The Great Red Island Road Trip

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day in beautiful Morondava at your leisure. We recommend visiting the local market for a taste of the island culture and to see the colourful fresh produce. Alternatively, kick back on the idyllic beach, surrounded by crystal clear, turquoise waters. Overnight stay in Morondava.

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave laid-back Moronodava behind and return to Antsirabe, admiring the changing landscapes along the scenic 8-10 hour journey (499Km). Arrive and, depending on the time, spend the rest of the day exploring the city, the third-largest in the country. Overnight stay in Antsirabe.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, head to the Old Town of Fianarantsoa, one of the largest cities in the country and considered the capital of the Betsileo tribe. After a scenic journey of around 6 hours (240Km), traveling through the interior of the country, enjoy a fascinating city tour and visit a number of religious buildings and take a walk through both the upper and old city. Fianarantsoa is also known for its abundant vineyards. Transfer the hotel and overnight stay in Fianarantsoa.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive southwards today, to the region of Ihorombe, noticing the change of landscape from the green highlands to the dry granite formations of the 'gate of the south'. This is the land of the Baras community, one of the oldest ethnic groups in the country, known for their cattle herding. Pass by the Bishops Hat, a holy place for the locals until arriving at the small town of Ranohira after a journey of approximately 7 hours (295Km), situated in the Isalo Mountains. In the afternoon, enjoy watching the sunset from the 'Window of Isalo' viewpoint. Overnight stay in Ranohira.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, discover the unique sandstone formations of the Isalo National Park, where you can find a rugged mountain landscape with rock formations and caves. Despite the dry climate, there are many streams with crystal clear waters that run across the deep gorges and form luscious green oases. Enjoy the spectacular mountainous landscape of shimmering rocks, gorges and deep water-filled canyons, even in the dry season. After a short hike enjoy a well-deserved cool off in a natural pool. Afterwards, we recommend an optional trip to Bara Village in Maromaniry.* Overnight stay in Ranohira.

* Optional Bara Village Excursion: Observe village life in Bara, where the communities live in traditional mud houses and are experienced cattle breeders. Learn about their complex beliefs and wedding traditions for a unique insight into the Bara way of life.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, head to the beautiful coastal town of Ifaty, an ideal destination for hiking and discovering the local wildlife. Watch the idyllic landscapes of Madagascar pass by on the journey of approximately 6 hours (265Km). On arrival, stretch your legs in the thorny forest of Reniala Reserve, where you can find a number of typical plant species, endemic to southern Madagascar. Animal species of different types also find refuge in the forest. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Ifaty.

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, lounging on the pristine beaches or perhaps enjoying some snorkelling. Be sure to sample the local cuisine! Overnight stay in Ifaty.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, leave Ifaty and its beautiful beaches and head for Ambalavao, a journey of approximately 10 hours (488Km). Take a break along the way in Anja Park where you can look out for the iconic Katta Lemurs, a symbol of Madagascar. Meet these funny creatures and discover the beauty of this well-kept reserve. Continue the journey until you reach Balavao, to learn about the production of Temoro Paper at a local workshop, an ancient type of paper, similar to papyrus and embedded with flowers and leaves. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel in Ambalavao. Overnight stay in Ambalavao.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, experience another part of Madagascar's rich natural environment as you discover the deep rainforest of Ranomafana. After a journey of approximately 4 hours (125Km), arrive in Roanomafana, transfer to the hotel and once night falls, head out on an unforgettable nocturnal nature walk in the rainforest. Look out for lemurs, reptiles, birds and amphibians and be amazed by the diversity of the region. Overnight stay in Ranomafana.

Breakfast at the hotel. Wake up to the sounds of nature and set off on a visit to the Ranomafana National Park. It is one of the largest nebula rainforest reserves in the world with many endemic animal species to discover, such as birds, chameleons, butterflies, frogs or a dozen species of lemurs. Look out for the rare golden bamboo and lemurs. Get up close to the wildlife which is so characteristic of the country and fall in love with the perfect natural environment. For more wildlife spotting, enjoy an optional visit to the Chameleons of Arboretum.* Overnight stay in Ranomafana. 

* Optional Visit to the Chameleons of Arboretum: A colorful array of many different chameleon species inhabit this magnificent arboretum. Visit this natural paradise home to the biggest of its species, Parson's Chameleon or Calumma Parsonii, endemic to Madagascar. Learn about the fascinating science behind their incredible transformative abilities as they shift to different hues and degrees of brightness. An incredible natural sight to behold and an exceptional experience.

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave Ranomafana and its verdant landscape to return to Antsirabe, a colonial city, known for its abundant rickshaws, imported from India. Enjoy the scenic journey of approximately 6 hours (270Km) before arriving back in Antsirabe. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the local culture and relaxing at your own pace. Overnight stay in Antsirabe.