Madagascar
Madagascar is unlike anywhere else on earth. Located in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, this vast island nation is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife found nowhere else on the planet: from ring-tailed lemurs and chameleons to baobab-lined avenues and otherworldly
limestone formations. Around 90% of its flora and fauna are endemic, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventurous travellers alike.
With a 4×4 you can explore Madagascar independently and discover its most spectacular corners. The roads range from reasonable tarmac in the highlands to rugged pistes through the south and west: a real 4×4 is essential for most of the island’s best destinations. Driving yourself through Madagascar means you set the pace, stop at hidden villages, and experience the famous Malagasy hospitality first-hand.
The island stretches over 1,600 kilometres from north to south, offering dramatically different landscapes depending on the region: the cool green highlands around the capital Antananarivo, the dry spiny desert of the far south, the tropical rainforests of the east coast, and the beaches and baobab forests of the west. No two regions feel the same.
Highlights Madagascar
The Avenue of the Baobabs near Morondava in western Madagascar is one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes: ancient baobab trees lining a dirt road, best seen at sunrise or sunset. Nearby, Kirindy Reserve is one of the best places to spot the rare fossa and endemic nocturnal lemurs.
In the south, the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) features dramatic razor-sharp limestone pinnacles, accessible only by 4×4 and one of the most remarkable places in all of Africa. Isalo National Park, often called the ‘Grand Canyon of Madagascar’, offers red sandstone gorges, natural pools and outstanding hiking and 4×4 trails.
The Ranomafana National Park in the eastern highlands is a lush montane rainforest teeming with lemurs, frogs and birds. Further north, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is home to the iconic Indri — the largest living lemur — whose haunting calls echo through the forest in the early
morning.
The Masoala Peninsula and the northern tip around Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) offer wild coastline, pristine coral reefs and some of the most remote 4×4 territory on the island. Most self-drive itineraries start and end in the capital Antananarivo, giving easy access to both the highlands and onward routes to all corners of the island.
Possibilities
Selfdrive4x4.com now offers 4×4 car rental in Madagascar. We are proud to launch Madagascar as our newest destination and can already provide you with a rate card and rental vehicles to start
your self-drive adventure.
We are currently in the process of developing full package tours to Madagascar, combining car rental, accommodation, route planning and local expertise into a complete self-drive experience. These are expected to be available soon. In the meantime, our team is happy to provide personal
travel advice and help you plan a custom itinerary.
For more information or to request a rental quote, please contact us directly. We look forward to helping you discover one of Africa’s most extraordinary destinations.
