Road trip in Madagascar: 14 days exploring national parks, endemic wildlife and cultural immersion
Madagascar Nomads
Embark on a 14-day road trip across Madagascar, journeying through tropical rainforests, highland plateaus, dramatic canyons, and untamed beaches. Drive the iconic RN7 in a 4×4, spot lemurs in national parks, and discover an island of breathtakingly diverse and spectacular landscapes.
Your itinerary through Madagascar
Here’s an overview of your 14-day road trip through Madagascar. This itinerary takes you to some of the country’s most beautiful places. Throughout your trip, you’ll choose which sites to visit and how long to spend at each one.
Your vehicle and accommodation in Madagascar
Your vehicle
You’ll travel across Madagascar in a Nissan Navara or Mitsubishi Triton, two well-equipped 4x4s perfectly suited to this kind of adventure. Most of the RN7 is paved, but Malagasy roads still require a little extra attention. With damaged stretches, sometimes impressive potholes, and road conditions that vary from one section to the next, it’s best to be prepared to drive carefully.
You’ll receive a detailed roadbook to guide you through every stage of your adventure. You’ll also have access to the app with the complete itinerary.
For more details about the equipment or insurance options, check our practical information section. Get ready for an unforgettable experience behind the wheel!
Your accommodation
Throughout your journey, you’ll stay in carefully selected hotels, lodges and guesthouses along the route. Accommodation varies from one stop to the next: some places are more comfortable and well-equipped, while others are a little more basic. That’s also part of the charm of a road trip in Madagascar.
Tourism is still developing there, so infrastructure can be more variable than in other destinations. But that’s also what makes the experience so special: you’ll find authentic places, often in great locations, and sometimes the simplest stops are the ones you remember most.
Every morning, you’ll enjoy a local breakfast, included in the basic package, before setting off for another day of exploration.
Practical information
Here’s everything you need to know for your trip. Still have questions? Get in touch!
- Availability
- Included
- Optional
- Flights
- conditions
- Insurance
- Special offers
- Additional fees
- Required documents
- Food & drinks
- Packlist
- Vaccinations
- Any questions?
Availability
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This road trip runs continuously from spring to autumn 2027. You can view all available dates and book your trip via the calendar at the bottom of the website.
Autumn 2026: Madagascar Nomads is fully booked!
2027:
The 2027 edition will run from April 25 to October 30, 2027, with departures on Sundays. Book your trip now or request a quote.
Read also → When to visit Madagascar? The best months for travelling
Included
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A fully equipped 4x4
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12 nights in exclusive accommodation (breakfast included).
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A detailed travel guide with the full itinerary, explanations for each day, and useful tips and advice.
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Access to an exclusive app packed with all kinds of information and an interactive map.
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Support before and during your trip if anything goes wrong.
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The domestic flight between Toliara and Antananarivo.
Optional
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Return flights: 1 piece of hand luggage weighing up to 5 kg + 1 piece of checked luggage weighing up to 20 kg.
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Reduce your trip’s CO2 impact: €80 per person.
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A local driver to accompany you along the way: €360 per car. No damage cover is required if you choose a driver.
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Sailing pirogue & snorkeling in the Ifaty lagoon: €32 per person.
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Guided night walk: €25 per person
Flights
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We offer direct flights to Antananarivo with Air France departing from Paris (CDG) and Amsterdam (AMS). You can also book your trip from Brussels Midi (train to Paris + flights).
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Included: 1 piece of hand luggage to be placed under the seat and 1 checked bag (20 kg)
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If you book your flights through Madagascar Nomads, your transfer between the airport and your hotel in Tana is also included
Future dates will be unlocked progressively once flight schedules are released. If you've pre-registered, we'll notify you by email as soon as they go live!
conditions
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Standard – Minimal flexibility
- Cost: free.
- Deposit: 30% upon booking.
- Cancellation: 50% refund up to 30 days before departure, or 25% up to 14 days before departure.
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Superflex – Moderate flexibility
- Cost: +3% of the total amount, free for anyone who books early.
- Deposit: 30% at the time of booking.
- Cancellation: cancel for any reason, free of charge, up to 90 days before departure. After that deadline, the standard terms and conditions apply.
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Ultimate Flex – Maximum flexibility
- Cost: +6% of the total amount
- Deposit: 30% upon booking.
- Cancellation : cancel without giving a reason or paying a fee up to 60 days before departure. Less than 60 days before departure? Get a 100% refund with proof of a valid reason, or 60% without giving a reason.
Please note: non-refundable options can never be refunded
These booking conditions are only valid from 2027 onward.
Insurance
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Damage waiver: €288 per car. This cover is included when you travel with a driver.
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Travel insurance: €79 per person.
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Cancellation insurance : €89 per person
(valid only for departures in 2026)
Special offers
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This trip is available for groups of 2, 3, or 4 people (subject to availability). The standard base price is calculated on a basis of two people per vehicle.
Rates per person:
- Duo (2 people): €1,590 / person (1 vehicle)
- Trio (3 people): €1,340 / person (1 vehicle & 1 triple room)
- Quartet (4 people): €1,215 / person (1 vehicle & 2 double rooms)
- Child (0 to 4 years old): €300 / child
Additional fees
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- Visa on Arrival : ± 30 € p.p.
- Local SIM card : ± 15 € p.p.
- Fuel : ± 200 € per car
- Food and drinks: ± 15 €–30 € per day p.p.
- National parks & visits: ± 75–100 € p.p. (includes Ranomafana, Andringitra, Isalo and stops along the way)
- Tips and personal expenses: ± 50 €–100 € p.p. (for guides, service station staff, parking attendants and souvenirs)
Required documents
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Passport: an international passport valid for at least 6 months after your trip.
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“Visa On Arrival”,is required to enter Madagascar, but it’s easy to obtain when you arrive at the airport (cash payment).
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An international driving permit
Food & drinks
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When it comes to meals, the trip follows the rhythm of each stop. Breakfast is included and always served at the hotel. For 8 nights of the trip, you’ll be staying in the heart of national parks or reserves, so dinner is served directly at your accommodation, often the only restaurant available nearby. These meals are not included in the base price.
For lunch, as well as dinner when staying in cities, you’re free to choose whatever suits you. We’ll share our favourite places to eat throughout the itinerary in your travel booklet, all tried and chosen for their setting, quality and authenticity.
As for drinks, bottled water and fresh fruit juices are easy to find, as are local beers and rum arrangé for anyone keen to try the country’s specialities.
Packlist
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What should you pack for a trip to Madagascar? Check out the list of things to bring.
Vaccinations
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No vaccinations are required to travel to Madagascar, except for the yellow fever vaccine if you are arriving from a country where the disease is present (or if you have had a layover there lasting more than 12 hours).
However, some vaccinations are still strongly recommended:
- Hepatitis A
- Tetanus, Polio, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough (DTP)
- Typhoid
(Depending on the length and nature of your trip, vaccines against Hepatitis B and Rabies may also be recommended).
Want to travel with peace of mind, or are you in an at-risk group? In that case, we recommend consulting your doctor or an international travel vaccination centre. Also remember to ask about malaria prevention, as malaria is present throughout the island.
Any questions?
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Do you have a specific question or would you like more details about this adventure? Feel free to schedule a phone call with Sam, our Madagascar expert. He’ll be happy to help and answer all your questions personally.
Want to find out more about this trip? Check out the most frequently asked questions.
Join the adventure in Madagascar
This road trip runs continuously from spring to autumn 2027. Check all availability and book your trip via the calendar at the bottom of the website.
Autumn 2026: Madagascar Nomads is fully booked!
The 2027 edition will take place between April 25 and October 30, 2027, with departures on Sundays. So book your trip now or request a quote.
Also read → When to visit Madagascar: the best months for your trip
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Example tripMonday 20 Jan 2025Sunday 26 Jan 202520 Jan – 26 Jan Mon – Sun · 6 daysAvailable€ 1450Available
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Example tripMonday 20 Jan 2025Sunday 26 Jan 202520 Jan – 26 Jan Mon – Sun · 6 daysAvailable€ 1450Available
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Example tripMonday 20 Jan 2025Sunday 26 Jan 202520 Jan – 26 Jan Mon – Sun · 6 daysAvailable€ 1450Available
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Example tripMonday 20 Jan 2025Sunday 26 Jan 202520 Jan – 26 Jan Mon – Sun · 6 daysAvailable€ 1450Available
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Example tripMonday 20 Jan 2025Sunday 26 Jan 202520 Jan – 26 Jan Mon – Sun · 6 daysAvailable€ 1450Available
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Example tripMonday 20 Jan 2025Sunday 26 Jan 202520 Jan – 26 Jan Mon – Sun · 6 daysAvailable€ 1450Available
FAQ
We invite you to check the section below before emailing us. It covers the questions we’re asked most often, along with our answers.
What documents do I need for this trip?
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A passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date
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An International Driving Permit
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A tourist visa: required to enter Madagascar, but easily obtained upon arrival at the airport (payable in cash)
What should I bring?
Check out the Madagascar Nomads packing list, which has been carefully put together by our experienced team. The packing list includes everything you need for your adventure, from clothing to equipment and useful extras.
Is there on-site support?
On arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by our local partners, rangers or guides. They will greet you and give you a brief introduction before your trip begins.
You will also be given access to a chat group with all the other participants departing on the same date just before you set off. You can use this group to chat with each other or with our team.
How old do I need to be to be able to drive?
For this trip, you must be at least 21 years old and have held a driving licence for 2 years.
What are the booking conditions?
When making a booking, you can choose how much flexibility you want. Check the different booking conditions, as well as the corresponding payment, modification and cancellation conditions.
These booking conditions are only valid from the 2027 season onward.
Is Madagascar a safe destination?
Madagascar is generally a safe destination for travelers, as long as you follow a few basic guidelines. The Malagasy people are welcoming and kind toward visitors. As with any destination, we recommend that you:
- Keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas
- Avoid traveling alone at night in certain cities
- Follow local advice and your guide’s instructions
- Use reputable, organized transportation
Traveling in Madagascar is above all an authentic adventure, bringing you into close contact with exceptional nature and a rich culture.
With how many people can I book this road trip?
Madagascar Nomads has been specially designed for groups of 2, 3, or 4 people.
For each departure date, we have a vehicle set aside for a group of 3 people and a triple room in every hotel. Groups of 3 will receive a discount of €250 per person.
If you would like to travel as a group of 4 in the same car, you will share one vehicle and be split into two double rooms each evening. Groups of 4 will receive a discount of €375 per person.
What is the payment procedure?
Right after your registration, you must pay a deposit of 30% to confirm your trip. After that, you still have until the check-in date to modify your options and pay the remaining balance.
There are various payment options, including Bancontact, Mastercard, iDeal. If you have a Travelbase voucher, you can use it as well.
If your payment fails, it is likely due to an incorrect reference number or exceeding your account limit.
Discover all Travelbase trips
Traveling to Madagascar: Everything You Need to Know
Madagascar captivates with its incredible diversity—from majestic baobabs and national parks to lush rainforests, authentic villages, and untamed beaches. Traveling to Madagascar means journeying from red dirt tracks to turquoise lagoons, and from the terraced rice fields of the central highlands to nature reserves teeming with lemurs.
Before you set off, here is our complete guide to help you discover everything you need to know and properly prepare for your trip to Madagascar.
Where is Madagascar located?
Madagascar is located in the Indian Ocean, off the southeast coast of Africa, separated from the mainland by the Mozambique Channel.
This unique setting accounts for the island’s extraordinary wealth: exceptional biodiversity, stunningly varied landscapes, and a culture shaped by African, Asian, and Creole influences. It is a vast and fascinating land, perfect for a road trip blending nature, wildlife, culture, and adventure.
Que mettre dans sa valise pour un voyage à Madagascar ?
Madagascar offre une incroyable diversité de paysages et de climats, alors mieux vaut prévoir une valise adaptée ! Voici une liste pour vous aider :
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Des vêtements légers et respirants pour la chaleur, mais aussi une veste ou un pull pour les soirées plus fraîches (surtout sur les hauts plateaux)
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Des chaussures de marche confortables pour explorer les parcs nationaux et les sentiers
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Un maillot de bain pour profiter des plages et lagons
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Une crème solaire, un chapeau et des lunettes de soleil (le soleil peut être très intense)
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Un anti-moustique efficace
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Un adaptateur électrique (voir section ci-dessous)
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Un appareil photo pour capturer les paysages et la faune unique
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Une lampe frontale ou une lampe de poche (utile dans certaines zones)
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Des médicaments de base et une petite trousse de premiers secours
Si vous décidez de partir avec Travelbase, une liste complète d’équipement vous sera fournie avant le départ.
Informations pratiques pour votre voyage à Madagascar
Quelle prise utilise-t-on à Madagascar ?
À Madagascar, on utilise principalement des prises de type C et E, avec un voltage de 220V et une fréquence de 50Hz. Si vous venez d’un pays européen, vous n’aurez généralement pas besoin d’adaptateur. Dans le doute, mieux vaut en glisser un dans votre valise.
Quel vaccin ou précaution médicale pour un séjour à Madagascar ?
Aucun vaccin n’est obligatoire pour entrer à Madagascar (sauf en cas de provenance d’une zone à risque de fièvre jaune). Cependant, certains sont fortement recommandés : hépatite A et B, typhoïde, tétanos.
Quelques précautions à prendre :
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Emportez une trousse de premiers secours
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Utilisez un répulsif anti-moustiques (le paludisme est présent dans certaines régions)
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Dormez sous moustiquaire si nécessaire
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Buvez de l’eau en bouteille et évitez les glaçons
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Souscrivez une assurance voyage couvrant les frais médicaux et le rapatriement
La culture malgache
Quelles sont les coutumes à Madagascar ?
Les Malgaches sont connus pour leur accueil chaleureux et leur sens du respect. Voici quelques repères utiles :
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Le respect des aînés et des traditions est très important
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Les “fady” (interdits culturels) varient selon les régions : il est conseillé de se renseigner localement
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Saluer et échanger quelques mots est toujours apprécié
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La vie communautaire et familiale occupe une place centrale
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Le rythme de vie est souvent plus lent, en harmonie avec la nature
N’hésitez pas à échanger avec les habitants : les rencontres font partie intégrante du voyage.
Quels sont les plats typiques de Madagascar ?
La cuisine malgache est simple, savoureuse et influencée par différentes cultures :
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Le romazava : un ragoût traditionnel de viande et de brèdes
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Le ravitoto : feuilles de manioc pilées avec de la viande
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Le riz (vary), présent à presque tous les repas
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Les fruits tropicaux frais (mangue, ananas, litchi…)
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Les poissons et fruits de mer sur les côtes
Quelles langues parle-t-on à Madagascar ?
La langue officielle est le malgache, parlé dans tout le pays. Le français est également très répandu, notamment dans les villes et les zones touristiques.
Quelques mots utiles :
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Bonjour : Salama
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Merci : Misaotra
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S’il vous plaît : Azafady
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Au revoir : Veloma
Le climat à Madagascar
Madagascar bénéficie d’un climat tropical, avec des variations selon les régions :
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Une saison chaude et humide (novembre à avril), avec des pluies plus fréquentes
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Une saison sèche et plus fraîche (mai à octobre), idéale pour voyager
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Des températures plus douces sur les hauts plateaux
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Un climat plus chaud et ensoleillé sur les côtes
Quelle que soit la période, Madagascar réserve son lot de surprises et de paysages grandioses. Chez Travelbase, nous sélectionnons les meilleures périodes selon l’expérience que vous souhaitez vivre.
Madagascar est-elle une destination sûre ?
Madagascar est une destination globalement sûre pour les voyageurs, à condition de respecter quelques règles de bon sens :
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Faites attention à vos effets personnels dans les zones fréquentées
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Évitez de circuler seul la nuit dans certaines villes
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Privilégiez des transports organisés ou recommandés
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Respectez les consignes locales et celles de votre guide
Pour conclure, un voyage à Madagascar est une véritable immersion dans un monde à part. Entre paysages spectaculaires, faune unique et rencontres marquantes, l’expérience promet d’être inoubliable.
Bon voyage avec Travelbase !
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