The Tropical Extension
The East is the most tropical part of Madagascar, famous for the Canal des Pangalanes. Created by the French in colonial times as the water highway of east Madagascar, it now boasts some fine lake resorts. Mahambo has beautiful beaches overhung by coconut palms and consistent surf spots. From here, take the ferry to bounty island Ile Sainte Marie, the best place for whale watching.
Scroll down to see the day-to-day route with travel tips on where to stay in Madagascar, so you can book your own accommodation.
Check the day to day itinerary
Explore Eastern Madagascar on this 6 day self-drive itinerary
Travel time and road conditions
When done as a one way rental, 6 days is recommended. We collect your roadtrip rental car from Mahambo, from where the ferry departs to the picture perfect island of Ile Sainte Marie. The crossing takes 2 hours. The weather is unpredictable at the East coast and the sea can be rough. Therefore, its not a guarantee that the ferry goes every day.
The costs to collect and bring back the car to Antananarivo are forwarded to the hirer. This is €165 (3 day driver fee, bus ticket, fuel) + 1 rental day.
The RN2 is a windy asphalt road all the way to Tamatave and in pretty good condition. The exit to Manambato, the gateway to the Canal des Pangalanes, is a rough dirt track. From Tamatave up north, you will tackle part of the notorious RN5, featured in such series as the BBC's the World's Most Dangerous Roads and the Landrover Camel Trophy. But not to worry, up to Mahambo, it's all asphalt, just with a lot of potholes.
Prices
Rest of year | April - June, Nov - Dec
Price per vehicle, in Euros.
Price includes 5-day rental, car delivery to your hotel in Ivato or the airport, and one-way drop-off fee (Mahambo).
Want to do the Tropical Extension with the company of a driver-guide? Add €150 to your total trip amount.
Nissan X-trail | Nissan Double Cab | |
Per car | € 888 | € 1098 |
Peak season | July - October
Price per vehicle, in Euros.
Price includes 5-day rental, car delivery to your hotel in Ivato or the airport, and one-way drop-off fee (Mahambo).
Want to do the Tropical Extension with the company of a driver-guide? Add €150 to your total trip amount.
Nissan X-trail | Nissan Double Cab | |
Per car | € 958 | € 1168 |
Create & Book
Make this road trip yours. Hire a 4x4 in Madagascar and Drive Your Own Adventure.
Secure your vehicleIncluded in your road trip
Included
- Roadmap and Bradt Travel Guide
- Car delivery to your hotel or airport
- Comprehensive car insurance
Optional
- Driver-Guide
- Electrical fridge
- Camping gear