Lemur Tours · The south and surrounding areas
From rainforest on the edge of the highlands, through Isalo’s rock formations and into the dry southwest: choose walks that fit your route.
Choosing your places to visit
The national parks in southern Madagascar offer very different days outdoors. In Isalo, you walk among sandstone formations; in Andringitra, mountains take centre stage. Zombitse-Vohibasia and Tsimanampetsotsa reveal other sides of the drier south.
Ranomafana is also often included in a trip through the highlands and along the RN7. Geographically, the park lies in the southeast. This guide therefore follows travel planning rather than a single road: not all the destinations featured are directly on the same route.
The south and southwest
The specific trail is what matters. A forest visit during a driving stage, a walking day in Isalo and a multi-day trek each need a different amount of time.
National park near Ranohira
Sandstone, canyons and walking trails
Isalo fits a southern route along the RN7. The trail you choose determines how long you walk and under what conditions. Sun exposure, drinking water and breaks are as much a part of planning as the scenery you want to see.
Planning tip: Allow a dedicated walking day and choose the trail according to fitness and weather.
National park
Mountain scenery and trekking
Andringitra is an option for travellers who want to spend time in the mountains. An overnight trek is a trip within the trip. Access, supplies and equipment need to suit the route.
Planning tip: Confirm trek length, elevation changes, overnight arrangements and luggage transport in advance.
National park on the RN7
Forest on the way to Toliara
The forest lies between Isalo and Toliara and can add a nature visit to a driving day. To make it more than a quick stop, set aside time for the walk as a separate activity.
Planning tip: Coordinate the driving stage and visiting time; allow extra quiet time for birdwatching.
National park in the southwest
A lake and dry landscapes
Tsimanampetsotsa is away from the usual through-route along the RN7. A visit can be combined with a stay in the southwest, but access and accommodation need separate planning.
Planning tip: Confirm current road conditions and access before adding a visit to the itinerary.
Adding rainforest to your trip
Ranomafana lies in the southeast, off the direct RN7 route. If you would like to experience humid forest on a southern trip too, the park can offer a distinct change of scenery.
Trails cross forested slopes. Discuss the length and elevation changes rather than considering visiting time alone. Planning also needs to cover access, nights locally and some allowance for changeable weather.
Time for nature observation
A walking day is about more than covering distance. Wildlife, plants and breaks are part of it too. Choosing one suitable walk is often more enjoyable than adding another long outing in the afternoon.
Sturdy shoes, enough water and a pace suited to your abilities leave more attention for the landscape and its smaller inhabitants.
Fitting visits into your trip
A long day on the road is not a good basis for an additional tightly packed hiking programme. Find advice on driving times.
Andringitra may require several days with supplies arranged for the trek. Confirm in advance which route and overnight arrangements actually suit you.
A stay near Tsimanampetsotsa needs its own stages. Plan access and accommodation first before adding more destinations.
Suggested itineraries
“From the south to the east with some beach time” is an existing suggestion for a trip through contrasting landscapes. It helps you consider forest and rock scenery alongside later time by the sea.
Not every park mentioned here is automatically part of that route. An Andringitra trek or a stay in the southwest may need extra days or a different itinerary. We choose the stages according to the experiences that matter to you.
Good to know
Both can in principle be included in a trip through the highlands and along the RN7. Ranomafana is off the direct route, however. You need to allow time for the journeys, overnight stays and park visits.
A trek in Andringitra is a separate undertaking that needs preparation and may involve several nights. Whether a shorter walk is possible and worthwhile needs to be checked for the specific itinerary.
No. Distance, sun exposure and terrain vary. Choose a walk suited to your fitness and have its demands explained in advance. A well-known photo location alone is not enough to choose a trail.
No. Visiting this part of the southwest requires extra stages and a suitable access route. It should not be planned as a short, spontaneous stop on a through-journey.
An accredited guide is required for visits to protected areas managed by Madagascar National Parks. Private reserves have their own rules. Madagascar National Parks visitor rules.
Plan your trip with me
Tell me whether you would like to combine rainforest, hikes among rock formations, a trek or time in the southwest. Together, we can fit park visits and driving days to the length of your trip.