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Madagascar's RN7: the Day-by-Day Itinerary
The RN7 runs the length of Madagascar's highlands, and nothing along it looks like anywhere else. Ring-tailed lemurs sun themselves in Isalo's canyons, chameleons cling to the rainforest at Ranomafana, and the road ends among baobabs near the Mozambique Channel.
Madagascar's RN7 is a 950 km one-way journey (self-drive). It works best as a 6-day trip; the plan below is the 6-day version for September, built from 105 verified places, with real road-routed transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.
Customize this plan → 6-day plan · best time to go
6
days
816 km
distance
18.1 h
driving
26
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- The dry season is the travel season — lemur forests are accessible and the RN7 stays sound.
- Heavy transit: day 4 (6h19) runs over 6 hours on the road. Around 6 days would keep daily driving comfortable on this route — or keep the dates and start each of those days by 08:00.
Day 1 Antananarivo → Antsirabe
🌡 3.4–28.0°C · 🌧 ~3 rain days · ☀ 11.9h light
09:00
Prime Minister's Palacemuseums & heritage
Discover saved royal treasures and historic artifacts in the museum.
50 min · Antananarivo · 3,000 Ar
open: Sa-Th 10:00-17:00
09:50
Croc Farmlocal & traditional
See crocodiles and exotic animals in a vibrant botanical setting.
50 min · Antananarivo · 25,000 Ar
open: 09:00-17:00
10:40
Museum of Art and Archaeologymuseums & heritage
Explore a small but intriguing collection of art and archaeological finds.
50 min · Antananarivo
open: Tu-Sa 10:00-16:00
14:29
Lac Tritrivahiking
Discover a serene natural crater lake with a short hike.
90 min · Antsirabe · Entry internationals: 10 000 Ar, guide f
15:59
Rando Raid Madagascar
Rent motorbikes or join exciting excursions on bike, horse, or trek.
90 min · Antsirabe · 125cc Lifan motorbike: 40,000 Ar per hal
Overnight: Antsirabe
e.g. Blue Sky Hotel · Hotel Diamant
Day 2 Around Antsirabe
🌡 3.4–28.0°C · 🌧 ~3 rain days · ☀ 11.9h light
09:00
Lac Andraikiba
90 min · Antsirabe
10:30
Rovahiking
Observe the grand stone ruins of the former royal palace.
50 min · Antananarivo
11:20
Jean Be Tourslocal & traditional
Experience personalized tours and create lasting memories with local insights.
90 min · Antananarivo
12:50
Lemurs' Park
Watch rescued lemurs swing and play in a lush, green park.
50 min · Antananarivo · 70,000 Ar/person including the guide
open: 09:00 - 17:00, last admittance 16:00
13:40
Botanical and Zoological Garden of Tsimbazaza
Stroll among diverse plants and animal skeletons on display.
50 min · Antananarivo
open: 09:00-17:00
14:30
Cathedrale catholique d Andohalo
Admire the grand cathedral and its imposing statue of Mary.
50 min · Antananarivo
Overnight: Antsirabe
e.g. Blue Sky Hotel · Hotel Diamant
Day 3 Ranomafana
🌡 7.2–28.6°C · 🌧 ~7 rain days · ☀ 11.9h light
11:49
Hot springswimming & baths
Soak in a small pool of refreshing hot spring water.
90 min · Ranomafana
13:19
Park entrance
Spot lemurs in secondary and rare species in dense primary forests.
90 min · Ranomafana · 57,000 Ar/day/person + guide fee
open: 07:00-16:00
14:49
Kayaking
Glide through sparse areas in inflatable kayaks from Ranomafana village.
90 min · Ranomafana · Budget 120,000 Ar for two persons
open: 07:00-14:00
16:19
Restaurant at the National Park
Grab acceptable meals and drinks near the park reception.
60 min · Ranomafana · Expect 15,000 Ar for a main dish
Overnight: Ranomafana
e.g. Domaine Nature · Hotel Manja
See the remaining 3 days of the 6-day plan →
Route map
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