Madagascar

Ruthless RN5

Welcome to the capital, Antananarivo–better known locally as ‘Tana’. Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Expedition briefing and meeting other fellow explorers.

We begin our expedition with a simple drive to Andasibe National Park along the RN2 highway, transitioning from urban chaos to lush eastern rainforests leading to a beautiful jungle lodge at the edge of the primary forest.

Slowly drive into the primary forest experiencing the feeling of driving off-road. Once inside, the real reward awaits: hike into misty trails under canopies where Indri lemurs’ eerie songs echo for miles, joined by chameleons, frog symphonies and rare orchids carpeting the damp undergrowth.

The longest and grueling day of the expedition due to relentless potholes and traffic from the main artery of Madagascar's economy. The landscape flattens from Andasibe’s misty hills into humid coastal plains, with roadside markets and glimpses of the Indian Ocean horizon. We will stay at the port town from where the official RN5 begins.

We start the day officially driving on the RN5. From the port towns bustle, we head north on patchy paved roads along the Indian Ocean dotted with narrow and crowded fishing villages. And you will reach the first remote camping night along the Indian Ocean.

Waking up to a beautiful sunrise along the ocean and getting ready to drive further north into the RN5. The route continues to get narrower with vanishing roads traversing fishing villages. A short day compared the previous day. In the afternoon, we spend time with local fishermen sailing into the ocean and relaxing.

Get ready to challenge yourself by driving on the most challenging 4x4 driving section that demands full focus. Narrow, rutted dirt degenerates into deep red-clay gullies, fist-sized rock shelves and axle-twisting washouts, where you need to crawl in low-range—often requiring spotters. This section cements as the moment where drivers earn their overland stripes.

Today you will experience something special along with challenging driving trails. You will learn the art of patience - Pontoon Crossings, loads your vehicles onto hand-pulled steel barges or bamboo rafts. These crossings transform river obstacles into unforgettable expedition rituals.

The ultimate day - the final stretch of RN5 will take you through few more challenging terrains, few pontoon crossings, broken bridges and driving along the beach to complete the mission of having conquered the RN5.

This day we bid adieu to the ruthless RN5 and will take a domestic flight back to Antananarivo. Please Note: The domestic flight for this sector operates once a week and the schedules are erratic. We may advise you to reschedule your international flight incase if there are any changes to the domestic flight schedule.

A bridge day planned in Antananarivo to factor any delays in the domestic flight. Relax and explore the city at your own pace.

Depending on the time of your international flight, private transfer to the airport.