Madagascar

The Road's Infinite Expressions | The Story of the Southern Cross Highway

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Madagascar
The Road's Infinite Expressions | The Story of the Southern Cross Highway
Madagascar
Antananarivo
Antsirabe
Morondava
Kirindy
Ranomafana
Ambalavao
Ranohira
Toliara
Luxury
English Guide
Safari
Night Safari
Lemur
City sightseeing
Wildlife
Endemic species
Baobab
Southern Cross Highway
Travel details
€ 4,385 / per person
Note: The displayed price is the price at the time of application.
Duration Departure in 2025/10 | 11 days
Participants 1 person(s)(Adults 1 person(s)、Children 0 person(s))
Travel story
A single road continues, cutting through the earth,
and the scenery constantly changes form.


This itinerary is structured to traverse the Southern Cross Highway, the main artery of Madagascar, visiting national parks, towns, and villages along the way.
On the route from Antananarivo via Morondava toward the south, you can experience a variety of landscapes such as avenues of baobabs, rocky landforms, and rich ecosystems.
Because the journey is centered on the road itself, travel becomes not merely a means of transportation but an important time to enjoy the ever-changing face of the land.
Signature points
An epic itinerary traversing the Southern Cross Highway
This journey follows Madagascar’s Route Nationale 7, commonly known as the Southern Cross Highway, a grand route that stretches southward from the capital Antananarivo as if cutting through the land. Spanning approximately 1,000 km, the highway is not merely a means of transport but the axis for experiencing varied landscapes and local characters. By placing the road at the center of the trip, this itinerary offers a special way to appreciate Madagascar’s scale and diversity.
Experience diverse natural landscapes and national parks
Along the highway you will find spectacular areas with avenues of baobabs and strange rock formations, ecosystems that transition from dry forests to humid tropical rainforests, and numerous national parks home to diverse flora and fauna. The giant baobabs around Morondava, the majestic rocky canyons of Isalo National Park, and the unique landscapes that appear as you travel further south are encounters you can only have by following this route. The scenery unfolding outside the vehicle window is also one of the important experiences of the journey.
A journey that connects you with life and culture along the highway
The Southern Cross Highway is intimately linked not only to scenery but also to people’s lives. In towns and villages you stop at along the way, you can experience traditional lifestyles and the vibrancy of local markets, revealing the real Madagascar that isn’t seen in tourist spots alone. Regional differences in architecture and food culture, and warm, down-to-earth interactions with locals are encounters unique to a road-centered journey. The trip’s great appeal is that it lets you enjoy both culture and nature together.
Itinerary
Day1
  • Madagascar - Antananarivo
  • Car Meet with the guide at airport on arrival
  • Sightseeing of Antananarivo Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, offers a unique blend of history and local life. From the hilltop Queen’s Palace that overlooks the city, to colorful markets filled with spices and handicrafts, every corner reflects the country’s distinctive culture. The bustling streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant daily scenes create a fascinating introduction to Madagascar. [English Guide]
  • Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119238 Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119238
    a.m.
  • Enjoying panoramic view of the town near the Queen’s palace Near the Queen’s Palace in Antananarivo, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the town. From the hilltop, the red-soil rooftops and the bustling markets spread out below, offering a perspective that blends historic landmarks with the everyday life of the city. The vantage point highlights both the characteristic scenery of the highlands and the diverse aspects of Madagascar’s capital. [English Guide]
  • Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119239
  • Deluxe

Meals B/F:× LUN:× DIN:×

Day2
  • Breakfast Box breakfast will be provided
  • Car Transfer to airport
  • 7:30
  • Departure for Morondava MD2702
  • Madagascar - Morondava
  • 8:40
  • 4WD On arrival, meet with the English speaking guide at airport on arrival
    Transfer to Kirindy Reserve the way, sightseeing of the Baobabs street
    (65Km)
  • Madagascar - Kirindy
  • Free at leisure
  • Night walking safari at Kirindy Reserve At Kirindy Reserve, visitors can take part in a night walking safari. Accompanied by an experienced guide after sunset, participants have the chance to encounter rare nocturnal animals such as the fossa and mouse lemurs. The experience offers a unique opportunity to observe the wildlife of the tropical dry forest in an atmosphere very different from the daytime. [English Guide]
  • Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119249 Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119249
  • Deluxe

Meals B/F:⚪︎ LUN:× DIN:×

Day3
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • a.m.
  • Walking safari at Kirindy Reserve At Kirindy Reserve, visitors can enjoy a daytime walking safari. While walking through the dry forest, one can observe a variety of Madagascar’s unique wildlife, including ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux’s sifakas. Guided walks also provide insights into the plants and ecosystems of the area, offering a direct and immersive experience of the natural environment. [English Guide]
  • Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119253 Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119253
    p.m.
  • 4WD Drive back to Morondava
  • Madagascar - Morondava
  • Twist Baobabs and Baobab Street Sightseeing along the Avenue of the Baobabs offers the chance to admire the iconic row of towering baobab trees as well as visit the uniquely shaped Twist Baobabs with their spiraling trunks. Visitors can observe their distinctive forms up close during the day, making it one of Madagascar’s most emblematic natural landscapes, appreciated by many travelers.
  • Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119256
  • Deluxe

Meals B/F:⚪︎ LUN:× DIN:×

Day4
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • 4WD Drive back to Antsirabe
    (530Km)
  • Madagascar - Antsirabe
  • Sightseeing of the rickshaw town, Cathedral… Sightseeing in the rickshaw town allows visitors to experience the lively streets where rickshaws remain a common mode of local transportation and an emblem of everyday life. The town is also home to a cathedral located at its center, standing as a religious and historical landmark worth visiting. [English Guide]
  • Deluxe

Meals B/F:⚪︎ LUN:× DIN:×

Day5
  • Breakfast
  • a.m.
  • 4WD Departure for Ranomafana on the way, enjoying the attractive rice-fields in level, typical houses….
  • Madagascar - Ranomafana
  • Deluxe
  • Dinner

Meals B/F:⚪︎ LUN:× DIN:⚪︎

Day6
  • Breakfast
  • a.m.
  • Visit of the National Park of Ranomafana On foot
    At Ranomafana National Park, visitors can explore the rich biodiversity of Madagascar’s tropical rainforest. The park is home to a variety of endemic species, including the rare golden bamboo lemur, as well as numerous birds and reptiles. Walking along the trails, one can experience the lush forest and flowing streams while gaining insight into the island’s unique ecosystem. [English Guide]
  • Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119272 Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119272
  • 4WD Departure for Ambalavao
    On arrival, transfer to hotel
  • Madagascar - Ambalavao
  • Deluxe

Meals B/F:⚪︎ LUN:× DIN:×

Day7
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • a.m.
  • 4WD Departure for Ranohira
  • Visit of the Anjà Reserve, Enjoying the Majestic rock mountain of Ifandana “Pope’s hat” At the Anjà Reserve, visitors can explore a natural environment managed by the local community and observe Madagascar’s unique wildlife. It is especially renowned as a habitat for ring-tailed lemurs, which can often be seen in groups. The reserve is also surrounded by granite rock formations, including the distinctive mountain known as the “Pope’s Hat,” allowing visitors to enjoy both wildlife observation and impressive scenery. [English Guide]
  • Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119279 Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119279
  • Madagascar - Ranohira
  • Deluxe
  • Dinner

Meals B/F:⚪︎ LUN:× DIN:⚪︎

Day8
  • Breakfast
  • a.m.
  • Full day trekking at the National Park of Isalo, Visit of the Isalo’s Queen A full-day trekking experience in Isalo National Park offers the chance to explore sandstone canyons, dramatic rock formations, and vast savanna landscapes. The park features a variety of trails leading to gorges, natural pools, and waterfalls, providing a diverse and dynamic setting for exploration. Along the way, hikers can also view the distinctive rock formation known as “Isalo’s Queen,” while observing endemic plants and wildlife, making it one of the most remarkable natural highlights of southern Madagascar. [English Guide]
  • Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119286 Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119286 Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119286
    p.m.
  • Enjoying the sunset in the window of Isalo At Isalo National Park, visitors can enjoy the sunset through the natural rock formation known as the “Window of Isalo.” As the sun descends toward the horizon, light passes through the arch-like opening, creating a scene that resembles a natural frame. It is one of the park’s most iconic viewpoints, offering a striking combination of Isalo’s dramatic landscape and the warm glow of sunset. [English Guide]
  • Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119288
  • Deluxe
  • Dinner

Meals B/F:⚪︎ LUN:× DIN:⚪︎

Day9
  • Breakfast
  • a.m.
  • 4WD Drive to Toliara
  • Madagascar - Toliara
  • Visit of the Antsokay Arboretum At the Antsokay Arboretum, visitors can discover a wide variety of Madagascar’s endemic plants adapted to arid conditions. The extensive grounds are home to more than 1,000 species, mainly cacti and succulents, with a strong focus on conservation of rare plants. Walking along the trails with guided explanations provides deeper insight into the diversity of vegetation and ecosystems found in this unique environment. [English Guide]
  • Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119295 Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119295
  • 4WD Transfer to airport
  • 20:30
  • Departure for Antananarivo MD719
  • Madagascar - Antananarivo
  • 22:15
  • Car Transfer to hotel
  • Deluxe

Meals B/F:⚪︎ LUN:× DIN:×

Day10
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Shopping
  • Car Transfer to airport

Meals B/F:⚪︎ LUN:× DIN:×

Day 1
10/07(Tue)
  • Madagascar - Antananarivo
  • Car Meet with the guide at airport on arrival
  • Sightseeing of Antananarivo Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, offers a unique blend of history and local life. From the hilltop Queen’s Palace that overlooks the city, to colorful markets filled with spices and handicrafts, every corner reflects the country’s distinctive culture. The bustling streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant daily scenes create a fascinating introduction to Madagascar. [English Guide]
  • Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119238 Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119238
    a.m.
  • Enjoying panoramic view of the town near the Queen’s palace Near the Queen’s Palace in Antananarivo, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the town. From the hilltop, the red-soil rooftops and the bustling markets spread out below, offering a perspective that blends historic landmarks with the everyday life of the city. The vantage point highlights both the characteristic scenery of the highlands and the diverse aspects of Madagascar’s capital. [English Guide]
  • Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119239
  • Deluxe

Meals B/F:× LUN:× DIN:×

Day 2
10/08(Wed)
  • Breakfast Box breakfast will be provided
  • Car Transfer to airport
  • 7:30
  • Departure for Morondava MD2702
  • Madagascar - Morondava
  • 8:40
  • 4WD On arrival, meet with the English speaking guide at airport on arrival
    Transfer to Kirindy Reserve the way, sightseeing of the Baobabs street
    (65Km)
  • Madagascar - Kirindy
  • Free at leisure
  • Night walking safari at Kirindy Reserve At Kirindy Reserve, visitors can take part in a night walking safari. Accompanied by an experienced guide after sunset, participants have the chance to encounter rare nocturnal animals such as the fossa and mouse lemurs. The experience offers a unique opportunity to observe the wildlife of the tropical dry forest in an atmosphere very different from the daytime. [English Guide]
  • Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119249 Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119249
  • Deluxe

Meals B/F:⚪︎ LUN:× DIN:×

Day 3
10/09(Thu)
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • a.m.
  • Walking safari at Kirindy Reserve At Kirindy Reserve, visitors can enjoy a daytime walking safari. While walking through the dry forest, one can observe a variety of Madagascar’s unique wildlife, including ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux’s sifakas. Guided walks also provide insights into the plants and ecosystems of the area, offering a direct and immersive experience of the natural environment. [English Guide]
  • Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119253 Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119253
    p.m.
  • 4WD Drive back to Morondava
  • Madagascar - Morondava
  • Twist Baobabs and Baobab Street Sightseeing along the Avenue of the Baobabs offers the chance to admire the iconic row of towering baobab trees as well as visit the uniquely shaped Twist Baobabs with their spiraling trunks. Visitors can observe their distinctive forms up close during the day, making it one of Madagascar’s most emblematic natural landscapes, appreciated by many travelers.
  • Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119256
  • Deluxe

Meals B/F:⚪︎ LUN:× DIN:×

Day 4
10/10(Fri)
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • 4WD Drive back to Antsirabe
    (530Km)
  • Madagascar - Antsirabe
  • Sightseeing of the rickshaw town, Cathedral… Sightseeing in the rickshaw town allows visitors to experience the lively streets where rickshaws remain a common mode of local transportation and an emblem of everyday life. The town is also home to a cathedral located at its center, standing as a religious and historical landmark worth visiting. [English Guide]
  • Deluxe

Meals B/F:⚪︎ LUN:× DIN:×

Day 5
10/11(Sat)
  • Breakfast
  • a.m.
  • 4WD Departure for Ranomafana on the way, enjoying the attractive rice-fields in level, typical houses….
  • Madagascar - Ranomafana
  • Deluxe
  • Dinner

Meals B/F:⚪︎ LUN:× DIN:⚪︎

Day 6
10/12(Sun)
  • Breakfast
  • a.m.
  • Visit of the National Park of Ranomafana On foot
    At Ranomafana National Park, visitors can explore the rich biodiversity of Madagascar’s tropical rainforest. The park is home to a variety of endemic species, including the rare golden bamboo lemur, as well as numerous birds and reptiles. Walking along the trails, one can experience the lush forest and flowing streams while gaining insight into the island’s unique ecosystem. [English Guide]
  • Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119272 Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119272
  • 4WD Departure for Ambalavao
    On arrival, transfer to hotel
  • Madagascar - Ambalavao
  • Deluxe

Meals B/F:⚪︎ LUN:× DIN:×

Day 7
10/13(Mon)
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • a.m.
  • 4WD Departure for Ranohira
  • Visit of the Anjà Reserve, Enjoying the Majestic rock mountain of Ifandana “Pope’s hat” At the Anjà Reserve, visitors can explore a natural environment managed by the local community and observe Madagascar’s unique wildlife. It is especially renowned as a habitat for ring-tailed lemurs, which can often be seen in groups. The reserve is also surrounded by granite rock formations, including the distinctive mountain known as the “Pope’s Hat,” allowing visitors to enjoy both wildlife observation and impressive scenery. [English Guide]
  • Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119279 Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119279
  • Madagascar - Ranohira
  • Deluxe
  • Dinner

Meals B/F:⚪︎ LUN:× DIN:⚪︎

Day 8
10/14(Tue)
  • Breakfast
  • a.m.
  • Full day trekking at the National Park of Isalo, Visit of the Isalo’s Queen A full-day trekking experience in Isalo National Park offers the chance to explore sandstone canyons, dramatic rock formations, and vast savanna landscapes. The park features a variety of trails leading to gorges, natural pools, and waterfalls, providing a diverse and dynamic setting for exploration. Along the way, hikers can also view the distinctive rock formation known as “Isalo’s Queen,” while observing endemic plants and wildlife, making it one of the most remarkable natural highlights of southern Madagascar. [English Guide]
  • Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119286 Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119286 Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119286
    p.m.
  • Enjoying the sunset in the window of Isalo At Isalo National Park, visitors can enjoy the sunset through the natural rock formation known as the “Window of Isalo.” As the sun descends toward the horizon, light passes through the arch-like opening, creating a scene that resembles a natural frame. It is one of the park’s most iconic viewpoints, offering a striking combination of Isalo’s dramatic landscape and the warm glow of sunset. [English Guide]
  • Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119288
  • Deluxe
  • Dinner

Meals B/F:⚪︎ LUN:× DIN:⚪︎

Day 9
10/15(Wed)
  • Breakfast
  • a.m.
  • 4WD Drive to Toliara
  • Madagascar - Toliara
  • Visit of the Antsokay Arboretum At the Antsokay Arboretum, visitors can discover a wide variety of Madagascar’s endemic plants adapted to arid conditions. The extensive grounds are home to more than 1,000 species, mainly cacti and succulents, with a strong focus on conservation of rare plants. Walking along the trails with guided explanations provides deeper insight into the diversity of vegetation and ecosystems found in this unique environment. [English Guide]
  • Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119295 Attachment Image from Itinerary Row: 119295
  • 4WD Transfer to airport
  • 20:30
  • Departure for Antananarivo MD719
  • Madagascar - Antananarivo
  • 22:15
  • Car Transfer to hotel
  • Deluxe

Meals B/F:⚪︎ LUN:× DIN:×

Day 10
10/16(Thu)
  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Shopping
  • Car Transfer to airport

Meals B/F:⚪︎ LUN:× DIN:×

Price Includes / excludes
Accommodation

As stated in the itinerary

Flight (Int'l)

None

Flight (Dom.)

As stated in the itinerary

Railway

None

Bus

None

Car

As stated in the itinerary

Ferry/Boat

None

Other transp

None

Guide

English speaking spot guides, no guide during the trip Fort Dauphin / Berenty

Activity

As stated in the itinerary

Meal

B/F:9  LUN:0  DIN:3 
As stated in the itinerary

Includes (Others)

None

Excludes (Others)

*Air tickets (international and domestic)
*Visa fee
*Tips (guides, drivers, porters…)
*Drinks
*All lunches and dinners excluded in the itinerary
*Insurance

Accommodation list
1

Antananarivo

1person(s) 

2

Kirindy

1person(s) 

3

Morondava

1person(s) 

4

Antsirabe

1person(s) 

5

Ranomafana

1person(s) 

6

Ambalavao

1person(s) 

7

Ranohira

1person(s)