ROUTE NATIONAL 7
Route National 7 (RN7) is one of the most important and best maintained roads in Madagascar. It runs from capital city of Antananarivo to the south-west coast, passing through the central highland forest to the semi-arid coastline, and is one of the most popular routes with travellers who wish to experience Madagascar's diverse landscapes and wildlife.
After leaving Antananarivo, the first interesting stop is Antsirabe, a colonial spa town with rejuvenating thermal springs and baths. It is one of the most attractive towns in Madagascar, with wide boulevards, and colonial villas intermixed with colourful pousse-pousses and traditional craft markets. Next up is the town of Ambositra, which is the best place to purchase traditional Malagasy carvings, known as Zafimaniry art.
The first national park along the RN7 coming down from the capital is Ranomafana National Park, mainly consisting of tropical rainforest it is home to the rare Golden bamboo lemur, which was only discovered in 1986 and led to the areas being declared a national park. Other lemurs to be found here are the Greater bamboo lemur, Black and white ruffed lemur and Milne-Edwards sifaka along with over 130 species of frogs, many bird species and also the rare fossa, Madagascar’s largest mammalian carnivore. Ranomafana is located on a series of steep hills with some delightful waterfalls to be seen on hikes and walks.
Isalo National Park is the next national park if we keep heading south. This area is much drier and the park is famous for its prominent sandstone massifs and savannah plains. Hidden away in this imposing looking landscape are a number of canyons with cool streams surrounded by thick vegetation. Isalo doesn’t have the same density of wildlife as some of the other parks in Madagascar due to its semi-arid climate, but the landscapes you will see while walking are breath-taking. In spring, the endemic elephants’s foot plant turn the landscape into a sea of yellow and in October and November some lemurs species are giving birth here.
The last national park before RN7 ends is Zombitse-Vohibasia Forest National Park, which is where you can see transitional zone between western and southern vegetation. This is where you will find baobab trees as well as the world’s second largest chameleon and a colourful number of butterflies.
RN7 ends at the town of Tulear and this where you can turn north up the RN6 and head to the beaches at Ifaty. The south-west coast is the driest part of the island, which means it has the most days of sunshine and you can find some idyllic beaches here, particularly at Ifaty. These beaches also have great snorkelling opportunities and provide an ideal way to end your holiday.
After leaving Antananarivo, the first interesting stop is Antsirabe, a colonial spa town with rejuvenating thermal springs and baths. It is one of the most attractive towns in Madagascar, with wide boulevards, and colonial villas intermixed with colourful pousse-pousses and traditional craft markets. Next up is the town of Ambositra, which is the best place to purchase traditional Malagasy carvings, known as Zafimaniry art.
The first national park along the RN7 coming down from the capital is Ranomafana National Park, mainly consisting of tropical rainforest it is home to the rare Golden bamboo lemur, which was only discovered in 1986 and led to the areas being declared a national park. Other lemurs to be found here are the Greater bamboo lemur, Black and white ruffed lemur and Milne-Edwards sifaka along with over 130 species of frogs, many bird species and also the rare fossa, Madagascar’s largest mammalian carnivore. Ranomafana is located on a series of steep hills with some delightful waterfalls to be seen on hikes and walks.
Isalo National Park is the next national park if we keep heading south. This area is much drier and the park is famous for its prominent sandstone massifs and savannah plains. Hidden away in this imposing looking landscape are a number of canyons with cool streams surrounded by thick vegetation. Isalo doesn’t have the same density of wildlife as some of the other parks in Madagascar due to its semi-arid climate, but the landscapes you will see while walking are breath-taking. In spring, the endemic elephants’s foot plant turn the landscape into a sea of yellow and in October and November some lemurs species are giving birth here.
The last national park before RN7 ends is Zombitse-Vohibasia Forest National Park, which is where you can see transitional zone between western and southern vegetation. This is where you will find baobab trees as well as the world’s second largest chameleon and a colourful number of butterflies.
RN7 ends at the town of Tulear and this where you can turn north up the RN6 and head to the beaches at Ifaty. The south-west coast is the driest part of the island, which means it has the most days of sunshine and you can find some idyllic beaches here, particularly at Ifaty. These beaches also have great snorkelling opportunities and provide an ideal way to end your holiday.
where to stay...
Below you can find the accommodation we most commonly use along the Route National 7. Those include mainly our favourites sorted from low-key to deluxe, which are usually smaller properties with very personalised service, but also some bigger places, if they are the best or only option available. Open, close, then open each tab again to display the images fully.
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Le Royal Palace - Antsirabe
COULEUR CAFE ANTSIRABE - antsirabe
The Thermal Ranomafana Hotel - ranomafana
Isalo Rock Lodge - isalo national park
Le Relais De La Reine - isalo national park
Hotel Le Paradisier - ifaty
Les Dunes d'Ifaty - ifaty
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ITINERARIES
Below you can find some sample itineraries with images of the different lodges in them for trips along the Route National 7,
but this list is by no means exhaustive. For bespoke itineraries, please contact us directly to discuss your project.
but this list is by no means exhaustive. For bespoke itineraries, please contact us directly to discuss your project.
10-day Classic Route N7 Private Tour
includes services of a driver/guide from EUR 1,925 per person sharing interactive itinerary here |
12-day Classic Route N7 Group Tour
includes services of a driver/guide from EUR 2,025 per person sharing* interactive itinerary here |