Cycling tour towards the South

Cycle the atypical route of 1000 Km down from the Malagasy highlands to the southern coast, an original and sporty way to discover Madagascar, meet local people, enjoy fabulous landscapes, explore fauna and flora, passing through the Spa town of Antsirabe and its colorful “pousse-pousse”, the National Park of Ranomafana and its Golden Bamboo lemurs, the magnificent Isalo National Park that looks like a Grand Canyon, ending on the the idyllic beach of Ifaty. Change of scenery and authenticity guaranteed, at the same time enjoying your passion, cycling !

Day 1 : Arrival in Antananarivo

Arrival at Ivato International airport from your international flight. 

Meet by your cycling tourguide, then transfer to your hotel located near the airport.

Lodging at  BOIS VERT.

Day 2 : Tana

Cycling 55 km : 35 Km off road + 20 Km asphalt road 

Cycling around Tana and its surroundings. We will reach Ambohimanga hill, one of the twelve sacred hills surrounding Antananarivo, visiting the ruins of the palace of King Andrianampoinimerina, a site of cultural and historical significance. Back in town in late afternoon. 

Lodging at BOIS VERT.

Day 3 : Tana – Antsirabe 

Drive ahead to Antsirabe ( 170 Km / 4h ).

Beautiful city of the Highlands of Madagascar and famous for its “pousse pousse”, gemstones and handicrafts, the wide tree-lined avenues of Antsirabe invite you to discover its workshops where people work on transforming natural materials like zebu horn (for cutlery) or wheat straw. (for hats).  

Lodging at VATOLAHY HOTEL.

Day 4 : Antsirabe

Cycling 50 Km : 25 Km off road + 25 Km asphalt road

Cycling around Antsirabe and its surroundings, visiting Andraikiba lake, Tritriva lake, etc…

Back in Antsirabe in the late afternoon.

Lodging at VATOLAHY HOTEL.

Day 5 : Antsirabe – Ambositra

Cycling 95 Km asphalt road

Cycling ahead to Ambositra, a small town known for its Zafimaniry wood carvings and handicraft. The Zafimaniry people are known for the typical wooden architecture of their houses and fine ancestral wood carving art. Their culture and lands are classified UNESCO World Heritage.

Lodging at ARTISAN HOTEL.

Day 6 : Ambositra – Ambohimahasoa – Ranomafana

125 Km drive & cycling 37 Km off road

Drive until Ambohimahasoa, then cycle until Ranomafana which means “ warm waters”, known for its hot springs.  

Once in Ranomafana, night walk along the NP to spot nocturnal lemurs and frogs and if lucky, fossas, the only endemic carnivorous species of Madagascar.

Lodging at CENTREST SEJOUR.

Day 7 : Ranomafana National Park

Morning dedicated to visiting the natural reserve of Ranomafana. We recommend waking up early for the morning walk in Ranomafana Park, as it is the best time for animal observation. 

Ranomafana National Park is full of originality and variety. Botany, ornithology, herpetology, cultures are fascinating attractions which captivate you in this tropical rainforest. Flora and fauna are among the most varied while being unique.

In the afternoon, visit the village of Ranomafana.

Lodging at CENTREST SEJOUR

Day 8 : Ranomafana – Fianarantsoa – Ambalavao

121 Km asphalt road : cycling 65 Km + driving 56 Km

Cycle until Fianarantsoa, then driveuntil Ambalavao.

Lodging at TSIENIMPAHIRY LODGE.

Day 9 : Ambalavao – Ranohira

235 Km asphalt road : cycling 80 Km + driving 155 Km

Drive ahead to Ranohira ( 366 Km/7h ). Stop at ‘Anjah private reserve’ for a short visit. Along the way, the scenery changes, as we leave the mountains for the awesome scenery of the Horombe plateau. The great South is straight ahead of us! Isalo National Park, one of the most famous parks of the Island makes the specificity of Ranohira village.

Lodging at RELAIS DE LA REINE.

Day 10 : Ranohira : Isalo National Park

Today will be dedicated to discover the Isalo NP: our malagasy Colorado. A unique combination of sandstone rocks cut by deep canyons, bush plains and rare endemic plants make this Park particularly rewarding. This strikingly beautiful reserve is filled with golden plains punctuated by craggy pinnacles of terracotta rock, valleys, canyons and waterfalls.

Lodging at RELAIS DE LA REINE.

Day 11 : Ranohira – Tulear – Ifaty

272 Km asphalt road : driving 212 Km + cycling 60 Km

After breakfast, drive till Tulear.

Southern capital of Madagascar, known as « the white city » or « sun city », Tulear is a mosaic of ethnicities and cultures under the banner of the smile and the sun. The city offers thousand bright colors, a concert of rhythmic ambience made  by the Tsapiky music which, surging through the streets, makes the sensuality and the gentleness of its inhabitants.

After lunch, cycling to Ifaty, a fishermen village located north of Tulear.

Lodging at LE PARADISIER.

Day 12 : Ifaty

Day at leisure in Ifaty where several activities can be organised on spot through your hotel, such as : Visit the private reserve Reniala with its baobab forest, boat or canöe expedition, swimming, snorkelling, diving,…

Day 13 : Ifaty – Tulear – Antananarivo – Fly OUT

Transfer to Tulear airport ( 1h30 ), fly back to Antananarivo with Tsaradia regular flight. Meet and transfer to BOIS VERT HOTEL for a rest. Dinner, then transfer back to airport again for your international return flight.