The Route Nationale 7 runs south from Antananarivo to Tuléar on the south-west coast. Along the way it crosses rice-terraced highlands, craft towns, misty rainforest and the dramatic sandstone canyons of Isalo. It is the most popular road trip in Madagascar — and for good reason.
The Main Stops
- Antsirabe — a highland town of rickshaws, thermal springs and craft workshops
- Ambositra — Madagascar's woodcarving capital
- Ranomafana — rainforest national park, bamboo lemurs and hot springs
- Fianarantsoa — old town and the surrounding tea and wine region
- Andringitra (optional) — granite peaks and serious hiking
- Isalo — sandstone canyons, natural swimming pools and ring-tailed lemurs
- Tuléar and Ifaty — the end of the road, with beaches and reefs
How Many Days Do You Need?
The road from Antananarivo to Tuléar is close to 1,000 km, and much of it is slow. Plan at least 7 to 8 days for the main stops, or 10 to 12 days if you want to hike in Ranomafana, Andringitra and Isalo without rushing. Most travellers fly back to Antananarivo from Tuléar rather than driving the same road twice.
Combine the RN7 with the West
From Antsirabe, a road leads west through Miandrivazo to Morondava. This means you can combine the highlands with the Tsiribihina River, the baobabs and Kirindy — or go down the RN7 first and fly to Morondava afterwards.
Tour by KiriTour
Epic Menabe Grand Tour — 8 Days
Antsirabe, Tsiribihina, Tsingy, Kirindy and the baobabs
Best Time for the RN7
April to November is best. June and July nights in the highlands can be cold, so pack a warm layer. The rainy season makes hiking in Ranomafana muddy and can damage some sections of road.
Private Driver or Self-Drive?
Most visitors travel the RN7 with a private car and driver. Drivers know the road, the safe stops and the best local guides in each park, which lets you enjoy the scenery instead of watching potholes.
We organise RN7 trips on request, with your own vehicle and driver. Tell us your dates and how many days you have — we'll send a plan and a price.
Frequently asked questions
At least 7–8 days for the main stops between Antananarivo and Tuléar, or 10–12 days with hiking in Ranomafana, Andringitra and Isalo.
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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