Ranomafana, which means “hot water” in Malagasy, is an iconic national park set in lush tropical rainforest. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site within the Rainforests of the Atsinanana, this 41,000-hectare park shelters an astonishing array of wildlife. Walking along the winding jungle trails, you might spot several species of lemurs – including the extremely rare golden bamboo lemur first discovered here. Waterfalls, streams, and tree ferns create an enchanting backdrop for hikers of all levels.
| Day | Itinerary | Main Activities | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Antananarivo → Antsirabe (170 km, approx. 4h drive) | Scenic drive to the Highlands. Afternoon in Antsirabe: tour of the town by pousse-pousse (rickshaw), with visits to local artisan workshops. | Overnight in Antsirabe (charming family-run hotel) |
| Day 2 | Antsirabe → Ranomafana (240 km, approx. 6-7h drive) | Stop in Ambositra en route to admire Zafimaniry woodcarvings. Arrive in Ranomafana by late afternoon; relax at the hot springs or take a night walk to spot nocturnal lemurs. | Overnight in Ranomafana (eco-lodge near the park) |
| Day 3 | Ranomafana National Park | Full day exploring the park with a guide: rainforest hike in search of lemurs, birds and chameleons. Free afternoon to enjoy the natural hot-spring pool or wander through the village. | Overnight in Ranomafana (same lodge as Day 2) |
| Day 4 | Ranomafana → Ambalavao → Isalo (300 km approx. 7h drive) | Early departure south through scenic rice-farming landscapes. Morning stop at Anja Reserve near Ambalavao to see ring-tailed lemurs. Continue to the Isalo Massif. | Overnight in Ranohira (bungalow at the foot of Isalo) |
| Day 5 | Isalo National Park | Day dedicated to discovering Isalo: walk to the Natural Pool for a refreshing swim; excursion to the Canyon of the Makis (chance to spot lemurs) with picnic lunch in the park. Enjoy a beautiful sunset at the iconic Isalo Window. | Overnight in Ranohira (same bungalow as Day 4) |
| Day 6 | Isalo → Ifaty (240 km approx. 5h drive) | Morning drive toward Tuléar through rural southern villages. Early afternoon arrival on the Mozambique Channel coast at Ifaty. Relax on the beach: swimming, snorkeling, or a lagoon-side massage. | Overnight in Ifaty (beachfront bungalow) |
| Day 7 | Ifaty | Seaside relaxation by the lagoon. Optional activities: traditional pirogue sailboat trip on the sea, scuba diving on the coral reef, or a morning visit to the baobab forest at Reniala Reserve to spot local wildlife. Final evening with feet in the sand, savoring a fresh seafood dinner. | Overnight in Ifaty (same bungalow as Day 6) |
Madagascar can be visited year-round, but the dry season from April to October is generally considered the best time. During these months the weather is drier and sunnier, making road travel and outdoor activities easier. The months of May–June and September–October in particular offer very pleasant temperatures (neither too hot nor too humid) and lush green scenery just after the rains.
By contrast, the rainy season (November to March) can make some roads difficult and heavy tropical downpours are frequent, especially from January to March when there’s a risk of coastal cyclones. If you plan a one-week tour during this period, allow for more flexibility in your itinerary. Note, however, that even in the wet season some regions (such as the Highlands or the far south) are partly spared from the rain and can have favorable weather windows. A possible bonus from July to September is the chance to see humpback whales off the east coast (Île Sainte-Marie), which might influence your choice of dates if that’s on your wish list.
The budget for a one-week tour in Madagascar can vary depending on your travel style and desired comfort level. If you opt for a private organized tour with a local agency (including private vehicle, driver-guide, accommodations, meals, and activities), expect to spend on average between €800 and €1,500 per person, not including international flights. The exact cost will depend on the standard of hotels chosen (simple guesthouses, comfortable eco-lodges, or luxury hotels), the number of travelers in your group (larger groups benefit from economies of scale), and any optional activities added to the program.
For budget-conscious travelers planning everything on their own, it is possible to spend less (for example, staying in homestays or small hotels, using taxi-brousse for transport, eating at local eateries). However, a DIY adventure requires more time and logistics, which can be challenging for a trip of only one week. Don’t forget to also factor in the price of flights to Antananarivo (around €700 to €1,200 from Europe, depending on the season) and budget for personal expenses, tips, and any unexpected costs.
Absolutely! A well-planned one-week itinerary can definitely suit a family, even with young children. The key is to adopt a moderate pace and include stops where kids can play and marvel at new things. Madagascar offers plenty of family-friendly activities: wildlife encounters (lemurs fascinate both little ones and adults), accessible nature walks, swims in natural pools or the sea, and fun discoveries of local life (such as touring in a pousse-pousse or visiting craft workshops where kids can participate). By avoiding overly long days on the road and staying at least two nights in each main location, the journey will be enjoyable and relaxing for everyone.
Travel facilities in Madagascar have improved for families: many hotels offer family rooms or bungalows, sometimes with pools and child-friendly menus. Having a local English-speaking guide can be very helpful for managing logistics and scheduling breaks at the right times. For an even smoother experience, consider booking with Mada Tours Guide, you’ll benefit from our experience in organizing tailor-made family tours, ensuring safety, flexibility, and kid-friendly activities for a successful trip with your children.
For a tourist stay of one week in Madagascar, a visa is required for most nationalities (including travelers from Europe, the UK, the US, and Australia). The good news is that a short-stay visa (up to 30 days) is very easy to obtain: either in advance via an online e-visa application, or directly upon arrival at Antananarivo’s airport. Plan for around €35 in cash for the visa on arrival fee (amount subject to change). Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date and has blank pages for the visa. No specific vaccinations are required to enter Madagascar (except yellow fever if you are coming from a country where it’s present).
On the health side, it’s strongly recommended to be up to date on routine vaccinations (such as tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and hepatitis A and B, and typhoid). A preventive anti-malaria treatment is also advised, as malaria is present throughout Madagascar (you should also bring effective mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves and pants in the evenings). Pack a small basic medical kit (anti-diarrhea medication, pain relievers, antiseptic, bandages) and don’t forget to purchase travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergency evacuation. This will ensure you have a safe and worry-free trip.
Travel during a one-week tour of Madagascar is generally by road, in a private vehicle with a driver (if you’re on an organized tour). Major routes, like the RN7 highway used in our example itinerary, are paved and connect the main cities and parks. However, average speeds remain low (often 50–60 km/h) due to variable road conditions and local traffic. Your driver-guide will adjust the driving and schedule regular breaks for your comfort, especially if you’re traveling with children. Going by private 4×4 also offers the flexibility to stop along the way to admire a view, take photos, or enjoy an impromptu village market.
For independent travelers, there are taxi-brousse (local shared minibuses) that link major towns, but they are slow and crowded – which is hard to fit with a tight one-week schedule. Domestic flights are infrequent and expensive, and for a one-week tour concentrated in one region, they usually aren’t necessary. In summary, the most efficient and comfortable way to get around on a 7-day Madagascar itinerary is by private vehicle with a driver, ideally arranged through an agency that handles the logistics for you. This lets you relax and enjoy the journey without the stress of navigation or the unpredictability of public transport.
Helinirina Raharomanana is an independent guide, founder, and manager of the agency Madagascar Tours Guide. With extensive experience in the tourism industry, he specializes in organizing tailor-made trips across the entire Malagasy territory. Collaborating with a team of experienced guides and drivers, he is dedicated to providing an in-depth exploration of Madagascar’s landscapes, traditions, and customs.
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