Splendors of the Great South of Madagascar, from RN7 to Fort Dauphin via the Antandroy Coast
A 4x4 expedition from Isalo to Cape Saint-Mary, between thousand-year-old baobabs and turquoise lagoons.
Duration
21 days
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 Deep 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 Great Raid in 4x4 to discover the South and the Far South of Madagascar first takes us West of Antananarivo, in the Itasy region with its unique landscapes of lakes and ancient volcanoes. We join 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…
The Isalo National Park offers us unforgettable landscapes, amid canyons, waterfalls and lunar landscapes of the Jurassic sandstone massif. It also marks the boundary of Bara Land, whose lands are populated with baobabs in the middle of arid plains.
Further Southwest, descending along the coast, we explore another most unique national park, that of Tsimanampetsotsa. This large brackish water lake is home to several colonies of pink flamingos, a few 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 vast plain of sisal plantations of Amboasary Sud, as well as a lush humid tropical forest, characteristic of East Madagascar; which starts here, beyond the natural barrier marked by the Anosian mountain chain. 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 to Antananarivo, welcome to Madagascar!
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 drawn up - as an indication - based on the flight plans of the airline Air France for international flights.
Heading towards the midwest to Ampefy
After a quiet breakfast at the hotel, we take the beautiful road heading west.
On our route, we will stop to visit the Lemurs' Park, a 5-hectare botanical park where you can observe up close 9 different lemur species, freely roaming in the park.
The reason for the creation of the Lemurs' Parkis to highlight this fabulous animal for nature lovers. It is also aimed at protecting and eventually reintroducing lemurs born in the park to their natural habitat.
We continue further west after the visit. We pass through typical villages of the Highlands and, gradually, large volcanic cones appear. On the shores of Lake Itasy, we settle in the small town of Ampefy. We take time to discover and immerse ourselves in the very peaceful atmosphere of this little-visited region.
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 grandiose.
The land is rich and the farmers work it in an astonishing way, the cultivated plots climb the steep slopes and create 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, making contacts all the more natural and pleasant. This circular trek allows us to soak in the soul of the Moyen-Ouest malgache.
Route to Antsirabe, the City of Water
Due south, a beautiful mountain road takes us to Faratsiho, via Soavinandriana. We cross a succession of rich agricultural valleys nestled to the west of the Ankaratra massif.
The landscapes are superb, with all shades of green displayed in a palette across the hillsides and rice fields at the bottom of the valley where cassava, sweet potatoes and potatoes are cultivated.
Faratsiho is a large town set against the foothills of the Ankaratra mountains. The town overlooks a superb rice plain.
Continuing on to Antsirabe, located 180km south of Antananarivo. Several stops along the way to meet local farmers, craftspeople and villages along Route 7.
Antsirabe is a charming thermal spa town surrounded by volcanic mountain ranges. 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 vacations or time with friends.
A city tour by rickshaw (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 of 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 city 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 the road to reach Ranomafana, a park entirely covered in forest, spanning 41,601 hectares. Listed as a Natural World Heritage Site of Atsinanana in 2007, it is home to a wealth of endemic biodiversity that is endangered.
You can find rare and critically threatened species of lemurs there.
The park is also the genetic reservoir for certain rare and endemic plant species. It is crossed by numerous waterways, tributaries of the Namorona River.
Upon arrival, we settle into 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 from Southeast Madagascar has always remained independent from Malagasy Royalty, and their very specific culture remains therefore preserved. They live from forest resources : bamboo, wild honey, fruits, resin, medicinal plants… The village groups together more than 57 households, with traditional houses on stilts in 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 its 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 endangered.
You may 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 head back on the road towards Fianarantsoa, historical and cultural capital of the Betsileo region. It is moreover the Malagasy city with 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, administrative district, where you can also find the zoma (Friday market),
The lower town, Ampasambazaha, heart of the city where you can find Chinese and Indian commercial quarters.
Fianarantsoa is also known for its tea plantations and its 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 in 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 automotive construction workshop for the Karenjy car. This Malagasy car, adapted to the needs of its population, was launched in the 1980s during the socialist period in a context of democratization of the automobile. Closed in the 1990s, the workshop reopened in 2009 under the impetus of Relais.
Next, we 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, road to Ambalavaoknown for its vineyards.
Driving
Stop at the small Anja Village Reserve: a gallery forest of ficus, vines 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 returned to economic and social projects aimed at improving agricultural yields, developing crafts, health and education for the villagers in the surrounding area.
To Ranohira
Continuation towards the south in Bara country and crossing of Madagascar's largest plateau, the desert Horombe, before catching sight of the village of Ranohira which we reach in the late afternoon.
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. Stretching nearly 100 km from North to South, it is unique in Madagascar for its geomorphological formation dating from the Jurassic : this ruiniform massif of continental sandstone, carved with deep canyons, hosts 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 herding and agriculture. Considered descendants of the Bantu, the Bara are cattle herders but also fierce warriors, proud and ready to do anything to defend their freedom.
Route to Tuléar through the arid plains of the Bara country
Departure for Tuléar. We travel through Ilakaka, a small village of 50 inhabitants that has become a true mining town since the discovery of a huge sapphire deposit in 1998. First glimpse of baobabs and famous tombs topped with funeral sculptures called "Aloalo" and painted with naive scenes of life. Arrival in Tuléar during the day.
From Tuleár to Vezo Country by Sea
In the morning, transfer to the port of Tuléar. Embarkation for a boat crossing towards Anakao. We leave our driver-guide here, who will rejoin us south of Camp Vezo in 2 days, after driving the vehicle via the track.
From Anakao, we set out to sea again this time 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, located 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, in very basic comfort. A shared dining table around which everyone enjoys the delicious cuisine of Philippe and Mamina, made with fresh produce and fish freshly caught from the lagoon. The bungalows built by the cheerful local team at Camp Vezo are simple and made of natural materials, with outdoor bathroom facilities and bucket showers. The beauty of the place and the atmosphere that resides there more than makes up for this 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 in the little paradise of Camp Vezo, lost between the dunes and the lagoon of Andramandeo (subject to availability, as only a few bungalows are available on site).
Philippe, Mamina, Hermann and their whole cheerful tribe welcome you to their place, and you will quickly feel at home. Simplicity is the watchword of this place, without fuss and recommended for travelers seeking an authentic atmosphere, relaxed and casual.
Surfboards, Paddle boards, and Kite-Surf equipment are at your disposal, and the young people at Camp will be happy to give you some lessons if you wish. Excursions by outrigger canoe 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 leave Camp Vezo and its entire team with nostalgia.
Boarding 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 it is there that we meet up with our driver and 4x4 vehicle, with whom we continue our journey toward the Far South of Madagascar.
We discover the Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, a lake saturated with calcium sulphate.
We set off on a tour 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 implemented by these plants to cope with drought.
Abundant fauna is also present: many species of land birds, reptiles, tortoises, and we may even have the chance 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 funerary art. The tombs of the Mahafaly are adorned with zebu horns and carved wooden posts, about 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 the magnificent views of the lake from our viewpoint, as the sky turns red and orange in the setting sun.
Parc National de Tsimanampetsotsa → Domaine d'Ambola
On the way to Itampolo, along the coastal track
Domaine d'Ambola → Itampolo
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 a 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 at the end of the day in 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, camping under the stars if no availability), set in an exceptional setting. The sumptuous decor will compensate for the basic comfort.
Picnic lunch
Day excursion to Cap Sainte Marie Reserve
Early morning departure for a day excursion to Cap Sainte Marie. Short transfer from Lavanono to the Cap Sainte Marie reserve, which we visit.
The Cap Sainte Marie special reserve is the southernmost region of Madagascar. It is dedicated to the protection of certain species of fauna and flora. The vegetation at the Cape will amaze us with its tendency toward dwarfism, which is not considered here as a deformity but a necessary adaptation to the arid climate. And it is this dwarf flora that attracts attention in the reserve. It also houses the most important colony of turtles 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 sisal plantation plains of Amboasary Sud. It is hot, sometimes very hot, the chaotic track slows our progress, everything is hard-earned in the Antandroy country at the heart of the great south of Madagascar.
Throughout our journey, we will see a unique landscape, represented by 3 types of forest. We pass from dry forest through intermediate forest to humid forest, with a very significant climate change in a short time.
Arrival in Fort Dauphin in late afternoon, a major 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 arranged by the team of our hotels on site.
By pirogue through the canals to the village of Evatraha, hiking to Lokaro Bay
Fort Dauphin → Evatra
We discover the village of Evatraha, located near the famous Baie de Lokaro. We head to the Fort Dauphin jetty and set off in a motorized pirogue through the narrow channels that connect several small coastal lakes dotting Fort Dauphin bay, until we reach this village, at the end of the Evatraha peninsula. Mont Evatraha, which can be climbed easily, overlooks the bay.
Evatra → Baie de Lokaro
From the village of Evatraha, we set off on foot for a one-hour walk to Pirate Camp, an accommodation located in the middle of the magnificent Baie de Lokaro. We gain altitude and overlook the bay, before walking along the beach to reach the lodge, which we arrive at in the afternoon.
Relaxation or Exploration Day at Pirate Camp
Free stay at Baie de Lokaro, along a magnificent beach lined with casuarina trees. Activities include: relaxation, snorkeling, excursions, swimming…
For the more adventurous, a two-hour scenic trail along the coast will offer you stunning viewpoints.
Return on foot then by boat to Fort Dauphin, free afternoon
Baie de Lokaro → Evatra
We leaveBaie de Lokaro on foot, again by an hour of walking to the village of Evatraha.
Evatra → Fort Dauphin
We board towards Fort Dauphin on a motorized pirogue, through channels winding between sea and mountains. Arrival in Fort Dauphin late morning, transfer to the hotel and free afternoon.
Free afternoon in Fort Dauphin. Complete freedom to explore and discover this remote town at your own pace: the Fort-Flacourt Museum (former governor of Madagascar) and its historical site, watch the fishermen's return on Libanona beach, stroll along 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 traces of the past.
Activities, transfers and meals are at your expense. Your hotel will be able to advise you on these activities. Possibility of organizing excursions on request, contact us.
Return flight from Fort Dauphin to Antananarivo, the Capital
According to your return flight schedule to Antananarivo, an airport transfer is provided.
Upon your arrival in Antananarivo, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel for the night.
Last day in Tana and international flight back to CDG during the night
Madagascar's capital is brimming with artisanal and cultural gems. This is where the best artists and craftspeople of the country gather, whether for ironwork, leather goods, marquetry, basket weaving and many other fields.
A few examples of places to see are the ironwork studio of Violette and Dieudonné, the Izaho leather goods workshop which works with zebu leather, and the multiple artisanal galleries of the capital. Is'Art Galerie is also a leading cultural venue, offering concerts, exhibitions, workshops, a bar and restaurant, as well as an artisanal shop, Galerie Lisy which catalogs virtually all Madagascar craftsmanship in a single location, Mada Fusion Association (AMF) by Nature Attitude where women ingeniously work with raphia.
Antananarivo → Paris Roissy CDG
Arrival at Paris CDG in late morning.
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 Days 3, 6, 8, 10 to 12, 14 and 15 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 program, and during free stays in Andramandeo, Baie de Lokaro and Fort Dauphin,
- The driver-guide(s) and vehicle(s) Détours Madagascar from D17 to D20,
- Single room supplement = €630,
- Beverages (mineral water, sodas, beer…) during and outside meals,
- Tips and personal expenses,
- Insurance (cancellation, repatriation, baggage loss or damage...)
- Visa fees.
Included
- The services of English-speaking driver-guide(s) from Day 2 to Day 16 (except at Camp Vezo, Fort Dauphin and Lokaro),
- Land transport 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,
- Picnic lunches on Days 3, 6, 8, 13, 14, 15,
- Mandatory full board at Andramandeo (D10 and D11) and at Ambola (D12)
- Dinners on Days 14, 15, 17 and 18 (half-board compulsory),
- Entry fees to parks and reserves, 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 pirogue transfer from Anakao to Camp Vezo, and from Camp Vezo to Maromena,
- - The motorized canoe transfer round trip Fort Dauphin > Evatraha > Fort Dauphin,
- - Transfer by car hotel > airport in Fort Dauphin on day 20 (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
