoints.
Return on foot then by boat to Fort Dauphin, free afternoon
We leaveBaie de Lokaro on foot, again for an hour's walk to the village of Evatraha.
We embark towards Fort Dauphin on a motorized pirogue, through the channels that wind between sea and mountain. Arrival in Fort Dauphin late in the morning, transfer to the hotel and free afternoon.
Free afternoon in Fort Dauphin. Complete freedom to wander and discover this town at the end of the world at your own pace: the Fort-Flacourt museum (former governor of Madagascar) and its historic site, watch the return of fishermen on Libanona beach, stroll across the sedimentary platforms towards the False Bay of the Galleons, where lobster fishermen set their traps… This town occupied by Europeans in the 17th century as a trading post has retained many vestiges of the past.
Activities, transfers and meals are at your own expense. Your hotel will be able to advise you on these activities. Possibility to organize excursions on request, please contact us.
Return flight from Fort Dauphin to Antananarivo, the Capital
According to the return flight schedules to Antananarivo, an airport transfer is arranged.
Upon your arrival in Antananarivo, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel for the night.
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Last day in Tana and international flight back to CDG at night
The Malagasy capital is full of artisanal and cultural gems. This is where the best artists and craftspeople of the country are gathered, whether in ironwork, leather goods, marquetry, basketry and many other fields.
A few examples of places to see are the ironwork workshop of Violette and Dieudonné, the Izaho leather goods workshop which works with zebu leather, and the multiple artisanal galleries of the capital. Is'Art Gallery is also a leading cultural venue, which offers concerts, exhibitions, workshops, a bar and restaurant, as well as an artisanal shop, Lisy Gallery which catalogs almost all Malagasy crafts in one place, Mada Fusion Association (AMF) by Nature Attitude where women work ingeniously with raphia.
Antananarivo → Paris Roissy CDG
Arrival in late morning at Paris CDG.
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Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights,
- Meals on international flight days,
- Lunches, except for lunches on D3, D6, D8, D10 to D12, D14 and D15 which are included,
- Dinners, except for dinners on Days 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17 and 18 which are included,
- Activities not mentioned in the itinerary, and during free stays in Andramandeo, Baie de Lokaro and Fort Dauphin,
- The driver-guide(s) and vehicle(s) Détours Madagascar from Day 17 to Day 20,
- Single room supplement = €630,
- Drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, beer, etc.) during and outside meals,
- Tips and personal expenses,
- Insurance (cancellation, repatriation, lost or damaged baggage ...),
- Visa fees.
Included
- The services of an English-speaking driver-guide(s) from Day 2 to Day 16 (except at Camp Vezo, Fort Dauphin and Lokaro),
- Land transportation by 4x4 vehicle(s) (fuel included, 1 vehicle for 1 to 4 travelers) from Day 2 to Day 16 (except at Camp Vezo, Fort Dauphin and Lokaro),
- Accommodation in double/twin rooms in the hotels or guesthouses mentioned (or similar depending on room availability at the time of booking - possibility of bivouac nights if no availability),
- Breakfasts, from Day 2 to Day 20,
- The J3, J6, J8, J13, J14, J15 picnic lunches
- Mandatory full board at Andramandeo (D10 and D11) and at Ambola (D12)
- Dinners on days 14, 15, 17 and 18 (half-board mandatory)
- Park and reserve entrance fees, including mandatory local guide fees,
- Visits and excursions as described in the program,
- All transfers mentioned in the program, including:
- - Airport transfers in Antananarivo,
- - The boat transfer from Tuléar to Anakao,
- - The motorized canoe transfer from Anakao to Camp Vezo, and from Camp Vezo to Maromena,
- - The motorized canoe transfer round trip Fort Dauphin > Evatraha > Fort Dauphin,
- - The car transfer hotel > airport to Fort Dauphin on D20 (by your hotel on site).
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
More than 60 days before departure: 30% of the total price (deposit retained)
Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Your Passport:
Important: your passport must be valid. It must be mandatory and obligatorily valid for 6 months after the end of your stay in Madagascar.
Your travel documents
Your valid passport,
Your international and/or domestic flight tickets,
Your repatriation insurance/first aid expenses contract, -
Your vaccination record, not mandatory,
Your blood group card if possible.
Obtaining a visa to enter Malagasy territory
Upon arrival in the territory:
The visa cost is €35 for a stay of less than 30 days.
It is easily obtained upon your arrival in Malagasy territory.
This applies to all airports in Madagascar that receive international flights.
Upon arrival in the terminal, upon exiting the plane, a corridor for passengers is dedicated to issuing tourist visas.
This procedure is the simplest. We recommend it to you.
From the embassies and consulates of your countries of origin:
For information, download the document explaining the procedure and the constitution of the file for obtaining a visa from the Madagascar embassy.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and procedures for claiming any loss are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for declaring any loss. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Ivato Airport (Antananarivo) or online (e-visa). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Before booking your trip, check with Madagascar's consular authorities for the conditions applicable to your nationality, including visa fees and authorized lengths of stay.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 160 and 270 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (900-1400 euros return) are additional. Long transfers and domestic flights represent a significant portion of the budget.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) protection, which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — High Plateaus
Ambassador of Malagasy fihavanana, based in Antananarivo
For me, traveling to Madagascar is stepping into the spirit of fihavanana: sharing, helping one another, meeting people, and taking time to understand what connects them to their land.
— Noro
