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A Massive Hunt

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A Massive Hunt (or the Madagascar Special ) is the second episode of Season 4 of The Grand Tour - made up of Specials. It aired on December 17th, 2020, before its "planned" release on December 18th, 2020.

The episode saw the presenters travel across the Reunion Island in three performance pre-production cars before modifying them for a road trip across Madagascar in a massive treasure hunt.

• 3 Production

Synopsis [ ]

The intrepid trio find themselves back on four wheels for their latest adventure. Armed with sports cars, Richard, James and Jeremy think they are in for a cushy road trip as they arrive on the exotic island of Reunion and race on the world’s most expensive piece of tarmac. But a bizarre challenge propels them to Madagascar where they must tackle the world’s toughest road.

Production [ ]

The episode was filmed in November 2019 on the African island nation of Madagascar and on the French overseas territory of Reunion Island.

The special was expected to air in March/April 2020, however producer Andy Wilman, had contracted Coronavirus, having difficulty in breathing and "coughed his spleen out" but was on the road to recovery. The only parts that would be required was voiceovers and final edits which would've been made by Wilman. Due to this outbreak, the special was scheduled for release on 18th December 2020.

However, the trio surprisingly released it a day earlier after a short announcement on YouTube, with the description saying "All those marketing plans… wasted" in a jokingly manner.

• This is the sixth special episode of the entire show.
• This is the third special episode of The Grand Tour to be filmed in Africa, following the show's travels through Mozambique in Season 2 and Namibia in Season 1 .
• This is the first ever special of The Grand Tour, where not all of the cars have finished the journey and the second time for Richard Hammond . Travelling along the RN5 Hammond's Ford suffered a broken clutch on the journey, putting it out of action permanently.

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The Grand Tour Fans

The Grand Tour Madagascar Special: A Sneak Peek

Madagascar was, as we told you last year, the desitination of  Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James may to go on an adventure.

During their journey on La Réunion they found a encrypted document which should possible lead them to a huge pirate treasure. They travelled to Madagascar to find that treasure.

But being on a treasure hunt isn’t really an easy thing to do. Especially if you know the roads on Madagascar which are famous as being the most terrible roads in the world.

Especially the Route National 5, the road our beloved presenters had to follow, is famous for his bad condition. Therefor real fanatic 4×4 drivers travel to Madagascar to take on the challenge and travel from south to north over this treacherous road.

The trio start their trip on La Réunion where we see Jeremy Clarkson in a normal Bentley Continental GT. James May is driving a Caterham Seven 310R and Richard Hammond is behind the wheel of a Ford Focus RS.

When they are on Madagascar the cars are totally transformed and if we didn’t know all the facts they even look like other cars. But during the filming the cars are really on Madagascar modified.

What will happen during the journey of the trio? Friday 18 december we will all know as the episode “A Massive Hunt” will be available on Prime Video.

A Massive Hunt (aka Madagascar Special) is the second and last episode of season 4 of The Grand Tour.

Click here to learn everything you want to know about Season 4 of The Grand Tour .

You can also visit us on Facebook , Twiter and Instagram .

• Jeremy Clarkson
• Richard Hammond
• The Grand Tour
• Specials (The Grand Tour)

Madagascar Special (TGT)

• View history

The episode saw the presenters travel across the Reunion Island in three performance pre-production cars before modifying them for a road trip across Madagascar in a massive treasure hunt.

• 3 Production

Synopsis [ ]

The trio head to the new road built across the sea around the French owned Reunion Island in three high performance pre-production cars. However Mr. Wilman then tasks them to go on a treasure hunt in Madagascar leading the presenters to Modify their cars for a treacherous adventure.

Production [ ]

The episode was filmed in November 2019 on the African island nation of Madagascar and on the French overseas territory of Reunion Island.

The special was expected to air in March/April 2020, however producer Andy Wilman, had contracted Coronavirus, having difficulty in breathing and "coughed his spleen out" but was on the road to recovery. The only parts that would be required was voiceovers and final edits which would've been made by Wilman. Due to this outbreak, the special was scheduled for release on 18th December 2020. It was released a day earlier after a short announcement on youtube by the trio.

• This is the third special episode of The Grand Tour to be filmed in Africa, following the show's travels through Mozambique in the second season and Namibia in the first season .
• This is the first ever special of The Grand Tour, where not all of the cars have finished the journey and the second time for Richard Hammond . Travelling along the RN5 Hammond's Ford suffered a broken clutch on the journey, putting it out of action permanently.

Trailer [ ]

The Grand Tour Presents- A Massive Hunt - Official Trailer

• 2 Hammond's Rimac Crash (TGT)
• 3 Cheap Car Challenges

• Cast & crew
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The Grand Tour Presents: A Massive Hunt

• Episode aired Dec 17, 2020

Hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May journey through Madagascar in search of buried treasure. Hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May journey through Madagascar in search of buried treasure. Hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May journey through Madagascar in search of buried treasure.

• Phil Churchward
• Jeremy Clarkson
• Richard Hammond
• 118 User reviews

• Self - Presenter

• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

Did you know

• Trivia A massive hunt is a play on words of Clarkson's nickname.
• Goofs The number plate "FURY" attached to the Richard Hammond's car can be seen before Jeremy Clarkson gifts it to him.

User reviews 118

• mihaelorehovec
• Dec 16, 2020
• December 17, 2020 (United States)
• Expectation Entertainment
• Expectation
• Television Interactive Network Agency
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

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• Runtime 1 hour 30 minutes

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The Grand Tour Madagascar: A Massive Hunt | Release Date, Trailer, What’s Next?

Jeremy Clarkson , James May , and Richard Hammond are back this Christmas with even rougher challenges for The Grand Tour Madagascar Special: A Massive Hunt. 

What to look forward to for this Christmas Special? Exciting vehicle reinventions, lots of humor, stupider stunts, and a pirate treasure! And now, James May shares his thoughts on the delay of the show’s Christmas Special.

Amazon Prime Video released the official trailer earlier , opposite to rumors reported that it will be released later in December. The trio navigates the roughest of the roads of Madagascar in search of that mysterious pirate treasure.

So expect exploding sands, unconventional car makeovers, and Richard Hammond in pain.

Table of Contents

When is the Madagascar special released?

Amazon Prime Video will stream The Grand Tour Madagascar Special on Friday, 18th of December.  

Host and star May shared his statements regarding the show’s delay. He claimed “It is difficult to answer people who know we’ve made it, who know it’s ready and just want us to put it bloody on Amazon. I don’t know what to say other than  watch my cooking show  in the meantime. [The Grand Tour] is coming and it is, I think, pretty good.”

The release of the show was further delayed when the show’s producer Andy Wilman caught Coronavirus. The final stages of editing of the show were pushed back. Wilman has recovered but Clarkson revealed other issues with edits like the temporary shut down of voiceover suites and edit suits.

Earlier this year, Amazon Prime Video teases on a Christmas special on Twitter. The earlier details were revealed which made fans more excited.

Yes, the next Special will land later this year. Yes, it’s filmed in Madagascar and yes, there will be cars. Yes, we wanted to go to Russia. No, we couldn’t (we all know why). Yes, we will try again. No, we don’t know when. Yes, we will keep you updated. #TheGrandTour — The Grand Tour (@thegrandtour) July 7, 2020

What do we know about the Madagascar Special: A Massive Hunt?

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jeremy Clarkson (@jeremyclarkson1)

The trailer teases on the trio driving three sports cars modified and “uninvented” for the muddy and rough terrains of East African coasts. These cars are believed to be a Ford Focus RS, Bentley Continental GT, and a Caterham.

May shared his excitement over BBC Radio 2 and revealed they had a lot of fun with the challenges. He also fell in love with the natural beauty of Madagascar.

> The Grand Tour Scotland special – the boys are back filming

Not even the pandemic can keep these men from doing what they do best — driving and modifying cars. This time it is for The Grand Tour Scotland special.

The trio shared they went filming as usual and thankful no one tested positive for the Coronavirus during the entire nine-day shoot.

Is The Grand Tour ending?

While the planned specials were on hold due to the pandemic, The Grand Tour is far from over. In fact, the show is leaning towards airing more specials.

What happened to The Grand Tour tent?

In the last episode of Season 3, Clarkson broke down as the show filmed its final episode with an audience. Since then, the show shifted from studio shows to an epic adventure in reality show format on the road.

As Clarkson said, “So although the tent has gone, The Grand Tour goes on.”

What are Clarkson, Hammond, and May’s new solo projects?

For the fans looking forward to seeing more of the trio outside The Grand Tour show and as individuals, they have several shows lined up.

May has a spin-off series on Amazon Prime Video called Our Man in Japan. The series is ready for streaming now. The show records May’s exploration of Japan 15 years after first setting foot in the country of cosplays and extraordinary culture. He’s also just released a new cooking show called ‘Oh Cook’ .

Hammond, on the other hand, is teaming with Mythbuster’s star Tory Belleci for an untiled spin-off series involving shipwrecks and a beautiful desert island.

Clarkson will have his own adventures, this time as a farmer, in a show with a working title I Bought A Farm. Will Clarkson enjoy the peaceful rural life? Or is he going to challenge by farming nightmares?

What happened in The Grand Tour Presents: Seamen?

For a little flashback, the trio journeyed the iconic waterway of Vietnam and Cambodia, the Mekong Delta in The Grand Tour presents Seamen.

Instead of cars, the trio modified boats according to their preference and needs.

Clarkson recreated a Patrol Boat River used in the Vietnam war-era while Hammond went for a Miami Vice pegged speedboat. May opted for the classic 1939 wooden cruiser.

Watch the entire seasons 1 to 3 of The Grand Tour and The Grand tour presents Seamen. The Grand Tour presents: A Massive Hunt will be released worldwide on Friday, December 18.

Sarah Green

Jeremy clarkson keeps his bentley continental gt from the grand tour presents: a massive hunt, top gear: jaguar xj220 driven by freddie flintoff crashed in horrific incident, related articles.

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The best place to be when the nuclear apocalypse hits, one comment.

If all of this is happening, why the hell can’t I find the trailer on Amazon video in the U.S.? And, while we are at it, how could I buy season’s 1 thru 3 on US DVD from e-Bay but, the Amazon website doesn’t even show those discs exist ?! Screw Amazon!

The Grand Tour stars on pirate treasure, cycle lanes and electric cars

• Published 30 November 2020

It took real boules to film some scenes in the new Madagascar special

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May attempt to find pirate treasure in their new special, The Grand Tour presents: A Massive Hunt.

The trio head to Madagascar for their latest Amazon film, with little more than a car each and a historical treasure map.

The challenge starts with the tale of an 18th Century pirate known as La Buse (The Buzzard). Legend has it that, before he died, he buried his treasure - worth £100m in today's money - somewhere in the Seychelles.

When he was finally captured and executed in 1730, he hurled a piece of parchment into the crowd, shouting: "My treasure for he who can understand!"

La Buse (left), who was executed in 1730, and his tomb on the French island of La Reunion

The parchment contained a 17-line cryptogram , external which apparently revealed where his treasure was buried... but only if someone was able to decipher it.

Many have tried and failed over the centuries to locate the loot. We've been speaking to Clarkson, Hammond and May about their own hunt (and a few other things in between).

1. Some were more hopeful about finding the treasure than others

Hammond was the most optimistic of the group about genuinely finding the treasure

In the course of the 90-minute special, May makes a decent and serious attempt to crack the codes. Which raises the question, did the team ever think they might actually discover the treasure?

"Yes! I did all along," says the lovably enthusiastic Hammond. "I'm a massive fan of all of that stuff. It's historical fact that a lot of these people did exist, as did their treasure. So you never know, there was a chance."

Executive producer Andy Wilman has a slightly different reaction when we put the same question to him.

"Are you mentally deranged?" he asks us, which we'll take as a no.

"I'll tell you what it did do, it made you a kid again. I'm getting paid to hunt for buried treasure, like I'm seven. It's one of those situations where your tongue has got to come through your cheek. So the viewer can see [we know] that this is nonsense. But you go with it because of the journey, it's a great adventure to go on."

2. The title (surprisingly) wasn't their idea

A Massive Hunt was filmed prior to the coronavirus pandemic

You might have thought that the team would have a hard time topping the name of last year's special, The Grand Tour presents: Seamen, which saw the trio swap cars for boats. But they've outdone themselves here.

So whose idea was The Grand Tour presents: A Massive Hunt?

"You won't believe me when I tell you, but it was the people we work for," reveals Wilman. "Old big corporate Amazon.

"We were batting titles backwards and forwards and it was like 'best one wins'. And then I got a text from their head of marketing and I was like, 'oh yeah, game over, our work is done now'."

3. Madagascar: Worse than Swindon

May says he's never driven on a road as difficult as this one in Madagascar

Perhaps the most gripping section of the new special comes when the trio have to find their way along a road in Madagascar - although the word "road" is being rather generous.

"It's extraordinary that it's actually marked on a map as a thing you can drive a vehicle on," says a bewildered Clarkson. "I'm not surprised the Madagascans threw the French out if that was their idea of a road, because it just isn't one."

May admits: "In terms of trying to get your car to the end, we honestly thought near the beginning of filming that we simply weren't going to be able to do it.

"I've never driven on a road that difficult to simply negotiate. It's worse than the centre of Swindon, with all those mini roundabouts. You could spend the rest of your life there if you're not careful."

4. Clarkson remains unconvinced by electric cars

Clarkson woke up to the issue of climate change last year - but hasn't changed his lifestyle

You may remember Clarkson publicly acknowledged climate change for the first time in last year's special, after the awful conditions the team witnessed in Cambodia. But that doesn't mean he's about to change his behaviour.

"I've just ordered a new Bentley, with a V8 engine, so that's where I stand," he says. "[Hammond and May] both have electric cars now but I'm carbon offsetting them."

He refers to recent reports , external of "appalling" child slavery in the Democratic Republic of Congo, after the huge surge in demand for cobalt - a critical metal for electric car batteries.

"They're also very expensive and completely impractical and have the personality of a vacuum cleaner but if that's what you like, help yourself to an electric car."

5. And it's probably best you don't mention cycle lanes to him either

More cycle lanes have sprung up in London this year as a way to avoid public transport

...because it sounds like he had quite a traumatic experience travelling to the press launch.

"It took me three hours to get to where I am this morning, because the Mayor of London is an imbecile," he says with his usual tact. "He's just turned the whole damn city into a cycle lane.

"I don't mind one or two cycle lanes where it's convenient but he's put one in the Euston underpass. I mean, the man's a maniac and must be stopped."

Clarkson has always enjoyed being provocative with the things he says, but we thought we'd better put these comments to the Mayor of London.

A spokesman for Sadiq Khan told us: "London is facing an air quality crisis which is causing thousands of deaths per year and exacerbating the physical effects of Covid-19. Half of toxic emissions in the city are caused by road transport.

"These policies are about saving lives and Sadiq makes no apologies for the temporary emergency measures he has put in place to encourage the huge increase in cycling we've seen since the pandemic began which is also enabling social distancing on public transport. We mustn't get through one public health crisis only to face another caused by congestion and toxic air pollution."

6. The team hope viewers might fancy a crack

James May encourages viewers to try to crack the cryptogram, which is available online

After the special is released next month, James May hopes it will prompt renewed interest with the public in finding the treasure.

"The coded message is available in various books and online, and there are many ways of reading it and interpreting it, as I hope I showed, but if other people want to have a crack at it, I think that would be very interesting," he says.

"Even if you did manage to translate it, it would be in an old language which we're not very familiar with, so getting all the way through to what it actually means is going to require massive research knowledge and interpretative skills. But even if it's just for a bit of fun, I hope people still have a go at it, it's quite absorbing actually."

7. The next special will be in Scotland

Wilman describes having to edit the Madagascar film over Zoom as "a living hell".

Lockdown also meant the team had to get creative when they began filming their next special, and find something to do within the UK.

"We were trying to think of different options, and where we ended up was we just shot one recently up in Scotland, a kind of mini coronavirus special, which will be 60-odd minutes rather than 90," Wilman explains

All three Grand Tour stars got their own deal for a solo show when they signed with Amazon

But how much longer will the trio continue doing The Grand Tour? They've been with Amazon since 2015, and were on Top Gear for 13 years before that.

"I am aware of ageing, and perhaps the need to grow up, now I'm in the second half of my 50s," says May. "But I think we'll do it for a bit yet because, to be honest, people want us to, and it would be wrong of us to disappoint them.

"But eventually one of us is going to snap, yes. Probably me. I'm quite fragile, really."

Wilman explains that he and the trio all got individual solo deals when they signed with Amazon, which meant each was given their own series in addition to working on The Grand Tour.

As a result, Clarkson has done a farming series, Hammond has a forthcoming survivalist show, while James May recently launched his own cookery programme. "I've still got one to do," Wilman says, although adds that he'll remain behind the scenes rather than on screen.

"We'd like to do two [Grand Tour specials] a year, that was the plan. We've still got two to do, on our current contract. And that's about right, two allows us to do other things, and keep Grand Tour going."

The Grand Tour presents: A Massive Hunt will launch Friday 18 December on Amazon Prime Video.

More on this story

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Awake your explorer instinct through this grand tour of 22-day adventure which is crafted for refined travelers. 

Begin in the lively Diego Suarez, continuing through the Montagne d’Ambre and the Tsingy of Ankarana Reserve, which will immerse you with the harmonic serenade of its distinct wildlife.

The Nosy Be archipelago is your next destination, a serene haven where lush forests blend with the clear sea, offering chances for snorkeling among the reefs and encounters with the island’s distinctive species.

On the way down to the west coast, Ankarafantsika National Park emerges as a naturalist’s mosaic, its wild orchestra filled with the tunes of rare birds and the sight of colorful chameleons.

Continue to the core of Madagascar, Antananarivo, a mosaic of history and culture, before delving into the eastern rainforests of Andasibe/Mantadia, echoing with the cries of the Indri lemur.

The route ascends to the highlands of Antsirabe, with its hot springs and a panorama sprinkled with terraced paddy fields and volcanic lakes, before leading you to the southern splendors of Ranomafana National Park’s verdant rainforests.

Conclude your epic at the peaceful shores of Anakao or Ifaty, musing over the unforgettable moments you’ve collected, against the serene embrace of the ocean.

This journey is available throughout the year, offering moderate accessibility, ensuring that the essence of Madagascar is always within reach. Your stay includes a variety of accommodations from hotels to lodges and tents, with travel via 4WD, motorboats, pirogues, bicycles, and domestic flights, blending the thrill of exploration with the comfort of modern amenities.

This concept is truly to make you experience the real Madagascar in its entire kaleidoscopic beauty.

• Wildlife viewing inside and outside national parks and reserves
• Birdwatching
• Possibility of snorkeling, diving, wind/kite
• Possibility of potholing
• Orchids spotting.
• Local encountering and cultural immersion
• Malagasy cuisine
• Possibility of sailing
• The rainforest and their biodiversity of the Mountain d’amber, Andasibe and Ranomafana National Parks
• Lemurs and reptiles amongst other wildlife typical for each regions The famous Tsingy rock formation at Ankarana National Park
• The pristine beaches and lagoons of Nosy Be
• The dry deciduous forest of Ankarafantsika and its typical wildlife and birds
• The thermal city of Antsirabe
• The landscapes of the North, the West, the East and the Southern Madagascar
• The lunar landscape and canyons of Isalo National Park
• The beach of Anakao or Ifaty
• Gondwana massif at Andringitra
• Andringitra and its outer world landscape
• The life styles of each regions
• The oldest Baobab tree at Tsimanapetsotsa National Park and its reserve of turtles, birds and lemurs
• The train trip from Manakara to Fianarantsoa though villages, jungles and mountains – Optional

Itinerary outline

• Diego Suarez
• Montagne d’Ambre
• Ankarana Reserve
• Ankarafantsika National Park – Ampijoroa
• Antananarivo
• Andasibe/Mantadia
• Ranomafana N.P
• Train trip from Manakara  [optional ]
• Fianarantsoa
• Tsaranoro Valley [optional ]
• Anakao OR Ifaty
• [Optional: Tsimanapetsotsa]

Suggested extensions

• Island hopping around the archipelago of Nosy Be
• Sainte Marie Island for beach vacations and Humpback-whale safari
• 3-day trekking at Andringitra – The part of the Gondwana land
• 2-day caving and birdwatching at Tsimanampetsotsa National Park
• 3-day trip to the Baobab Avenue in Morondava – in the Western Baobab safari

Detailed itinerary

Begin in Diego Suarez, a melting pot of cultures set against a backdrop of French colonial architecture. Venture into Montagne d’Ambre and Ankarana Reserve, where the symphony of lemurs and the rustling of rare birds provide a natural orchestra. Witness the surreal Tsingy rock formations,  one of Madagascar’s geological marvels.

Reach the Nosy Be archipelago,  where azure waters meet lush rainforests. Here, opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and encountering the island’s endemic wildlife abound.

Traverse to Ankarafantsika National Park, a haven for bird enthusiasts, before arriving in Antananarivo, the heart of Madagascar’s history and culture.

Journey to Andasibe/Mantadia, immersing yourself in dense rainforests echoing with the calls of the Indri, the largest of the lemurs.

Experience the highland city of Antsirabe, known for its thermal springs and colorful rickshaws. This region’s landscape, characterized by terraced rice fields and volcanic lakes then continue down south to Ambositra, the capital of handicrafts of the island.

Explore Ranomafana National Park’s rainforests, home to myriad species of lemurs and orchids. The optional train trip from Manakara to Fianarantsoa is a journey through time, revealing remote villages and stunning natural scenery. The Tsaranoro Valley and Anja Reserves are two hotspots to meet in King Julian – the Catta Lemurs in the wild. Witness the dramatic landscapes of Isalo National Park, where deep canyons and sandstone formations create a lunar-like environment..

Conclude your journey at the beaches of Anakao or Ifaty, where the tranquility of the ocean offers a serene end to your adventure

Reflect on your journey as you return to the capital, carrying with you memories of Madagascar’s kaleidoscopic beauty and the warmth of its people.

Any day >> How to book a tour

Whole year round

Transportation

4WD - Motorboat - Pirogue - Bicycle Domestic flights >> Transportation standard

Accommodation

Hotels - Lodges - Tent - By people >> Lodging types & standards

City of departure

Antananarivo, the Capital city.

Ease of access

Contact us: +261-341-505-757 /+261 -202-201-825 – E-mail: [email protected]

Cactus Tours Madagascar Head office: 146 B – Antanetibe Ivato P.o. Box 206 Ivato Airport – 101 Antananarivo – Madagascar

AFFILIATIONS:

• [email protected]

Travel information

• Destinations
• Accommodation
• Daily Information
• Information
• Terms and Conditions

The Grand Tour of Madagascar

African Destinations

+972 (0)529558810

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Expore the best of Madagascar - 23 day roadtrip

The Grand Circuit is our most popular self-drive route in Madagascar, and with good reason! Discover the best the country has to offer and be amazed by the sheer variety of landscapes and cultures. 

• Cruise down the famous RN7, passing through colourful highland towns, rainforests, and mountains.
• Enjoy a change of scenery after passing Ambalavao, giving way to grasslands, canyons, and finally, the sea.
• Explore the magic of the western coastal route, with sandy tracks, rivers, and baobabs. Do note: this area is accessible by 4WD only.
• Visit remote and colourful Vezo fishing villages, pristine beaches, the bizarre limestone pinnacles of Tsingy de Bemaraha and the most beautiful lodges. All while meeting just a handful of other travellers.  

This route is accessible from May until mid-November.

Scroll below to see the  day-to-day itinerary with realistic driving times, route directions and travel tips for Madagascar. Need advice on accommodation? Then check out our Madagascar Hotel Guide , which includes our favourite hotels from budget to luxury. 

Day-to-day itinerary | The Grand Circuit

Day 1 of 23

Start: Ivato Destination: Antsirabe Drive:  190 km | 5 hours

Your start on the famed RN7! Expect asphalt, windy roads passing rice paddies and small highland villages. You can have a good lunch stop at Coin de Foie Gras in Behenjy, or try a real authentic paella (we're not kidding), at El Torro in Ambatolampy.

Some restaurants we can recommend: Chez Jenny (pizza), Trianon ,  Vatolahy (French) and Conterno (pastries and baguettes). 

Day 2 of 23

Enjoy: Antsirabe

Explore Antsirabe town and surroundings. Take a pousse pousse (the Malagasy version of the Asian rickshaw) tour to the craft workshops which are otherwise hard to find on your own. Hike or mountain bike around Lake Tritriva, an emerald-green crater lake.

Day 3 of 23

Start: Antsirabe Destination:  Ranomafana National Park Drive:  227 km | 5 hours

It's another lovely, windy road, passing through highland villages, rice paddies and rainforest-covered hills. Stop in Ambositra for a coffee break. For those interested in community tourism and highland culture, this is an interesting region to linger around for longer. 

The best way to Ranomafana is via the RN7 and branch off at Alakamisy onto the RN45. Restaurant tip: Manja

Day 4 of 23

Enjoy:  Ranomafana 

Ranomafana is a small and lively tropical town with a stunning riverside setting surrounded by rainforest-covered hills and the lovely scent of flowers in the air. It's the place to search for the golden bamboo lemur, only discovered in 1986. We have written a blog about the most beautiful national parks to visit on your road trip in Madagascar, including Ranamofana. You can check it out  here . 

Day 5 of 23

Start: Ranomafana National Park Destination:  Andringitra National Park Drive:  130 km | 4 hours 

Drive to Andringitra National Park, perhaps the most scenic drive in Madagascar thus far. Especially beyond Ambalavao, when the highland plateau gives way to deserted grassland with big sandstone massifs and distant horizons. You could have a coffee break at Ambalavao, or use it as a base from which to explore community tourism initiatives. 

Day 6 of 23

Enjoy:  Andringitra

If you like hiking, this is a breath taking area. Several hikes can be organised from the camps in this area, ranging from a few hours to multiple days. We did the real Andringitra, a tough full day walk up to the peak. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat, as the sun is remorseless. Consider factoring extra days to complete the Imarivolanitra trekking (2-3 days). We have written a blog about the most beautiful national parks to visit on your road trip in Madagascar, including Andringitra. You can check it out  here . 

Day 7 of 23

Start:  Andringitra National Park Destination: Isalo Drive:  255 km| 5 hours 

Once you leave Andringitra National Park, the windy roads give way to smooth roads with far horizons and deserted grasslands with some rocky peaks. Bring a packed lunch as there are no places to buy or eat something en route! 

Day 8 of 23

Enjoy: Isalo National Park

Isalo National Park is a popular destination, featuring sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, waterfalls, natural pools, and a variety of native flora. The piscine and cascade hiking trail are the most popular hikes. We have written a blog about the most beautiful national parks to visit on your road trip in Madagascar, including Isalo. You can check it out here . 

Day 9 of 23

Start: Isalo National Park Destination: Tulear Drive:  237 km | 4 hours 

It's an easy 4-hour drive to Tulear. On your way, you will pass through towns that experienced a sapphire rush. We found the experience to be impressive and thought-provoking.

The beaches at Ifaty/Mangily, 24 km north of Tulear, are nicer, but we prefer the vibe at St Augustine's Bay, south of Tulear. Below is Bakuba Hotel at Tulear, among the best boutique hotels of Madagascar. 

Day 10 of 23

Start: Tulear Destination: Salary Bay Drive:  108 km | 6 hours 

For some of you, it's time to meet your ''pisteur'' - the navigator who will join you for the next few days. After Ifaty we say goodbye to the asphalt. Switch on those hub locks and start your 4x4 Madagascar adventure! 

From Tulear to Morombe is a beautiful road, bordered by the Mozambican channel to the west and the Mikea Forest to the east. While the road does have some sandy stretches, there is no need to use sand plates or deflate your tyres. 

Day 11 of 23

Start: Salary Bay Destination: Andavadoaka Drive:  60 km | 2 hours 

Drive to Andavadoaka, a remote little Vezo fishing village. It's pretty intense driving through no man's land. No more villages, cattle and people, but deep sandy tracks and endless bushes with mostly no telephone signal. What an experience. 

Day 12 of 23

Start:  Andavadoaka Destination: Manja Drive:  208 km | 5 hours

Pack your car with enough water and food for lunch, as you will not pass any restaurant or roadside stall for the next two days. It's an intense but fun driving day, covering many different terrains and passing through very remote areas. The first 2 hours are on a reasonably good 4x4 track to the small village of Morombe. The RN9 'road' between Morombe and Bevoay is in a poor state: potholes, bush, mud, shallow creeks and rocks. You must cross quicksand(!) to catch a local ''ferry'' to cross the Mangoky river - what an experience! As they're constructing a bridge, there is also a dam you can use to cross the river if the water level isn't too high. After the river crossing, the road is in good condition up to Manja town.

Day 13 of 23

Start: Manja Destination: Belo sur Mer Drive:  109 km | 4 hours

Visiting Belo sur Mer is only allowed when travelling with our driver-guide or pisteur. You have to cross a salt plain. The surface is dried out, but beneath, it's like quicksand, so you quickly get stuck if you don't know which track to follow. When you are travelling the West Coast without a pisteur, you'll have to skip Belo sur Mer. 

Tip: You can also visit Belo sure Mer by boat from Morondava. It’s a short boat ride, which can be arranged from the hotel you are staying at in Morondava.

Day 14 of 23

Enjoy: Belo sur Mer

We recommend enjoying a rest day (or two) in Belo sur Mer. You will have been on the road for quite a few days now, and it is a holiday after all. Entremer is our favourite accommodation. The owner, a friendly French lady, passionately runs the eco-lodge. The home-cooked food is simply delicious and not the standard fare. Make sure you try her Coco Rum punch as well...

Day 15 of 23

Have a local lunch in the village at Chez Amis, where crab is often the only thing on the menu ;)  Or take a trip on a sailing boat, visit Kirindy Mitea National Park (mangroves, dunes, lakes and beaches) or just read a book and sip cocktails in your hammock...

Day 16 of 23

Start: Belo sur Mer Destination: Morondava Drive:  4 hours

Drive to Morondava. You'll mostly cover sandy tracks with a few bushes and some rivers where your  pisteur really comes in handy. And then…there is asphalt again. Explore Morondava town in the afternoon; a lively seaside resort with plenty of small restaurants and bars. Our favourite restaurant: La Capannina and Baobab . 

Day 17 of 23

Start: Morondava Destination: Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park Drive:  187 km | 8-10 hours

Driving on a 4x4 dirt track to Bekopaka, your gateway to the Tsingy de Bemaraha takes a full day. Make sure to have lunch in Belo-sur-Tsiribihina at Mad Zebu . The Malagasy chef used to work at a 3-star Michelin restaurant in France and now runs a restaurant in the middle of nowhere - pretty surreal!

Day 18 of 23

Enjoy: Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

There is nothing else on earth like the limestone pinnacles of Tsingy de Bemaraha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend spending at least two full days at the park so you can try out the great circuits that have been put in place, consisting of Via Ferrata (fixed cable routes), rope bridges and ladders. Combine it with a pirogue trip up the Manambolo River.  

Day 19 of 23

We have written a blog about the most beautiful national parks to visit on your road trip in Madagascar, including Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. You can check it out here . 

Day 20 of 23

Start: Tsingy de Bemaraha Naitonal Park Destination: Morondava Drive:  187 km | 8-10 hours 

After visiting Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, it will take a full day's drive to get back to Morondava.

Day 21 of 23

Start: Morondava Destination: Miandrivazo Drive:  268 km | 4 hours

Today you cover the RN35 and the RN24, an asphalt road but pretty putholed. You'll probably have the road to yourself. It roughly a 4 hour drive to Miandrivazo. A pirogue trip up the Tsiribihina river makes a nice excursion, or relax at the pool of Princess Tsiribihina , the only mid-range place to stay in Miandrivazo. 

Day 22 of 23

Start:  Miandrivazo Destination: Antsirabe Drive:  220 km | 4 hours

Take note that the only way to get from Morondava to Tana is via Miandrivazo and Antsirabe. The RN35 takes much longer, and the bridge on the RN35 is broken so the road is inaccessible. Do not follow Google Maps, as it will lead you the wrong way. Simply follow the RN34. 

Day 23 of 23

Start: Antsirabe Destination: Ivato Drive:  190 km | 5 hours 

Back on the good old RN7. You can return your rental car to the team of Roadtrip Madagascar at the airport or the lodge you are staying at in Ivato.

Explore the best of Madagascar. Watch our Grand Circuit road movie.

The best of madagascar in 3 weeks | this is what you need to know, travel time and road conditions.

We recommend 23 car rental days for this Madagascar itinerary. Is time not on your side? You can shorten this Madagascar itinerary by:

• Covering the West Coast in 4 days (saving you 3 days)
• Skipping the Tsingy de Bemaraha  (saving 4 days)
• Ending your roadtrip at Morondava and flying back to Antananarivo (saving 2 days)

The RN7 from Tana to Tulear is a tarmac road, while the west coast from Tulear up to the Tsingy de Bemaraha is off-road driving. Therefore, renting the Nissan Navara is required. Check our Driving in Madagascar blog for more tips and advice. 

Note that if you want to visit Belo sur Mer by car, it is required to travel with a pisteur (or driver-guide) from Roadtrip Africa.

Hire a 'pisteur' (navigator) for the West Coast

We allow roadtrippers to self-drive the West Coast, but you'll need to have experience driving a 4x4. Are you a less experienced or confident 4x4 driver? Or do you want to visit Belo sur Mer? Then we can hook you up with a so called 'pisteur'. This local navigator knows the region by heart and can advise which track to follow, where to cross a river, etc. 

A pisteur for the West Coast route costs €25/day and this is an all-inclusive rate (he arranges his own accommodation, food & drinks). He helps you to navigate, particularly where you need to cross the rivers when the river tide is high. You still drive yourself, he only gives instructions. These are local guys, who hardly speak English, but know the region by heart.

As there are no public transport options along the West Coast, note that he can only step in from Tulear to Morondava or vice versa.

Grand Circuit - When is the best time to visit the best of Madagascar

The West Coast of Madagascar and the Tsingy de Bemaraha are usually accessible from May up to mid-November, depending on the start/end of the rainy season. When visiting Madagascar in May or November, there is no guarantee that the area is accessible. When collecting your car, we therefore advise you to ask our team at Road Trip Madagascar about the road conditions and accessibility.

Need help with timing your visit to Madagascar? Check our blog on weather conditions, accessibility, and tourist seasons, here.  

RoadTrip Africa was an absolute pleasure to do business with

Maureen from the Netherlands

From start to finish, they were always quick to reply to emails and answer all questions with politeness and enthusiasm. I strongly recommend getting a driver in Madagascar as the driver will be familiar with the road conditions which can be quit...

Very nice car, drives well, can take a beating, it was great!

Melissa from the Netherlands

We covered 2,500km in 16 days. From Morondava we first went for the off-road drive to Tulear, this together with a pisteur. He got in the back of the car with us, tells you the routes, explains how to drive through the water or loose sand. Also te...

One big adventure

Pauline from the Netherlands

Madagascar is a beautiful country but the roads are challenging, especially in the west, to Tsingy National Park, where it is all off-road driving. Most people hire a driver but driving yourself is certainly possible. I enjoyed it with some scary...

Create & book your self-drive adventure in Madagascar

Explore the best of Madagascar in a 4x4 and drive your own adventure.