2-week roadtrip on the RN 7 Road – Madagascar

You want to get to know Madagascar ? You have 2 weeks of vacation and don’t want to miss anything ? This itinerary is the perfect fit for you !
During 2 weeks, explore the Malagasy territory : hikes, lemurs and beaches. Everything you need for amazing holidays ! You will know the RN 7 by heart !

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
• Admire the beautiful Zafimaniry craftsmanship, which is listed at the UNESCO.
• Discover the most beautiful landscapes of the island as you go along various National Parks.
• Get the best deals on the local markets.
• Visit sapphire mines in Ilakaka.
• Meet the local ethnic groups in Toliary

To travel safely and without any worry on your mind, we recommend Chapka Insurance !

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Itinerary of the 2 weeks on the RN 7 Road

 

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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 itinerary ? 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 to Madagascar is between april and december. 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.

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The itinerary : step by step

 

What to do in Antananarivo ?

Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo is the first stop of your trip. 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 : if you are looking to dive into the local culture right away, the Mandrosoa Guest House will be the perfect place for your first night on the island. Well located, the food is delicious, the staff is great, the rooms are comfortable, you have your privacy as well as some common areas and there is a pool !
• High-end : want to relax after your flight and first day in the city ? Then the Novotel Convention & Spa is the perfect fit ! You will only have to enjoy the pool, the sauna, or the nice garden.

 

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What to do in Ambositra ?

Before getting to Ambositra, you will go through Antsirabé. This city is in the highlands of Madagascar, where you’ll find many rickshaws. Discover this colonial city in this in an unusual way. Be sure to go to the volcanic lake of Andraikiba, a few minutes away.

Ambositra, also called the “city of roses” , is internationally known for its crafts, especially wood sculptors. The city has an unusual and rich setting because it is in high altitude. 

• Stroll around the city and stop in the small shops to discover and buy the local crafts. You will mostly see wood sculpture and engraving, coming from the Zafimaniry craftsmanship, listed at the UNESCO World Heritage.
• On Saturdays, explore Ambositra‘s colorful market.
• Get away from the city’s noise and enjoy a nice walk among the rice fields nearby.
• West to the city, there is a small mountain, which is perfect for a short hike and discover the various landscapes. At the top you will have a great view over the city and its surroundings.
• During your stay, if you are eager to discover the local culture, don’t hesitate to take your car, or walk, to see the local and traditional villages around. It is the best way to meet the locals and get to know more about their way of life.

 

Where to sleep in Ambositra ?

 

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What to do in Ranomafana ?

A must-see for travelers ! Ranomafana has an exceptional wild life and flora. 

• Explore Ranomafana National Park, a preserved park where you’ll find many lemurs and trees facing extinction. Keep you eyes wide open and maybe you’ll spot a Giraffe weevil. But be sure to keep your mouth close, unless you want to know what insects taste like ! The best way to get around the park and discover its hidden gems is to hike on the various trails.
• To relax after walking around the park, go try out the thermal baths.
• If you are interested in insects and other small species, go visit Kelilalina Botanical Garden. There, you can observe endemic species. The visit is even more magical between november and march, when the orchids flower.
• Eat some candied Zebu in the restaurant of the Manja Hotel.

 

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What to do in Ambalavao ?

Before getting to Ambalavao, stop by Fianarantsoa. Need a short break ? Thirsty ? I’m pretty sure the answer is yes ! Well go the Maromby monastery and enjoy a wine tasting, explore the city’s heights and go up the stairs to get a stunning view.

Authentic and traditional Malagasay town, Ambalavao will let you enjoy breathtaking landscapes, an abundant and diverse nature and welcoming locals. 

• Stroll around the city and appreciate its unusual architecture.
• On Wednesday and Thursday mornings, go to the Zebu Market (they are for sale !). It really is an impressive event, as it is the second biggest market on the island, so make sure you are there to see it !
• In the village, you can also discover the popular market. With the red ochre soil, the stalls made of wood, the unknown scents and the local dialect, it truly is an authentic experience.
• Discover another one of Madagascar’s craftsmanship by visiting manufacturing workshop of “Antemoro Paper”. You can also add the visit of a silkworm farm and a silk-weaving workshop.

 

Where to sleep in Ambalavao ?

 

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What to do in Ilakaka ?

Before getting to Ilakaka, right off the RN 7, stop by Anja Reserve and observe the wild Lemurs.

Ilakaka is THE place to find a specific precious stone : Sapphire. 

• Explore sapphire mines where people still work ! We would also like to warn you that the working and living conditions of people there are quite drastic, so prepare yourself.
• Back in the city, you can enter the various shops to buy hand-made sapphire jewellery.
• Once you have seen Ilakaka, you should take your remaining time to go to Isalo National Park. Indeed, some call it “Jurassic Park”, with its huge rock formations, deep canyons and luxurious forest. There really are some of the best landscapes of the island there, and you can admire them through the various hiking trails of the park.

 

Where to sleep in Ilakaka ?

 

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What to do in Toliary ?

The city that never sleeps, Toliary, is one of the most popular places but also one of the most gorgeous places of the island.

• Stroll around the city and make a stop at the shells market, there are some great findings !
• Meet Vezo’s fishermen, a local ethnic group, while you walk along the Mozambique Canal.
• Get away from the city center and walk on the hidden trails that will lead you to Masikoro’s farmers, another local ethnic group.
• Enjoy the nightlife and the great atmosphere.
• Visit Sarodrano village, a former pirates hideout, with beautiful white sand and clear water.
• If you wish to immerse yourself in the Malagasy nature one last time before going back to the city, head to Tsimanampesotse National Park. There you will encounter various species of flora and fauna, such as flamingos and baobabs. There a several hiking trails to discover the park at your own rhythm.
• About 40km / 25 miles away, enjoy the smaller sea resorts like Ifaty and relax on the calm beaches, go snorkelling or get a massage.

 

Where to sleep in Toliary ?

 

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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. 

• 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 : if you are looking to dive into the local culture right away, the Mandrosoa Guest House will be the perfect place for your first night on the island. Well located, the food is delicious, the staff is great, the rooms are comfortable, you have your privacy as well as some common areas and there is a pool !
• High-end : want to relax after your flight and first day in the city ? Then the Novotel Convention & Spa is the perfect fit ! You will only have to enjoy the pool, the sauna, or the nice garden.

 

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Learn more…

• 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 : we recommend you this one !

 

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

 

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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 !