Visit Southern Madagascar in 3 weeks

Explorer at soul? You’ve always wanted to go on adventures like Indiana Jones? You prefer discovering hidden gems? Then this itinerary is made for you!

Head to the South of Madagascar and let your explorer’s soul free! Whether it is on the ground or in the water, you’ll be blown away by the beauty of the sceneries. But don’t forget to relax on the heaven-like white beaches.

For your information, driving in Madagascar might be quite different from what you are used to, especially in the South! 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 3-week road trip in Southern Madagascar:

• Meet the local ethnic groups in Toliary
• Observe the humpback whales in Anakao
• Enjoy the beautiful nature in Ambola, whether it’s on the ground or underwater
• Live the sweet life in Itampolo
• Surf Lavanono’s waves
• Discover Berenty Reserve and its wonderful fauna, in Ambovombe
• Hike your way to the top of mount Saint-Louis, and enjoy the view over the city of Tôlanaro

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

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Itinerary for the 3-week road trip in Southern Madagascar

 

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Some practical information before your road trip in Southern Madagascar

For this itinerary, we recommend renting 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 3-week road trip in Southern 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 Southern Madagascar is between may 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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Contents : 3-week road trip in Southern Madagascar

1- Toliary – Stop 1 of the 3-week road trip in Southern Madagascar
2- Anakao – Stop 2 of the 3-week road trip in Southern Madagascar
3- Ambola – Stop 3 of the 3-week road trip in Southern Madagascar
4- Itampolo – Stop 4 of the 3-week road trip in Southern Madagascar
5- Lavanono – Stop 5 of the 3-week road trip in Southern Madagascar
6- Ambovombe – Stop 6 of the 3-week road trip in Southern Madagascar
7- Tolanaro – Stop 7 of the 3-week road trip in Southern Madagascar

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3-week road trip in Southern Madagascar : step by step

 

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. It is a great start to this 3-week road trip in Southern Madagascar!

• 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 Anakao?

Were waiting for a Malagasy trip to go snorkeling? Well it’s time to get your gear out, here we are in Anakao!

• Dive with incredibly nice professional divers and admire the beautiful and colourful fishes and the double coral reef in the blue lagoon. End your day by relaxing on the warm sand.
• Surfers, you will also find what you are looking for along the coral reef.
• From June to September, observe the humpback whales that came for mating season. A unique experience during this 3-week road trip in Southern Madagascar.
• Go on a day-trip on Nosy Satrana island, enjoy the white-sand beaches and translucent water.

 

Where to sleep in Anakao?

 

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What to do in Ambola?

Need to experience the unknown and relax? You won’t realize how lucky you are when stopping by Ambola! A great stop of this 3-week road trip in Southern Madagascar.

• Explore Tsimanampetsotsa National Park (try pronouncing it …). Besides it’s unpronounceable name, you will live an unique experience. Go meet blind fish, take pictures of thousands of years old Baobabs or giant pachypodiums and admire the 20km / 12.4 mile long salty lake.
• For the bravest, go explore the underground caves! Thrills guaranteed!
• If you are more of an ocean person, don’t worry Ambola has everything you need : snorkeling, canoeing, under-water fishing or even -if you are there during the right time-, observing whale during mating season.

 

Where to sleep in Ambola?

 

• High-end: At the Ambola Estate, you can relax on the private beach and enjoy snorkeling with (almost) no one around, next to the coral reef. The view from the estate is stunning, the restaurant serves great food, and the beds are comfortable! What more could you want?

 

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What to do in Itampolo?

You’ve always felt like Indiana Jones ? You are waiting for THE adventure of your life ? Itampolo is the right place for you !

• Go camping on the beach with friends or family. It will become one of your treasured memories from this 3-week road trip in Southern Madagascar.
• Stroll around the unique and colourful market of the city.
• Get splashed by the waves when cruising on a dugout.
• Live a simple and calm life hanging out with the welcoming locals.

 

Where to sleep in Itampolo?

 

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What to do in Lavanono?

A village famous for being a surf spot, Lavanono is also a fishermen’s village. The perfect place to relax during this 3-week road trip in Southern Madagascar.

• Get to know the traditional Malagasy way of life.
• Stroll along the beaches and relax.

 

Where to sleep in Lavanono?

 

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What to do in Ambovombe?

Ok, don’t be scared by this city’s description! Ambovombe is famous for the « havoria » which is a tradition where, after someone dies, the body is kept as long as possible … not buried.  But they have a good reason behind this tradition, death is celebrated which means they get to celebrate longer. Are you ready for this stop of the 3-week road trip in Southern Madagascar?

• Less than an hour away, go explore the Berenty Reserve, lemurs’ heaven. But not only! You fill also find reptiles, turtles, bats and hundreds of birds. If animals are not your thing, this might not be the best spot!
• A few km/miles away, join the Unicef team in Ambanisarika and help the poor and disadvantaged families, mainly the children.

 

Where to sleep in Ambovombe?

 

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What to do in Tolanaro?

Nature lovers, head to Tolanaro, this place will be paradise to you. It’s the perfect end to this 3-week road trip in Southern Madagascar.

• Go hiking up Saint-Louis peak where the landscapes will take your breath away. The view over the city is splendid!
• Go tan up a little on Libanona beach.
• No time to go to Latin America? Don’t worry! You will find Iguanidads in Tolanaro too. What are they? Iguanas’ close cousins.
• Explore the colonial city of Tolanaro.
• Tired of snorkeling? Try surfing or wind surfing!

 

Where to sleep in Tolanaro?

 

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Learn more about your road trip to Southern Madagascar…

 

• You want to know all the information about the country ? it’s here.
• To rent a car at the best price, we recommend this website.
• To book a flight at the best price, we recommend this website.
• You are looking for a great travel insurance for your 3-week road trip in Southern 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!

 

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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!