The Classic RN7
This classic one-way route will whisk you from Antananarivo down to Tuléar along the famed RN7, a smooth asphalt road. The first stretch up to the colonial town of Antsirabe and rainforest of Ranamofana consists of windy roads. You will pass highland villages, rice paddies and rainforest-covered hills. This is followed up by spectacular mountain scenery in Andringita National Park and desert plains and canyons in Isalo National Park. The sheer variety of national parks dotted along the RN7 is just incredible.
You can find a video of the RN7 and the Southwest coast on the Roadtube section of this website, here.
The Classic RN7 route is recommended as a one-way rental trip. Scroll down to see the day-to-day route with tips on places to stay so you can book the accommodation yourself. These are the lodges we like to stay in when we are roadtripping ourselves; small-scale, good price-quality ratio and owner-managed when possible.
Check the day to day itinerary
Explore the RN7 on a self-drive adventure
Travel time and road conditions
A minimum of 11 car rental days is recommended to follow this route. Time not on your side? Skip Andasibe and start directly on the RN7, shortening this trip to 9 car rental days.
It's possible to drop off your roadtrip rental car in Tulear, with the costs to collect and return the car to Tana forwarded to the hirer. This is €311 (4 day driver fee, bus ticket, fuel) + 2 additional car rental days.
Road conditions on the RN7 are good. It's asphalt pavement, with the occasional pothole. There are few other road users. The only off-road driving is to get to Andringitra (see picture) and Isalo National Park. Check our on the road section for more practical tips.
When is the best time to travel the RN7?
The RN7 is fine to travel all year round.
July - September is peak season. Most lodges will be fully booked, so book well in advance. With a camping gear set in the back of your roadtrip rental car, you'll be more flexible. Secure your car well in advance, as we are fully booked months ahead.
The rainy season in Madagascar is from January to March. The west and east coast are generally most affected by rains and cyclones. Travel along the RN7 is still possible. The landscape is beautifully green, there are few other travellers, car rental and accommodation rates are discounted and there's no need to book you accomodation in advance.
The coolest months are June and July. Winter daytime temperatures are still very pleasant and even warm at the coast, but at night temperatures drop to 5-10C in the highlands (Antananarivo, Andasibe, Antsirabe) and the evenings are cool at the coast.
Prices
Low season | Jan - March
Price per vehicle, in Euros.
The price includes 11 days rental, car delivery to the airport or your hotel in Ivato, one-way drop-off fee (Tuear/Ifaty).
Want to do the RN7 with the company of a driver-guide? Add €330 to your total trip amount.
Nissan X-trail | Nissan Double Cab | |
Per car | € 1215 | € 1475 |
Peak season July - Sept | Rest of year
Price per vehicle, in Euros.
Price includes 11 days car, car delivery to the airport or your hotel in Ivato, one-way drop off fee (Tulear/Ifaty).
Want to do the RN7 with the company of a driver-guide? Add €330 to your total trip amount.
Peak season | Rest of year | |
4x4 Light | € 1475 | € 1345 |
Nissan Double Cab | € 1735 | € 1605 |
Create & Book
Follow the RN7, or use it as a starting point for travel inspiration, and adjust it to your liking.
Secure your vehicleIncluded in your roadtrip
Included
- Car delivery to your hotel or airport
- Comprehensive car insurance
- Roadmap and Bradt Travel Guide
- One way rental fee
Optional
- Driver-Guide
- Camping gear
- Electrical fridge