Discover Malagasy Arts and Life Along National Route 7 (RN7)
The arts and life of Madagascar will surprise you during your trip for along the RN7
The arts and life of Madagascar will surprise you during your trip. The Malagasy people are resourceful and resilient. The National Route 7 (RN7) is one of the most famous roads in the country, regarded as a main route. This name is well-known worldwide, as many countries use the same name for their roads—over 23 countries, including France, use RN7. In France, RN7 is also called “the holiday route” or “the blue route.” It was the longest and most beautiful road in the country, stretching 996 km.
In Madagascar, RN7 spans approximately 950 km, connecting Antananarivo, in the center of the island, to Toliara, on the southwest coast. This famous route is also a holiday road for tourists throughout the year, thanks to its stunning landscapes, national parks, villages, and natural monuments decorating the journey to Toliara.
Program for discovering the Malagasy arts and life in RN7
11 Days/10 nights
Day 1: Antananarivo
Antananarivo, the economic capital of Madagascar, is located in the province of Antananarivo in the Analamanga region, in the center of the island. The people of Antananarivo are called Antananariviens or Merina in Malagasy. The city is rich in history, with its name meaning “the city of a thousand” in Malagasy, founded in the 17th century by Merina kingdom leaders. Its population was around 3,209,993 in 2019. Antananarivo is divided into 6 districts and 192 fokontany (neighborhoods).
Upon arrival, your guide will greet you at the airport, holding a sign with your Trace Directe logo. After a warm welcome, your driver will take you directly to your hotel.
Overnight at Hotel Chat’o Parc.
Day 2: Antananarivo – Antsirabe
Early departure after breakfast, traveling through the heart of the capital towards the famous RN7. Along the way, we’ll witness the daily life of the highland people, predominantly the Merina ethnic group. Most Malagasy people (about 80%) are farmers. Leaving the city, you’ll see brickmakers at work, and traditional brick houses dominate the landscape.
At 30 km from the city, we’ll visit a small workshop producing raffia items.
Further along, at 70 km, we reach Ambatolampy, located at the base of the island’s third-highest peak. The town is known for its aluminum craftsmanship, where locals make various aluminum products such as cooking pots and home decorations.
Lunch in Antsirabe.
In the afternoon, explore Antsirabe and discover the talents of young local artists.
Overnight at Plumeria Hotel.
Day 3: Antsirabe – Ranomafana
Heading south, we encounter beautiful landscapes. At 20 km, you’ll see young cyclists carrying charcoal from their village to Antsirabe. In the village of Manandona, we’ll visit the local community to observe their daily life and homes.
Lunch in Ambositra, followed by our journey to Ranomafana.
Dinner and overnight at Centre-East Hotel.
Day 4: Ranomafana – Ambalavao
Morning visit to Ranomafana National Park, known for its unique biodiversity of flora and fauna from the eastern coast. After the park visit, we continue to Ambalavao.
Overnight at Bougainvilliers Hotel.
Day 5: Ambalavao – Isalo National Park
Early departure to visit the wild silk workshop at Soa Landy, a family business employing about 30 people. Then, we visit the Antemoro paper workshop.
After these visits, we proceed to Anja Park, a community-managed park known for its ring-tailed lemurs, chameleons, and snakes.
Overnight at H1 Hotel.
Day 6: Isalo National Park
Isalo National Park is the most visited in Madagascar, filled with panoramic views, canyons, and diverse flora and fauna. You’ll also have the chance to swim in a natural pool.
In the afternoon, visit the famous “Isalo Window.”
Overnight at H1 Hotel.
Day 7: Isalo – Mangily (Ifaty)
After exploring Isalo, we continue our journey, stopping at a sapphire village to witness the morning gemstone trade. We’ll also visit the Ilakaka quarry, where you’ll see various gemstones, including “GEMS,” which are often bought by international buyers.
Nearby is the Zombitse Vohibasia National Park, characterized by dry forests.
Overnight at Bella Donna Hotel.
Day 8: Mangily – Beach
After breakfast, we visit the Reniala Nature Reserve, guided by local experts. This reserve features unique plants, including spiny plants and baobabs, such as the Adansonia rubrostipa.
In the afternoon, we’ll meet the villagers and local artisans in the fishing village, with the opportunity to ride in a traditional zebu cart.
Overnight at Bella Donna Hotel.
Day 9: Beach Day
Enjoy a day of relaxation on the beach, with activities like water sports, massages, or boat excursions.
Swim in the Mozambique Channel, or take a sailing boat to view Africa’s largest coral reef.
Overnight at Bella Donna Hotel.
Day 10: Mangily – Toliara – Antananarivo
Transfer to Antananarivo by domestic flight, with a luggage allowance of 20 kg for checked baggage and 5 kg for carry-on.
Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to your hotel and, depending on the time, visit the Andravoahangy market for souvenir shopping.
Overnight at Hotel Chat’o Parc.
Day 11: Ambohimanga King’s Palace
If time permits, we’ll visit Ambohimanga, or the Blue Hill, to explore the history of Madagascar’s ancient kings and queens.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to the Diguel market for more souvenir shopping.
End of our service!
From €1810 per person
Based on two people
HALF-BOARD
10 nights / 11 days
Accessible all year round
Included in this price:
- Dinners during the trip
- Accommodation in comfort rooms with breakfast
- Rental of a 4×4 vehicle with driver and fuel
- Entrance tickets for the parks and services of a local guide
- Accompaniment by a national guide
- Hikes to Pic Caméléon
- Sea excursion to Ifaty Mangily
- All transfers included
- City tours of Tananarive
- Entrance ticket for Reniala
- A bottle of water provided during visits to parks and reserves
Not included:
- All lunches during the trip except for the picnic at Isalo National Park
- Tips for guides
- Other itineraries not mentioned in the above program
- Return flight ticket
Zamilane tours
Mail: contact@zamilanetravel.com
Contact whatsApp: +261348057042
Adresse: Lot 219 P/lle 12/21 22, Analakininina – Toamasina 501 – Madagascar