The Route Nationale 7 runs about 950 km from Antananarivo to Toliara in the south-west. It is the most popular road trip in Madagascar because it crosses almost every landscape the island has: highlands, rainforest, savannah, canyons and spiny forest.
How many days do you need?
Ten days is comfortable. Eight is possible if you skip Ranomafana or spend less time in Isalo. Roads are paved but slow, with villages, zebu carts and potholes, so plan for 40-50 km per hour on average.
Classic stops
- Antsirabe: colonial architecture, rickshaws and gem workshops.
- Ranomafana: rainforest walks for golden bamboo lemurs, plus hot springs.
- Ambalavao: Antaimoro paper making and the Anja community reserve with ring-tailed lemurs.
- Isalo: canyon hikes that end at natural swimming pools.
- Ifaty: baobab forest and a few days on the beach to finish.
Why travel with a private driver
Your driver knows where to stop for lunch, which guides to call in each park and how long each stretch really takes. You travel at your own pace, and you can change the plan along the way.
Our Southern Road Trip: RN7 to Ifaty tour follows this route and can be adjusted in your quotation.