The RN7 is Madagascar's classic road trip, from the highlands of Antsirabe to Ranomafana's rainforest, the canyons of Isalo and the beaches near Tuléar. Once you've chosen the stops, the next question is how to travel. Here are the options, and the one we recommend.
Private Car with Driver (Recommended)
This is how most visitors travel the RN7, and for good reason. Your driver knows the road, the safe places to stop, and the local guides in each national park. You can stop for photos, markets and craft workshops, and change the plan if you want to stay longer somewhere.
- Comfortable, flexible and safe: you only drive in daylight.
- No luggage problems between hotels.
- Your driver can also help with park permits, guides and restaurants.
- Self-drive is rarely possible: most rental cars in Madagascar come with a driver.
Tour by KiriTour
Highlands to Isalo — 8 Days
Antsirabe, Ranomafana and Isalo with a private driver
Tour by KiriTour
Grand South: Andasibe to Tuléar — 12 Days
Rainforest, highlands, Isalo and the coast
Taxi-Brousse (On a Budget)
Shared minibuses run between all the main towns on the RN7. They are cheap and a real local experience, but slow and crowded, with long waits until the vehicle is full. You will also need to arrange transport from the towns to the national parks, which are often outside town.
How to Get Back to Antananarivo
Driving back up the RN7 from Tuléar takes two or three days. Most travellers save that time by taking a domestic flight from Tuléar to Antananarivo at the end of the trip. Another option is to continue north along the remote west coast by 4x4 to Morondava, and fly back from there.
Tour by KiriTour
Morondava to Tuléar — West Coast 4x4 Expedition
The wild alternative to the RN7
How Many Days Do You Need?
Plan at least 8 days to reach Isalo with time for Antsirabe and Ranomafana, and 10 to 12 days to continue to Tuléar and the beaches of Ifaty. Read our full RN7 guide for the stops along the way.
We organise RN7 trips with your own car and driver. Tell us your dates and how many days you have, and we'll send a plan and a price.
Frequently asked questions
With a private car and driver. It is the safest and most comfortable option, lets you stop where you want and gives you a driver who knows the parks and guides.
Written by the KiriTour team
We're a local tour team based in Morondava. We guide travellers through the baobabs, Tsingy, Kirindy and the Tsiribihina every week, and organise trips across Madagascar.
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