Take the mythical route of the island, known for the diversity of the landscapes it traverses
The South Tour Madagascar represents an exhilarating journey that makes us discover the enormous wealth of this region, populated by endemic species. If you are visiting the Grande Île, don’t hesitate to borrow the famous RN7 (National Road 7) to intoxicate you with authentic, singular and typically Malagasy exotic sites. A mosaic of landscapes defies your eyes and change from one kilometre to another.
RN7 is a asphalt road (the best maintained in the country) that connects Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, to Tuléar. This crossing of a thousand kilometers passes first by Antsirabe which is both the second industrial city of Madagascar and the first fruit and vegetable collector of the capital. The climate is very mild and the region has many tourist sites including the uncontourable Andranomafana spa . During a stop, you can visit the city and its large factories. Do not miss the old railway station and the Hotel des Thermes whose architecture recalls the colonial era. Before you get back on the road, relax for a long time under warm waters.
Antsirabe Station – Wikimedia – HoneyGaLe
Continue to Ambositra , and visit the many craft shops that line the road. They are full of decorative objects and furniture made with precious wood including the legendary rosewood and rosewood, which are the raw materials of predilection. Fine sculptures and marquetry works make the reputation of the region. Tablecloths, traditional clothing and strips of fabrics with shredded colors are made with local silk and hand woven.
Before reaching the next agglomeration, Fianarantsoa , visit Ranomafana National Park . It collects the endemic riches of the Red Island, among others, a thermal centre and a particularly wet tropical forest between which wonderfully snake picturesque streams of water. Rare orchids, epizootic birds and diurnal or nocturnal lemurians are visible on site.
A village Zafimaniry near Betsileo – Wikimedia – Lemurbaby
Around the fief Betsileo , you will be marvelled by the show of charming hamlets with roofs of chaumes built near rice fields in stairs. Several local and international painters have been inspired by these paintings to create real masterpieces. With its neighbourhoods on the hillside, the city of Fianarantsoa constitutes a semblance of sketch of Antananarivo, the Malagasy capital. With their singing accent, the natives offer hats, mats and baskets of all sizes and in all forms made with jonc, raphia leaves, lianas or banana bark.
You will then be only 1/3 of the journey, the road then continues towards Manakara ...
Have you ever borrowed the National 7 in Madagascar?
Main Photo: Wikimedia – Jean-Louis Vandevivère
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