Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar

12-Day Highlights of Madagascar - Roadtrip

5.0 / 5 · 5 reviews Offered by Map2Africa 12-Day

Overview

Embark on this road trip along the legendary Route Nationale 7. This 1,000-kilometer journey is a kaleidoscope of changing landscapes and ancient cultures. From Antananarivo, to terraced rice fields of the highlands, trekking the emerald rainforests of Ranomafana and navigate the dramatic sandstone canyons of Isalo. Discover hidden workshops of master woodcarvers and paper-makers before descending into the desert plains of the South. Your adventure concludes in a coastal paradise of Ifaty.

Plan snapshot

Quick Facts

Tour details

Duration

12-Day

Route

Antananarivo to Antananarivo (City) (Day 11-12)

Via Antsirabe (City), Ranomafana NP, Ambalavao (City)

Country & park

Madagascar / Ranomafana National Park

Style

Mid-range safari

Group size

1-12 travelers

Starts

Any day if available

Minimum age

1 years

Activities

game drives, nature hikes/walks & canoe/mokoro safaris

Accommodation

Boutique Hôtel La Varangue - Mid-range hotel in Antananarivo (City) – Dinner Included

Meals

Dinner Included; All Meals Included

Pickup

Airport transfer included

Booking

Request quote

Currency

USD

Rates

Rates Per Person

USD

Start datesSingle2+ people

Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026 $4,882 USD $3,006 USD

Before booking

Important To Know

Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.

This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).

This tour accepts children who are 1 year and older. Children under 6 receive a discount.

Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. Flights may cost more, depending on travel dates. If so, your quote will reflect this.

Quote flow

Request Guidance

We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()

Requests are sent directly to the tour operator

If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly

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Route

country Madagascar

Start Antananarivo (Day 1)

Day 2 Antsirabe (City)

Day 3-4 Ranomafana NP

Day 5 Ambalavao (City)

Day 6 Ranohira (Town)

Day 7 Isalo NP

Day 8-10 Ifaty (Town & Beach)

End Antananarivo (City) (Day 11-12)

Tour Features

Mid-range tour

This mid-range tour uses lodges and hotels.

Private tour

This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.

Can start any day

If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.

Can be customized

You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.

Suitable for solo travelers

Solo travelers can book this private tour.

Minimum age of 1 year

The minimum age for this tour is 1 year.

Activities & Transportation

Activities: game drives, nature hikes/walks & canoe/mokoro safaris

Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle

Getting around: minivan, normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer

This operator can book your international flights

A transfer from and back to the airport is included

Accommodation & Meals

Day 1

Boutique Hôtel La Varangue

Mid-range hotel in Antananarivo (City) – Dinner Included

Dinner Included

Day 2

Plumeria Hotel

Mid-range hotel in Antsirabe (City) – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Day 3-4

Hotel Thermal Ranomafana

Mid-range hotel just outside Ranomafana NP – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Day 5

Betsileo Country Lodge

Mid-range lodge near Ambalavao (City) – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Day 6-7

Le Jardin du Roy

Mid-range hotel just outside Isalo NP – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Day 8-10

Le Paradisier

Mid-range lodge in Ifaty (Town & Beach) – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Day 11

Boutique Hôtel La Varangue

Mid-range hotel in Antananarivo (City) – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Day 12

End of tour

No accommodation

(No accommodation)

All Meals Included

Day By Day

Tour step

Arrival

You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day 1

International Arrival in Antananarivo

Your Malagasy adventure begins today! Upon landing at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, you will be greeted with a warm Meet-and-Greet by your local representative, who will then smoothly transfer you to your hotel. Settle into your room and take some time to refresh after your journey. Dinner and overnight at La Varangue Boutique Hotel. Mid-range hotel located in Antananarivo (City) Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included) Drinks not included

Destination: Antananarivo (City) Stay: Boutique Hôtel La Varangue Mid-range hotel located in Antananarivo (City) Meals: Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included) Drinks not included

Day 2

Antananarivo - Antsirabe

After breakfast, you will head to Antsirabe (170 km, around 5 hours), stopping at the village of Ambatolampy to see the traditional Malagasy craft of aluminum pot-making. Visitors can witness the entire transformation of recycled metal—often salvaged from car engine parts or hubcaps—into polished cookware. Following the visit, you will continue to Antsirabe and enjoy a brief city tour of the town. Antsirabe is Madagascar’s third-largest city and the heart of the Central Highlands. Founded in 1869 by Norwegian missionaries, the city became a refined retreat under French rule due to its thermal springs. Stops may include Marché Sabotsy, the city’s main market, and the gemstone stalls opposite Le Trianon Hotel, showcasing locally sourced stones. In the afternoon, you will visit Tritriva Crater’s Lake. A visit to Lac Tritriva (Tritrivakely) offers a journey into the heart of Highland mysticism. Dinner and overnight at Plumerie Hotel. Mid-range hotel located in Antsirabe (City) All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Antsirabe (City) Stay: Plumeria Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Antsirabe (City) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included

Day 3

Antsirabe - Ranomafana via Ambositra

After breakfast, you will drive to Ranomafana with a stop at Ambositra, renowned as the center of Madagascar's wood-carving industry. Known as the "Place of Many Zebus", Ambositra is the undisputed capital of Malagasy craftsmanship. Workshops produce carved sculptures, coffers, armchairs, statuettes, rosewood boxes, finely inlaid marquetry pieces, as well as raffia baskets and polished stones. Most artisans work and sell directly from workshops clustered around the western side of the town’s central ring road. You will continue driving to Ranomafana. In the evening, you will take part in a guided night walk outside Ranomafana National Park, offering the chance to spot nocturnal wildlife. Nocturnal Fauna: Lemurs & Mammals, Chameleons and more. Dinner and overnight at Thermal Hotel. Mid-range hotel located just outside Ranomafana NP All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Ranomafana National Park Stay: Hotel Thermal Ranomafana Mid-range hotel located just outside Ranomafana NP Meals: All meals included Drinks not included

Day 4

Ranomafana National Park

Ranomafana, meaning “warm water”, is a 43,550-hectare UNESCO World Heritage site and a crown jewel of Madagascar’s eastern escarpment. Botanical Highlights & Flora: The forest is home to 938 plant species, including 705 endemics. Wildlife Highlights: ● Lemurs (12–14 species): The park’s superstars are the golden bamboo lemur (Hapalemur aureus). ● Avifauna: Over 115 species are recorded, including the pitta-like ground-roller (Atelornis pittoides). ● Reptiles & Amphibians: A hotspot for herpetology with over 100 frog species, chameleons and geckos. In the afternoon, you may choose between optional visits or relaxing at your hotel. Option 1: Canoe trip - Canoe trip on the Namorona River offers a unique perspective of the Ranomafana rainforest. Option 2: Visit to a vanilla farm - offering a deep insight into how local farmers are transitioning from traditional subsistence methods to sustainable, forest-friendly livelihoods. Dinner and overnight at Thermal Hotel. Mid-range hotel located just outside Ranomafana NP All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Ranomafana National Park Stay: Hotel Thermal Ranomafana Mid-range hotel located just outside Ranomafana NP Meals: All meals included Drinks not included

Day 5

Ranomafana - Ambalavao via Fianarantsoa

After breakfast, you will drive to Ambalavao, with occasional stops along the way. Your first stop will be in Fianarantsoa, where you will visit the Upper City. Founded in 1830 by Queen Ranavalona I to serve as the "southern twin" of Antananarivo, the Haute-Ville (Tanana Ambony) is the cultural and spiritual heart of the Betsileo capital. Following the visit, you will drive further south to Ambalavao to explore local art, handicrafts, and traditional know-how. Visit the Antemoro Paper Factory to discover the traditional art of handmade paper. The paper’s name refers to the Antemoro (Antaimoro) people of the southeastern coast. Descendants of Arab or Swahili settlers from the 15th century, they were the first to bring literacy to Madagascar. You will then visit Soa Landy, known for its traditional silk production. A visit to Soalandy ("Beautiful Silkworm") provides a rare look at the production of Madagascar's prized wild silk. Dinner and overnight at Betsileo Country Lodge. Mid-range lodge located near Ambalavao (City) All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Ambalavao (City) Stay: Betsileo Country Lodge Mid-range lodge located near Ambalavao (City) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included

Day 6

Ambalavao - Ranohira

After breakfast, you will visit Anja Community Reserve, a community-run reserve known for its ring-tailed lemurs and scenic granite landscapes. Located 11km south of Ambalavao on the RN7, Anja Community Reserve is one of Madagascar's most celebrated success stories. The Iconic Ring-Tailed Lemurs (Lemur catta): Anja is world-famous for its highly habituated population of ring-tailed lemurs. Since the reserve was established in 1999, the population has thrived, growing from 150 to over 400 individuals. The Trails: ● Wildlife Walk (1–2 hours): focusing on lemur photography and birdwatching. ● The Summit Trek: For active travelers, a more strenuous scramble leads to the top of the granite domes (1,300m altitude) for panoramic views of the highland plains. Following the visit, you will head to Ranohira. In the evening, you will enjoy a sunset at Isalo Window. The Isalo Window is one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks in Madagascar. Dinner and overnight at Jardin du Roy. Mid-range hotel located just outside Isalo NP All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Ranohira (Town) Stay: Le Jardin du Roy Mid-range hotel located just outside Isalo NP Meals: All meals included Drinks not included

Day 7

Isalo National Park

After breakfast, you will set out for a full day exploration of Isalo National Park. Often called the "Grand Canyon of Madagascar," Isalo National Park is a breathtaking 810-square-kilometre sandstone massif that dates back to the Jurassic era. Activities & Hiking: ● Natural Pools: The most iconic hike leads to the Piscine Naturelle, a crystal-clear green pool fed by a waterfall and shaded by tropical palms—a true oasis in the desert. ● Canyons & Gorges: Explore the Canyon des Makis and Canyon des Singes, where the vertical walls provide sanctuary for lemurs. ● Adventure: Beyond hiking, the park offers via ferrata (climbing routes), equestrian trails, and 4WD circuits through the Malaso area. ● Grand Tour: For serious trekkers, a 6–7 day circuit covers 80km, including a visit to the historic Portuguese Grotto. Wildlife & Flora: Lemurs, Endemic Fauna, Specialized Flora Sundowner, dinner and overnight at Jardin du Roy. Mid-range hotel located just outside Isalo NP All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Isalo National Park Stay: Le Jardin du Roy Mid-range hotel located just outside Isalo NP Meals: All meals included Drinks not included

Day 8

Ranohira - Ifaty

After breakfast, you will drive to Toliara, passing through the scenic landscapes of southern Madagascar. The day’s highlight includes a visit to the Antsokay Arboretum, home to a collection of rare succulents and medicinal plants. Located 12km southeast of Toliara (Tuléar) near the terminus of the RN7, the Arboretum d’Antsokay is the premier botanical destination in southwest Madagascar. Established in 1980 by Swiss botanist Hermann Petignat, this 40-hectare reserve serves as a "distillation" of the region's bizarre and beautiful spiny forest flora, concentrating 900 plant species—90% of which are medicinal or endemic—in one accessible location. The collection features a lifetime of botanical collecting, including the "Napoleon’s Hat" (Kalanchoe beharensis), the Elephant’s Trunk Tree (Operculicarya pachypus), and the armored Pachypodium lamerei. Following the visit, you will head to Ifaty. Dinner and overnight at Le Paradisier. Mid-range lodge located in Ifaty (Town & Beach) All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Ifaty (Town & Beach) Stay: Le Paradisier Mid-range lodge located in Ifaty (Town & Beach) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included

Day 9

Ifaty

Day at leisure on a half-board basis at Le Paradisier. You are free to explore at your own pace. Here are some of the activities available during your stay (not included in the price) ● Whale Watching: Take a seasonal boat trip between July and September to observe humpback whales migrating through the Mozambique Channel. ● Reniala Reserve: Guided Visit Walk through this 60-hectare reserve to see a high concentration of ancient fony baobabs, "octopus trees," and specialized desert flora. ● Turtle Village: Visit this conservation sanctuary to observe over 1,000 endangered radiated and spider tortoises and see their hatchling nursery. ● Quad-Biking or Motorcycling: Hire a quad or motorbike to independently explore the sandy coastal roads and the unique spiny forest interior. ● Mosa Park: Guided walks through small private reserves offer chances to spot specialized wildlife, including the nocturnal grey-brown mouse lemur and various chameleons. Mid-range lodge located in Ifaty (Town & Beach) All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Ifaty (Town & Beach) Stay: Le Paradisier Mid-range lodge located in Ifaty (Town & Beach) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included

Day 10

Ifaty

Destination: Ifaty (Town & Beach) Stay: Le Paradisier Mid-range lodge located in Ifaty (Town & Beach) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included

Day 11

Ifaty - Toliara - Antananarivo

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Toliara Airport for your domestic flight to Antananarivo. Your driver and guide will meet you upon arrival in Antananarivo to take you straight to Lemurs’ Park. In the afternoon, you will head to Lemurs’ Park for an up-close encounter with Madagascar’s iconic lemurs. Lemurs’ Park is a private reserve that serves as a sanctuary for nine species of free-roaming lemurs. Set within 5 hectares of bamboo groves and botanical gardens along the Katsaoka River, it offers the most accessible wildlife experience for travelers arriving in or departing from the capital. Free-Roaming Primates: The park is home to approximately 50 lemurs that roam freely. They are highly habituated to humans, allowing for guaranteed, up-close photography. Key Species: * The "Dancing" Sifaka: Observe the elegant Coquerel’s sifaka, famous for its sideways leaping "dance." Dinner and overnight at La Varangue Boutique Hotel. Mid-range hotel located in Antananarivo (City) All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Antananarivo (City) Stay: Boutique Hôtel La Varangue Mid-range hotel located in Antananarivo (City) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included

Day 12

International Departure from Antananarivo

After breakfast, you will visit the upper city of Antananarivo. Perched at an altitude of 1,400m, the Haute-Ville (Upper City) is the soul of Antananarivo. It occupies the narrow, steep ridges where the Merina royalty first established their seat of power. Walking these cobblestone streets offers a journey through French colonial architecture and traditional two-story brick houses, all while overlooking the sprawling "City of a Thousand" below. Rova Antananarivo (The Queen’s Palace): The Crown of Tana Architectural Evolution: Originally a wooden structure built for Queen Ranavalona Sacred Grounds: - Cultural Tip: It is strictly fady to point your finger directly at the royal tombs or the palace; use a tucked-in knuckle if you must gesture. Panoramic Vistas: The Rova offers the best 360-degree views Musée de la Photographie de Madagascar: A Visual Archive & Immersive Exhibits Following the visit, you will be transferred to Ivato Airport for your international flight. All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Antananarivo (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included

Tour step

End of tour

Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.

Included

Park fees (For non-residents)

All activities (Unless labeled as optional)

All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)

A professional driver/guide

All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)

All flights during the tour

All Taxes/VAT

Roundtrip airport transfer

Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Excluded

International flights (From/to home)

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)

Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

Drinks

Getting There

This tour starts and ends in Antananarivo

This operator can book your international flights

Fly to/from Ivato International Airport (TNR - Check price)

A transfer from and back to the airport is included

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost

Offered by

Map2Africa

5.0 operator rating 5 reviews

Map2Africa is a distinguished travel agency specializing in bespoke luxury travel and safari experiences across Africa. With over 30 years of combined expertise in the African travel industry, we are committed to crafting exceptional and personalized journeys that cater to the unique needs and budgets of our clients. Our destinations are all over Southern Africa, Eastern Africa & the Indian Ocean from camping to luxury lodges, from unbelievable wildlife experiences to Romantic beach holidays

Office In

South Africa

Size

1-5 employees (Founded in 2020)

Member Of

APTA, SATSA & SATIB

Tour Types

Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day

Destinations

Botswana, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo (DRC), Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Réunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

View operator profile

Traveler feedback

Reviews

5.00 average

Overall

5.0/5

Communication

5.0/5

Accuracy

5.0/5

Value

5.0/5

Safety clarity

5.0/5

Cultural value

5.0/5

Verified

Holiday of a lifetime!

We were a party of 7 from SA and Germany. We had the absolute time of our lives! The communication was great, we wanted to (try) and see as much of Namibia as we could in 9 days. We went to various different places, saw all the must-sees and finished strong in Erongo, which was so luxurious. The value for money was incredible and in general the trip was hassle free, as everything was planned in advance for us. We will definitely book here again.

Jeanne · Germany

Verified

A perfect trip, organized by Marietjie (Map2Africa)!

A perfect trip, that's what Map2Africa arranged for us! Everything was perfectly prepared and send via an app to us. It helped us a lot during our trip. We liked the spots and lodges Marietjie choose for us very much, even as the arranged activities. This will be a trip we'll never forget. It was not the first holiday Marietjie arranged for us and it will definitly not be the last.

Hans & Irma · Netherlands

Verified

A perfect full service operator for individual planned experiences

Marietjie organised an unforgettable self drive trip to Namibia and Botswana for us. From the first initial contact till the last day of the trip everything se did was perfect. A very well set up itinerary, a very good travel app and a perfect follow up also during the trip making sure all went well. Specially the latter is something which we have not encountered in such extend before and was much appreciated. We recommend Marietjie and Map 2 Africa to everyone planning a trip to any of their destinations in Africa.

Nico & Petra · Cyprus

Verified

Still most exciting and favorite trip EVER

My wife and I used them to arrange a self-drive safari through Botswana and into Zimbabwe for the falls. The trip was flawless and it has remained our favorite travel ever. They helped with changes and suggestions throughout the process. Communication was through and timely. I HIGHLY recommend them.

Russ Duker · United States

Practical answers

Tour FAQs

8 answers

Are rates charged per person?

Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.

Which currency is this tour priced in?

This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).

Can children join this tour?

This tour accepts children who are 1 year and older. Children under 6 receive a discount.

Can this tour start on my preferred date?

If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.

Can the itinerary be customized?

You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.

Where do travelers stay during this tour?

Boutique Hôtel La Varangue - Mid-range hotel in Antananarivo (City) – Dinner Included. Meals: Dinner Included

Where does this tour start and end?

This tour starts and ends in Antananarivo

Are airport transfers included?

A transfer from and back to the airport is included

Operator policy

Terms and Conditions

Booking terms

Disclaimer

This tour is offered by Map2Africa, not SafariBookings.

This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.

If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.

Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.

The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.

If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.

This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Map2Africa.

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