10 days roadtrip in the heart of Madagascar

You’ve heard about the most popular region but don’t know where to start ? You have a 10-days vacation to plan ? Then welcome to Madagascar !

Discover the perfect tour to get to know about Madagascar’s abundant nature. Get your breath taken away by the sceneries and make new friends : the iconic Lemurs of Madagascar.

For your information, driving in Madagascar might be quite different from what you are used to ! The state of the roads is not the best and the way the Malagasy drive can be quite surprising if you are not used to it. During the rainy season, secondary roads can be quite difficult to access due to floods. It is also not advised to drive at night. More information here. However, do not worry, the local rental car agencies usually rent cars with a driver.

Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting in this itinerary :

• Discover Antananarivo, the island’s capital, as well as its history and its culture
• Visit Antsirabé and its markets while on a rickshaw
• Admire the impressive Tsingys of Bemaraha in Miandrivazo
• Feel small when facing the baobab alley in Morondava

To travel safely during your 10-days road trip in the heart of Madagascar, we recommend Chapka Insurance !

Itinerary for the 10-days road trip in the heart of Madagascar

Antananarivo > Antsirabé > Miandrivazo > Morondava > Antananarivo

Some practical information before your road trip in Madagascar

For this itinerary, we recommend to rent a car from Hertz. It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

Need a road map to prepare your 10-days road trip in the heart of Madagascar ? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date !

The best period to do this road trip in the heart of Madagascar is between may and november. It’s when the temperatures are the most enjoyable, there is less rain and the temperature of the ocean is perfect to swim. More information here.

Do not leave Madagascar before tasting its 2 national dishes. First there is the romazava, a delicious broth of vegetables, meats and spices. The second one is ravitoto, the perfect mix of cassava leaves, garlic, and pork meat, usually served with rice on the side.

The itinerary : step by step

What to do in Antananarivo ?

Madagascar’s capital city, Antananarivo, is the first stop of your 10-days road trip in the heart of Madagascar. But don’t worry if you don’t have time to do everything, you’ll be coming back at the end of your trip ! 

• Explore the Analakely neighbourhood and its independence avenue.
• Stroll through its market, one the the city’s largest, where you can find anything : from fruits to blankets !
• Walk through the higher parts of the city, in neighbourhoods like Faravohitra. Go up to the viewpoint where you’ll get an amazing view over the city, lake Anosy and Mahamasima (very popular place, totally free !).
• Did you know that, like Los Angeles has the Hollywood hill, Antananarivo also has a hill with white letters ? Yes it’s true, there are at Rova de Manjakamiadana ! One of the best panorama over the city.
• On the road going to/coming back from the airport, stop at the craftsman’s market of Ambohitrimanjaka (try saying this out loud …) and get souvenirs.
• Discover a mansion once home to the king who reunited the country in the 18th century, on Ambohimanga hill.
• Why not take a guided tour with a local ? It’s the best way to get around the city, discover its hidden gems and have a better understanding of the culture.

Where to sleep in Antananarivo ?

• Mid-range : Enjoy your first night at La Ribaudière Hotel, located in the city center. The staff is very welcoming and the food is great !
• High-end : Stay at the beautiful The Citizen Hotel, which is adults only, facing the lake and 700m away from the city center. If you prefer an accommodation offering a pool we recommend Mandrosoa Guesthouse !

What to do in Antsirabé ?

Antsirabé is a city in the highlands of Madagascar where you’ll find many pulled rickshaws !  

• Go explore this colonial city in an unusual way : on a pulled rickshaw ! Make sure you see the “Hotel des Thermes” and the nice cathedral.
• What makes this second stop of your road trip in Madagascar great, are its various markets. They are perfect to discover the local culture ! First, there is Antsenakely Market, located in the city center, then you have Satbosy Market, which is the largest open-air market on the island, you can find everything there ! Finally, there is also the Stones Market, where you can find beautiful precious and semi-precious stones.
• After spending the day exploring around, go to the thermal baths to relax. The prices are quite reasonable for the care you get !
• Discover the volcanic lake of Andraikiba, a few kilometres away, about 30-minute drive.
• If you want to see more of the city’s surroundings, go visit the splendid Tritriva Lake or Befato’s rice field.

Where to sleep in Antsirabé ?

• Mid-range : Stay at H1 Antsirabe Hotel, where good breakfast is served every morning.
• Our favorite : Spend the night in a unique environment, at the Eco-lodge les Chambres du Voyageur. You will be able to enjoy the luxurious garden, the pool and the peaceful surroundings.

What to do in Miandrivazo ?

Want to get to know the typical Malgasy village ? Well, let’s head to Miandrivazo ! Important, the city is a stop of the famous Red island Trail, which occurs between June and August every year. 

• Explore the Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park, located near the city. However, be careful of the its narrow winding roads to get there.
• An hour and a half away, go for an adventure at Mahajilo Falls.
• At the end of the day, find a peaceful spot to watch the sun set on Tsiribinha river.
• The city and its region are known for their zebu farming, but also their cotton and tobacco plantations. Don’t hesitate to explore the surroundings to see discover them.
• Our travel tip for this stop of your road trip in the heart of Madagascar : Miandrivazo is the hottest place on the island, make sure you don’t forget your hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and water !

Where to sleep in Miandrivazo ?

• Mid-range : Stay at the Princesse Tsiribihina Hotel, where you can enjoy a pool, a restaurant and a bar in a beautiful setting. Also know that there are not many accommodations available in this region.

What to do in Morondava ?

Morondava is in the Menabe region. Do you know what « Menabe » means ? If I say red, does it help you ? No, then here’s some history, Menabe actually means « very red » just like the country’s soil !

• An hour away, discover the Baobab Alley, a stunning setting to watch the sunset. This is truly a must-see during this 10-days road trip in the heart of Madagascar.
• Relax on Kimony Beach.
• If you want to meet the local fauna, head to Kirindy Forest Reserve, where you can observe the country’s biggest predator, the fosse, that looks a little bit like a puma !

Where to sleep in Morondava ?

• Mid-range : Located 200 metres away from Morondava Beach, Havana Hotel is really appreciated by its visitors. The location is great and that’s why we recommend this place to you !
• High-end : Spend the night in a nice 3-star hotel, the Cap Kimony***, where you can relax in the pool after these intense 4 stops of the road trip. The continental breakfast is really good !

What to do in Antananarivo ?

Ending your trip in Antananarivo is a great idea ! Enjoy these lasts days to the fullest while exploring the Malagasy capital. It is a nice way to end your 10-days road trip to Madagascar and soak in the culture. 

• Explore the Analakely neighbourhood and its independence avenue.
• Stroll through its market, one the the city’s largest, where you can find anything : from fruits to blankets !
• Walk through the higher parts of the city, in neighbourhoods like Faravohitra. Go up to the viewpoint where you’ll get an amazing view over the city, lake Anosy and Mahamasima (very popular place, totally free !).
• Did you know that, like Los Angeles has the Hollywood hill, Antananarivo also has a hill with white letters ? Yes it’s true, there are at Rova de Manjakamiadana ! One of the best panorama over the city.
• On the road going to/coming back from the airport, stop at the craftsman’s market of Ambohitrimanjaka (try saying this out loud …) and get souvenirs.
• Discover a mansion once home to the king who reunited the country in the 18th century, on Ambohimanga hill.
• Why not take a guided tour with a local ? It’s the best way to get around the city, discover its hidden gems and have a better understanding of the culture.

Where to sleep in Antananarivo ?

• Mid-range : Enjoy your first night at La Ribaudière Hotel, located in the city center. The staff is very welcoming and the food is great !
• High-end : Stay at the beautiful The Citizen Hotel, which is adults only, facing the lake and 700m away from the city center. If you prefer an accommodation offering a pool we recommend Mandrosoa Guesthouse !

Learn more about your road trip to Madagascar…

• You want to know all the information about the country ? it’s here.
• To rent a car at the best price, we advise you this website.
• To book a flight at the best price, we advise you this website.
• You are looking for a great travel insurance for your 10-days road trip to Madagascar ? We recommend you this one !

Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures !

If you have more information, good deals, or any advice to share about this itinerary, leave a comment below ! Our team will be happy to hear about your experiences !