The South and the Far West Landscape
9 to 15 days
The gradual transition from rice paddies outside the capital to the appearance of large stone blocks and scattered tombs is a sign that you are entering the southern axis. This journey becomes even more intriguing on the Isalo Plateau, nicknamed the Malagasy Colorado, a must-visit highlight in the Southern circuit.
Day 1: Antananarivo – Antsirabe (approx. 3 hours by road)
Departure for Antsirabe via RN7, admiring vast rice fields, hills, and villages that characterize the highlands landscape. Brief stop in Ambatolampy, the first city specialized in traditional aluminum kitchenware manufacturing and a place to taste Malagasy foie gras before Behenjy. Arrival in the thermal city in the early afternoon. Check-in at a hotel** or ***. City tour in the afternoon, with the opportunity to try a rickshaw ride on the avenue.
Day 2: Antsirabe, the Thermal City, “the Malagasy Vichy”
Breakfast at the hotel, then explore the city. Visit workshops of miniature object makers, candy makers, a gemstone cutting workshop, and crafts made from zebu horns. Lunch on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Antsirabe – Ambositra – Fianarantsoa (approx. 4 hours by road)
Breakfast at the hotel and continue the journey passing through the capital of Malagasy craftsmanship, where you can visit stands showcasing sculptures and marquetry. Visit some shops or craft workshops in the city. Arrival in Fianarantsoa in the late afternoon and check-in at the hotel** or ***.
Day 4: Fianarantsoa – East Coast (FCE) – Manakara (approx. 10 hours or more by train)
The Betsileo capital, known for its numerous churches adorning the city’s heights. Early morning departure for the exceptional train route to Manakara. During the journey, experience sublime landscapes bordered by tropical vegetation, including hills and waterfalls. The train takes time to stop in 17 small villages; it’s a spectacular day with vendors rushing to offer their culinary specialties at the wagon windows. Arrival in Manakara in the early evening or later; expect the unexpected. Transfer and check-in at the seaside bungalow.
Day 5: Manakara and a section of the Pangalanes Canal
After breakfast, embark on a traditional canoe trip on the Pangalanes Canal. Along the water, experience the rhythm of local life, bamboo rafts carrying goods, and lush vegetation. Manakara is a small town with colonial buildings. Visit the fishing village and have direct contact with rural life. Night at the seaside hotel.
Day 6: Manakara – Ranomafana (approx. 4 hours by road)
Continue the journey by road to reach Ranomafana National Park, one of the most visited sites due to its rich natural diversity in fauna and flora. Arrive in Ranomafana in the afternoon, check-in at the hotel, and visit the village.
Day 7: Ranomafana
After breakfast, set off for a hiking tour in the national park, named for its hot spring. In the heart of the humid tropical forest, discover a hydroelectric dam, wildlife including lemurs, bats, amphibians, spiders, and butterflies. Depart for Fianarantsoa in the afternoon, check-in at the hotel** or ***.
Day 8: Fianarantsoa – Ambalavao – Ranohira (approx. 5 hours by road)
Breakfast at the hotel before continuing south. Ambalavao, a town surrounded by vineyards, with terraced rice fields shaped by the relief. Visit an Antaimoro paper factory. Free lunch. Afterward, visit the Anja Village Park. Arrive in Ranohira and check-in at the hotel** or ***.
Day 9: Isalo National Park
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by car to reach Isalo National Park, the landscape reminiscent of the Malagasy Far West. A full-day visit to admire the flora and fauna in the park and natural pools. Free picnic lunch. Towards the late afternoon, witness the sunset at the famous “Isalo Window.” Night and accommodation at the hotel.
Day 10: Ranohira – Tuléar – Ifaty
Continuing on RN7, crossing landscapes revealing various types of vegetation (cacti, aloes, pachypodiums, dwarf baobabs, baobabs), and observing Mahafaly tombs adorned with zebu horns, symbols of family wealth. Visit the seashell market and the town of Tuléar. Then, proceed to the fishing village boasting the most beautiful beach in the south, Ifaty. Night at the hotel** or ***.
Day 11/12: Ifaty
Free day dedicated to the beach. Possibility to visit dry forest reserves where bottle-shaped baobabs are found. Lobster day. Night at the hotel.
Day 13: Ifaty – Tuléar
Return to Tuléar and transfer to the airport for the flight to the capital. Visit the Malagasy capital, shop for souvenirs, and transfer to the international airport. End of the journey !
