The Baobab Route | 14-day itinerary

Tonga Soa Madagascar - welcome!

You’ll arrive at Ivato International Airport and spend your first night at a nearby hotel in Ivato, just outside Antananarivo. If you land in the afternoon, it’s a good moment to exchange money, pick up a local SIM card, and set up your internet bundle before the adventure begins.

Start: Ivato
Destination: Antsirabe
Drive: 190 km | 5.5 hours

Today’s journey takes you south to Antsirabe, a charming colonial town in Madagascar’s highlands. The road winds past rice paddies and small villages, offering a first glimpse of Malagasy daily life. Along the way, you can stop for a memorable lunch: taste foie gras at Coin de Foie Gras in Behenjy or surprise yourself with an unexpectedly good paella at El Torro in Ambatolampy.

Once in Antsirabe, hop on a pousse-pousse (the Malagasy version of a rickshaw) and explore the town’s many craft workshops, which are otherwise tricky to find on your own.

Where to eat in Antsirabe:

• Chez Jenny for the best pizza
• Trianon for classic French cuisine
• Vatolahy for more French dishes

Enjoy: Antsirabe

Explore Antsirabe town and its surroundings. Start with a pousse pousse tour (the Malagasy version of a rickshaw) to visit local craft workshops that are hard to find on your own. Then, hike or mountain bike around Lake Tritriva, a stunning emerald-green crater lake.

Antsirabe is known as the pousse pousse capital of Madagascar. There are three main types:

• The traditional pousse pousse: a cart pulled by a man. Though it may feel awkward, remember it’s his livelihood, and your fare is appreciated.
• The cyclo-pousse: where a bicycle pulls the cab, giving the driver a bit of relief.
• And finally, the motorised pousse pousse: the top of the line and a more modern option.

Enjoy the unique experience of this bustling town!

Start: Antsirabe
Destination: Miandrivazo
Drive: 220 km | 5 hours 

From Antsirabe, branch off the RN7 and continue on the RN34 towards Miandrivazo. Although Google Maps might suggest the RN35 via Malambandy, don’t take this route. It’s much longer and, at the time of writing (August 2025), the bridge on the RN35 is out of service with no plans for repair. Stick to the RN34 for the most reliable route.

Miandrivazo itself is a small, sleepy inland town where the heat can really kick in - so be prepared for high temperatures when you arrive.

Start: Miandrivazo
Destination: Morondava
Drive: 265 km | 5 hours 

Today you’ll head west towards Morondava, a lively coastal city on Madagascar’s west coast. Along the way, you’ll spot your very first baobabs - an exciting preview of what’s to come! Once in Morondava, make sure to fill up your tank, as there won’t be any gas stations along your route in the days ahead.

Start: Morondava
Destination: Kirindy Reserve
Drive: 60 km | 3 hours 

Your off-road adventure begins today! The track to Kirindy Reserve is fairly easy and makes for a great stopover before continuing to the Tsingy. Along the way, you’ll pass the famous Avenue des Baobabs and the Baobab Amoureux, two of Madagascar’s most iconic sights. In Kirindy, keep your eyes open for the elusive fossa, as well as the many baobabs and other wildlife that thrive in this dry forest.

Start: Kirindy Reserve
Destination: Tsingy de Bemaraha
Drive: 140 km | 8 hours 

Today is a long but memorable travel day. The journey from Kirindy to Tsingy de Bemaraha takes you along rough dirt roads, across shallow rivers you’ll take on by car, and over two larger rivers by local ferry. It’s all part of the adventure!

On the way, make time for an (early) lunch at Mad Zebu. The Malagasy chef once worked in a Michelin 3-star restaurant in France and now serves exceptional food in the most unexpected setting - pretty surreal!

Enjoy: Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

There’s truly nothing else on earth like the dramatic limestone pinnacles of the Tsingy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since it takes quite a journey to get here, we recommend spending at least two full days exploring. The park has several well-designed circuits, complete with rope bridges, ladders, and Via Ferratas (fixed cable routes), allowing you to safely experience this extraordinary landscape from every angle.

Enjoy: Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

The park offers more than a dozen hiking circuits, from short one-hour walks to full-day treks. For the most dramatic views, take on the Ankeligoa circuit in the Petit Tsingy or the Andamozavaky in the Grand Tsingy. Both require a good level of fitness and no fear of heights, but the reward is unforgettable. To cool off, swap the cliffs for water and enjoy a peaceful pirogue trip along the Manambolo River—a refreshing break from the heat of the Tsingy.

Start: Tsingy de Bemaraha
Destination: Morondava
Drive: 200 km | 10 hours 

After your adventure in the Tsingy, it’s time to make the long journey back to Morondava. Leave early (around 6 AM) to allow plenty of time for today’s drive. Stop for a quick lunch in Belo-sur-Tsiribihina, and aim to end your day at Baobab Avenue. Watching the sun set behind these ancient giants is the perfect reward after a full day on the road.

Enjoy: Morondava or Belo sur Mer

After your journey back from the Tsingy, take a day, or two, to relax in Morondava. Stroll along the beach, enjoy fresh seafood, and simply recharge. 

If you have the time, we highly recommend spending your beach break in Belo Sur Mer, where the beaches are more beautiful and the surroundings are incredibly tranquil. A speedboat will pick you up from the Morondava marina and transport you to your beach lodge in Belo Sur Mer. This extension would add one or two nights to your itinerary, bringing the total trip length to 15 or 16 days.

Start: Morondava 
Destination: Ivato

Today, you're flying back to your starting point: Ivato. Madagascar Airlines operates three flights a week from Morondava to Ivato. Please note that this domestic flight is not included in your tour and needs to be booked separately through their website, here. 

Enjoy: Ivato or Antananarivo

Because flight delays with Air Madagascar can happen, we always include a spare day in the itinerary. Use this day to buy souvenirs, relax by the pool and spa of Relais des Plateaux or explore Antananarivo. 

The end?

You can choose how to wrap up your Madagascar adventure:

• Catch a domestic flight to Nosy Be for a Seychelles-like beach experience.
• Fly to Diego Suarez, at the northern tip of the island, for fantastic kite surfing.
• Or, if it’s time to say goodbye, head to the airport for your flight back home.