South Madagascar Circuit 11 Days / 10 Nights: Complete Program
In summary: Our 11-day / 10-night South Madagascar circuit is our flagship tour. Departing from Antananarivo, you will cross the highlands all the way to the southwest coast through unforgettable landscapes: the spa town of Antsirabe, the rainforest of Ranomafana with its lemurs, the spectacular canyons of Isalo, and the turquoise waters of Ifaty beach. An all-inclusive circuit with English-speaking driver-guide, first-class hotels and a return domestic flight included. From 1,590 EUR per person (July-August 2026, 3-star hotels).
Program overview
| Day | Stage | Distance | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Europe to Antananarivo | International flight | Chalet des Roses 3* / Novotel 4* |
| Day 2 | Antananarivo to Antsirabe | 170 km (~5h) | Soa Guest House / Aro Hotel 4* |
| Day 3 | Antsirabe to Ranomafana | 240 km (~8h) | Hotel Le Grenat 3* / Centrest Sejour 3* |
| Day 4 | Ranomafana (full day) | — | Hotel Le Grenat 3* / Centrest Sejour 3* |
| Day 5 | Ranomafana to Isalo | 360 km (~9h) | Isalo Ranch 3* / Isalo Rock Lodge 4* |
| Day 6 | Isalo (full day) | — | Isalo Ranch 3* / Isalo Rock Lodge 4* |
| Day 7 | Isalo to Tulear to Ifaty | 255 km (~6h) | Dunes d'Ifaty 3* / Le Paradisier 4* |
| Days 8 and 9 | Ifaty (free beach days) | — | Dunes d'Ifaty 3* / Le Paradisier 4* |
| Day 10 | Ifaty to Antananarivo (flight included) | Domestic flight | Chalet des Roses 3* / Novotel 4* |
| Day 11 | Antananarivo to Europe | International flight | — |
Detailed day-by-day program
Day 1 — Europe to Antananarivo
International flight to Madagascar. On arrival at Ivato International Airport, you are welcomed by our fully English-speaking team. Private transfer to your hotel. Rest and dinner at leisure.
Transport: Private airport-hotel transfer |
Meals: At leisure |
Accommodation: Chalet des Roses 3* or Novotel Convention & Spa 4*
Day 2 — Antananarivo to Antsirabe (170 km, ~5h)
Departure for Antsirabe, the "City of Water", founded by Norwegian missionaries at 1,500 m altitude. En route, stop in Ambatolampy, the blacksmith town, to visit a traditional foundry with truly impressive casting techniques. Afternoon in Antsirabe: panoramic city tour by pousse-pousse (rickshaw), visit to a zebu horn handicraft workshop and a recycled metal miniature objects workshop.
Transport: Private vehicle + English-speaking driver-guide, rickshaw |
Meals: Breakfast included |
Accommodation: Soa Guest House or Aro Hotel 4*
Day 3 — Antsirabe to Ranomafana (240 km, ~8h)
A long but scenic drive eastward through green hills and typical Malagasy rice paddies. Discover the iconic Ravinala trees (Traveller's Palms), the emblem of Madagascar. En route, visit a sculpture workshop to discover the traditional wood-carving techniques of the Zafimaniry people, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.
Transport: Private vehicle + English-speaking driver-guide |
Meals: Breakfast included |
Accommodation: Hotel Le Grenat 3* or Centrest Sejour 3*
Day 4 — Ranomafana (full day)
A full day dedicated to Ranomafana National Park, one of Madagascar's best-preserved rainforests. With an English-speaking guide, discover hundreds of endemic species: 12 species of lemurs, reptiles, amphibians and rare birds. Natural hot springs. In the evening, a night walk in the park to observe nocturnal species coming alive at dusk — an experience not to be missed.
Transport: Private vehicle + English-speaking driver-guide |
Meals: Breakfast included |
Accommodation: Hotel Le Grenat 3* or Centrest Sejour 3*
Day 5 — Ranomafana to Isalo (360 km, ~9h)
The longest driving day, but full of discoveries. Stop in Ambalavao, home to one of Madagascar's largest zebu markets and a notable wine-producing region. Then visit the Anja Community Reserve, a sanctuary for ring-tailed lemurs — one of the easiest and most rewarding places in Madagascar to observe and interact with these animals up close. The landscape gradually transforms from lush green hills to the vast red sandstone formations of the Isalo massif. Arrive in Ranohira in the evening.
Transport: Private vehicle + English-speaking driver-guide |
Meals: Breakfast included |
Accommodation: Isalo Ranch 3* or Isalo Rock Lodge 4*
Day 6 — Isalo National Park (full day)
A full day hiking in Isalo National Park with an English-speaking guide. This eroded sandstone massif offers breathtaking landscapes worthy of a western film. The hike winds through dramatic canyons, past a waterfall, and leads to the stunning Blue Natural Pool — perfect for a refreshing swim — then on to the Black Pool. Dancing sifaka lemurs are often spotted along the trail. An absolutely unforgettable day.
Transport: Private vehicle + English-speaking driver-guide |
Meals: Breakfast included |
Accommodation: Isalo Ranch 3* or Isalo Rock Lodge 4*
Day 7 — Isalo to Tulear to Ifaty (255 km, ~6h)
Drive toward the southwest coast through the spiny bush typical of southern Madagascar. Arrive at Ifaty, a charming beach resort 25 km north of Tulear, on the edge of the Mozambique Channel. Turquoise waters, an exceptional coral reef and swaying palm trees make Ifaty one of Madagascar's most beautiful beach destinations. Hotel check-in and first evening by the ocean.
Transport: Private vehicle + English-speaking driver-guide |
Meals: Breakfast included |
Accommodation: Dunes d'Ifaty 3* or Le Paradisier 4*
Days 8 and 9 — Ifaty (free days)
Two completely free days to enjoy the beach, the Indian Ocean and the relaxed atmosphere of Ifaty. Optional activities available: scuba diving or snorkeling on the coral reef, pirogue canoe excursion, visit to a Vezo village (Madagascar's nomadic sea-fishing people), whale watching (in season, July-September). Or simply: sun, fresh seafood and spectacular sunsets.
Transport: At leisure |
Meals: Breakfast included |
Accommodation: Dunes d'Ifaty 3* or Le Paradisier 4*
Day 10 — Ifaty to Antananarivo (domestic flight included)
Private transfer to Tulear Airport for your domestic flight to Antananarivo with Tsaradia Airlines (~45 min). This flight is included in the circuit price. Welcome on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Last night in Antananarivo.
Transport: Private transfer + domestic flight Tulear-Antananarivo (included) |
Meals: Breakfast included |
Accommodation: Chalet des Roses 3* or Novotel Convention & Spa 4*
Day 11 — Antananarivo to Europe
Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer to Ivato International Airport. End of our services. Safe travels home!
Transport: Private transfer to airport |
Meals: Breakfast included
Prices (July – August 2026)
Price per person — from 2 adults
| Hotel category | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 3-star Hotels | 1,590 EUR |
| 4-star Hotels | 1,990 EUR |
Rates valid for 10 days from the date of receipt. Based on 2 adults travelling together.
What's included and not included
Included in the price
- Domestic flight Tulear — Antananarivo (Tsaradia)
- Private vehicle with fuel throughout the tour
- English-speaking driver-guide throughout the trip
- 10 nights in first-class hotels
- Breakfast every morning
- All visits and activities in the program
- Park entrance fees: Ranomafana, Anja Reserve, Isalo
- Guide fees at each park
- 1 bottle of water per person per day
- All airport-hotel transfers
Not included
- Madagascar entry visa
- Travel and repatriation insurance
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Guide gratuities
- International flights
- Lunches and dinners (unless stated)
Nosy Be extension — 5 days / 4 nights
Extend your adventure with a stay in Nosy Be, Madagascar's paradise island in the northwest. Domestic flight Antananarivo-Nosy Be included, 4 nights at Ahg Corail Noir 4* (or similar), 2 free days to enjoy the Indian Ocean, snorkeling, diving and optional activities.
Supplement from 890 EUR per person (based on 2 travellers).
The extension is optional and is added onto the South circuit. Contact us for a personalised quote.
Best time to visit
| Period | Conditions | Our advice |
|---|---|---|
| April – November | Dry season, passable roads | Ideal for this circuit |
| July – August | Peak season, perfect weather | Best time — book early |
| December – March | Rainy season | Some roads may be difficult |
Practical tips before you go
- Check your visa requirements. A Madagascar visa is available on arrival, but check the conditions for your nationality before departure.
- Take out travel insurance. It is not included in the price. Medical repatriation from Madagascar can be very costly without cover.
- Carry cash in Ariary. ATMs are scarce after Fianarantsoa. Your driver-guide will advise you on how much to bring.
- Use high-factor sunscreen. The sun at Ifaty is intense — sun protection is essential.
- Dress in layers. Nights can be cool at Ranomafana and Isalo (altitude), even in July-August.
- Book at least 2 months ahead for July-August. Isalo Rock Lodge and the best Ifaty hotels fill up quickly in peak season.
Book your South Madagascar circuit with Drive in Mada
Free personalised quote within 24 hours. English-speaking driver-guide, first-class hotels, return domestic flight included — we take care of everything.
Get a free quoteFrequently asked questions
Can the number of days be adjusted?
Yes, absolutely. This 11-day program is our reference circuit, but we can shorten or extend it to fit your availability. Contact us for a tailored program.
Is this circuit suitable for families with children?
Absolutely. The ring-tailed lemurs at Anja Reserve, the natural pools at Isalo and the beach at Ifaty are perfect for families. We adapt the daily pace to suit your children's ages.
Can this circuit be combined with Nosy Be?
Yes. We offer a 5-day / 4-night Nosy Be extension from 890 EUR per person, with a domestic flight Antananarivo-Nosy Be included. It is the perfect combination: nature and adventure in the South, then beach and relaxation in Nosy Be.
Is the return flight from Tulear to Antananarivo really included?
Yes — the domestic flight Tulear-Antananarivo with Tsaradia Airlines is included in the circuit price. This is a significant advantage: this flight would cost approximately 100-150 EUR if purchased separately.
Drive in Mada
Tour operator and car rental in Antananarivo, Madagascar. Responsible and committed tourism. Over 10 years of experience on Madagascar's roads. Contact: info@driveinmada.mg | +261 38 29 724 46