Exploration of Southern Makay

Day 1: Antananarivo

Upon your arrival at the airport, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. Welcome to Antananarivo! Antananarivo, "the City of a Thousand", is the capital of Madagascar, located in the Central Highlands region. It is known for its Asian character, its many staircases, steep hills, palaces, cobblestone streets and churches, as well as its rice paddy landscapes.

Day 1: Antananarivo

Day 1: Antananarivo

Featuring a garden and a restaurant, the Green Palace is located 4 km from Ivato International Airport, with private parking on site. Wi-Fi is available in the common areas. Each room is equipped with a television and air conditioning, and all rooms have a private terrace overlooking the garden as well as an en-suite bathroom with shower.

Day 2: Antananarivo > Ambositra

After breakfast, we set off along National Road N°7, with a stop in Ambatolampy to visit its foundry, renowned for producing aluminium goods such as kitchen utensils, sculptures, and other aluminium products. We then continue to Antsirabe, the capital of the Vakinankaratra region, known for its thermal springs, cool climate, and picturesque landscapes. Continuing on to Ambositra, a town famous for its skilled woodworkers and craftsmen who create intricate woodwork, including furniture, sculptures, and decorative objects. Check-in at the hotel.

Day 2: Antananarivo > Ambositra

Day 2: Antananarivo > Ambositra

The hotel was founded by a sculptor named Victor with the aim of showcasing Malagasy craftsmanship, particularly in the art of wood carving. The setting is peaceful and magnificent. The hotel offers 8 rooms and 10 bungalows to welcome its guests. The restaurant serves traditional Malagasy cuisine, and in the afternoons it is also possible to dine outdoors accompanied by a live traditional Malagasy music group. It is an ideal place to stay for groups of friends, families with teenagers or young children, seniors, business travellers, and independent travellers alike.

Day 3: Ambositra > Ambalavao

After breakfast, we visit a traditional Zafimaniry wood crafts workshop. The artisans create a variety of objects, including furniture, doors, panels, and sculptures, using local woods such as rosewood, ebony, and mahogany. We then head towards Ambalavao, passing through Fianarantsoa. The beautiful terraced rice fields built into the hillsides bear witness to the exceptional skills of this ethnic group. Check-in at the hotel.

Day 3: Ambositra > Ambalavao

Day 3: Ambositra > Ambalavao

What makes the Aux Bougainvillées hotel truly unique is the opportunity to discover the making of "Antaimoro Paper" — a type of papyrus — a craft of Arab origin dating back to the 16th century. The hotel offers single and family rooms, all with a private bathroom. The restaurant serves a varied and unpretentious menu drawing from a range of culinary traditions.

Day 4: Ambalavao > Ranohira

After breakfast, we visit an Antemoro paper-making workshop. This craft reflects the rich cultural heritage of Madagascar. The paper, renowned for its quality and unique texture, is used for artistic purposes owing to its durability and distinctive appearance. We then make our way to Anja Park, known for its natural beauty and unique wildlife, particularly its population of Ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta). You can enjoy guided walks through the park, where you will have the opportunity to observe lemurs in their natural habitat and explore the park's diverse flora and fauna. We then resume our journey towards Ranohira. Check-in at the hotel.

Day 4: Ambalavao > Ranohira

Day 4: Ambalavao > Ranohira

The Isalo Ranch is a charming property comprising 20 comfortable bungalows and a restaurant with a swimming pool, set within a beautiful tropical garden. Each bungalow features an en-suite bathroom, hot water, mosquito nets, and a private terrace. For environmental reasons, solar energy has been chosen to power the property's electricity. Built in a traditional style, the restaurant offers a selection of menus featuring creative and natural ingredients, with a cuisine inspired by local, French, Asian, and Oriental culinary influences.

Day 6: Beroroha > Beronono > Sariaka

After breakfast, we head north along 65 km of dirt track to reach the village of Beronono, where we meet up with our team of local porters for our stay in the Makay. We begin a 5-day fully immersive trek into the Makay massif — a little-known and rarely explored wilderness, a true sanctuary for flora and fauna that have yet to reveal all their secrets. We continue on foot to the Sariaka camp, approximately 2 to 3 hours of hiking, with a visit to Lake Sariaka. Dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 6: Beroroha > Beronono > Sariaka

Day 6: Beroroha > Beronono > Sariaka

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Day 7: CANYON Day

We cross the SAKAMANTSE gorges, through which crystal-clear water flows, then make our way along sunken waterways at the bottom of a canyon that can stretch several hundred metres high, sheltering lush and humid vegetation. Water is ever-present throughout these canyons. We take in views over the Behetaheta forest, with the possibility of spotting wild zebu, before continuing on to the second canyon of Anosilahy. Arrival at camp in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 7: CANYON Day

Day 7: CANYON Day

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Day 8: Anosilahy > Andranovinily

Hiking across the plateau and ridgelines, with panoramic views over Lakes Anosilahy and Sariaka. We continue to the Andranovinily camp, passing through a canyon and past a waterfall, with the possibility of a swim. Dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 8: Anosilahy > Andranovinily

Day 8: Anosilahy > Andranovinily

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Day 9: Andranovinily > Beravitrahazo

We venture deeper into the Makay to take in the massif's spectacular landscapes, with views over a palm forest and the possibility of spotting lemurs. We continue through the Mazedrano canyon, where the water can reach hip height, winding through a forest of palms and pandanus trees. Dinner and overnight in tents on the banks of the Makay River.

Day 9: Andranovinily > Beravitrahazo

Day 9: Andranovinily > Beravitrahazo

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Day 10: Beravitrahazo > Beronono

Trekking across the plateau of this eroded massif, formed of yellowish and red ruiniform sandstone and largely covered in dry vegetation, before continuing on to the Mahatiny cave to discover its rock paintings. Dinner and overnight in tents at Beronono.

Day 10: Beravitrahazo > Beronono

Day 10: Beravitrahazo > Beronono

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Day 11: Beronono > Beroroha > Ranohira

After breakfast, it is time to leave the Makay and return to civilisation. We head back on the road towards Ranohira. Check-in at the hotel.

Day 11: Beronono > Beroroha > Ranohira

Day 11: Beronono > Beroroha > Ranohira

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Day 12: Ranohira > Fianarantsoa

After breakfast, we hit the road again heading back towards the highlands. We drive through Ambalavao and on to Fianarantsoa. Check-in at the hotel.

Day 12: Ranohira > Fianarantsoa

Day 12: Ranohira > Fianarantsoa

Set in the heart of lush nature, this charming establishment shines for all its guests with 10 immaculate rooms in a simple yet authentic style, distinguished by their woodwork and furniture crafted from local timber. The view over the rice paddies will delight lovers of simple, living scenes of rural life, while numerous paths invite walkers and joggers to explore the Betsileo countryside, a landscape of rice fields, rolling hills, and welcoming hamlets offering magnificent panoramic views.

Day 13: Fianarantsoa > Antsirabe

After breakfast, we take a tour of the town of Fianarantsoa. The name "Fianarantsoa" literally means "good education" in Malagasy, and the town is known for its charming colonial architecture and vibrant local culture. Fianarantsoa is also a hub for the production of coffee, tea, and wine. We then depart for Antsirabe. Check-in at the hotel.

Day 13: Fianarantsoa > Antsirabe

Day 13: Fianarantsoa > Antsirabe

Three kilometres from the centre of Antsirabe, nestled in a conservatory garden of endemic Malagasy plants and species from around the world, in an exceptional setting and a haven of peace, the team at Souimanga Hotel-Restaurant welcomes you in a warm and friendly atmosphere. An original hotel that champions sustainable and ecological development through its concepts of self-sufficiency, natural farming, and community-focused projects.

Day 14: Antsirabe > Antananarivo

After breakfast, we take a rickshaw tour of the town of Antsirabe — the best way to explore the city. You can visit historic buildings, local markets, and charming colonial architecture, or landmarks such as Independence Square, a central plaza surrounded by cafés and shops. We then hit the road back to Antananarivo, passing through Ambatolampy. Upon arrival in Antananarivo, we head up to the Upper Town to admire the sunset. Check-in at the hotel.

Day 14: Antsirabe > Antananarivo

Day 14: Antsirabe > Antananarivo

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Day 15: Antananarivo > Departure

After breakfast, you will enjoy a tour of the city of Antananarivo. On the way to the airport, we stop at the Digue market, where a large number of vendors offer a wide variety of locally made products — an ideal stop to pick up souvenirs at reasonable prices. We then continue on to Ivato International Airport for your return flight. Veloma and SEE YOU NEXT TIME!

Day 15: Antananarivo > Departure

Meals: breakfast included, lunch not included

Day 15: Antananarivo > Departure

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