trekking-2

Exploration of Southern Makay

15 days / 14 nights May to October From 1365 EUR/pax
Overview

One journey, a thousand wonders

Welcome to an extraordinary adventure in the majestic Makay massifs, one of the most preserved and mysterious regions of Madagascar. This trip will take you to the heart of wild and unspoiled nature, where steep mountains, deep canyons, dense forests and lakes combine to create a breathtaking landscape. You will have the opportunity to discover the mysteries of the Makay canyons, unique geological formations sculpted over millions of years of erosion, hidden caves and the rich fauna and flora that inhabit these massifs.

15
days
15
stops
1365€
from
Highlights

Trip highlights

The varied landscape of the Highlands
The Makay massif, a preserved sanctuary
Canyons and gorges of Sakamantse
Lakes Anosilahy and Sariaka
Cave paintings of Mahatiny
Programme

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Day 1: Antananarivo

Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

On arrival at the airport, our representative meets you for the transfer to the hotel. Welcome to Antananarivo, 'the City of Thousands', Madagascar's capital in the Central Highlands.

GREEN PALACE · Antananarivo
Garden and restaurant, located 4 km from Ivato airport. Each room has a private terrace.
Day 2

Day 2: Antananarivo > Ambositra

~7h drive 260 km Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, depart on RN7. Stop at Ambatolampy (aluminium foundry). Pass through Antsirabe (thermal springs, picturesque landscapes). Arrive in Ambositra, famous for craftsmen creating furniture, sculptures and wooden decorative objects. Hotel check-in.

ARTISAN HOTEL · Ambositra
Created by sculptor Victor to showcase wood-carving craftsmanship. 8 rooms and 10 bungalows. Traditional cuisine and local music.
Day 3

Day 3: Ambositra > Ambalavao

~5h drive 210 km Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, visit a Zafimaniry workshop (precious wood: rosewood, ebony, mahogany). Drive to Ambalavao via Fianarantsoa, through beautiful Betsileo terraced rice paddies. Hotel check-in.

AUX BOUGAINVILLEES · Ambalavao
Hotel featuring Antaimoro paper-making discovery. Individual and family rooms with private bathroom. Varied cuisine.
Day 4

Day 4: Ambalavao > Ranohira

~5h drive 210 km Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, visit Antemoro paper-making craft. Then stop at Anja park (ring-tailed lemurs in their natural habitat). Resume road to Ranohira. Hotel check-in.

ISALO RANCH · Ranohira
20 comfortable bungalows with pool in a magnificent tropical garden. Solar energy.
Visit hotel
Day 5

Day 5: Ranohira > Beroroha

~8h drive 155 km Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

Early breakfast, depart north along the Isalo massif to the Mangoky river. Motorised ferry crossing to Beroroha, regional capital. Bivouac by the river. Walk in Beroroha village, the last civilisation before the wild Makay.

Bivouac Beroroha · Beroroha
Overnight bivouac by the Mangoky river.
Day 6

Day 6: Beroroha > Beronono > Sariaka

~6h hiking Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, 65 km of track to Beronono to meet the local porter team. Start of the Makay trek in total immersion: a true sanctuary rarely visited. 2 to 3 hours hiking to Sariaka camp, visit to Lake Sariaka. Dinner and overnight in tents.

Bivouac Sariaka · Makay
Overnight bivouac in the heart of the Makay massif.
Day 7

Day 7: Canyon Day — Sakamantse Gorges

7 to 8h hiking Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

Cross the Sakamantse gorges (crystal-clear water). Trek along rivers at the bottom of canyons reaching several hundred metres in height. View over Behetaheta forest, possibility of seeing wild zebu. Continue to Anosilahy canyon. Overnight in tents.

Bivouac Anosilahy · Makay
Overnight bivouac in the Anosilahy canyon.
Day 8

Day 8: Anosilahy > Andranovinily

6h hiking Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

Hike across the plateau and ridges with panoramic views over Lakes Anosilahy and Sariaka. Descend to Andranovinily camp via a canyon and waterfall (swimming possible). Dinner and overnight in tents.

Bivouac Andranovinily · Makay
Overnight bivouac near the waterfall.
Day 9

Day 9: Andranovinily > Beravitrahazo

6 to 7h hiking Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

Deeper into the Makay. Spectacular scenery, palm forest, possibility of spotting lemurs. Cross Mazedrano canyon (water up to waist height) through palms and pandanus. Overnight in tents by the Makay river.

Bivouac rivière Makay · Makay
Overnight bivouac by the Makay river.
Day 10

Day 10: Beravitrahazo > Beronono — Cave paintings

6 to 8h hiking Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

Trek across the plateau of yellowish and red ruiniform sandstone, covered in dry vegetation. Visit the Mahatiny cave to discover the cave paintings. Dinner and overnight in tents at Beronono.

Bivouac Beronono · Makay / Beronono
Overnight bivouac at Beronono, end of the Makay trek.
Day 11

Day 11: Beronono > Beroroha > Ranohira

~9h track 195 km Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, leave the Makay and return to civilisation. Track to Beroroha then drive to Ranohira. Hotel check-in.

ISALO RANCH · Ranohira
20 comfortable bungalows with pool in a tropical garden.
Visit hotel
Day 12

Day 12: Ranohira > Fianarantsoa

~6h drive 270 km Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, drive back to the high plateaux. Pass through Ambalavao and stop in Fianarantsoa. Hotel check-in.

AMBALAKELY HOTEL · Fianarantsoa
10 rooms with rice paddy views, walking paths through the Betsileo hinterland.
Visit hotel
Day 13

Day 13: Fianarantsoa > Antsirabe

~5h30 drive 240 km Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, visit Fianarantsoa (colonial architecture, local culture, coffee, tea and wine production). Depart for Antsirabe. Hotel check-in.

SOUIMANGA HOTEL · Antsirabe
Eco-hotel surrounded by an endemic plant garden, 3 km from the city centre.
Visit hotel
Day 14

Day 14: Antsirabe > Antananarivo

~4h drive 170 km Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, pousse-pousse tour of Antsirabe. Visit historic buildings and local markets. Drive to Antananarivo via Ambatolampy. Arrive in Tana, ascend to the Upper Town to admire the sunset. Hotel check-in.

GREEN PALACE · Antananarivo
Hotel located 4 km from Ivato airport.
Day 15

Day 15: Antananarivo > Departure

Brkf. Lunch Dinr.

After breakfast, city visit and stop at the Digue market for souvenirs. Drive to Ivato airport for the return flight. Veloma and until next time!

Budget
Included
  • 1 French-speaking guide with per diem and accommodation
  • Airport/hotel/airport transfers
  • Accommodation on BB basis Days 1–4 and Days 11–15
  • Full board Days 5–10 (during Makay trek)
  • Picnic lunch on Day 11
  • Car rental and fuel
  • Visits and excursions mentioned in the programme
  • Municipal taxes and tourist taxes
  • 1 L bottle of water per day
Not included
  • International flights
  • Damage insurance (luggage, cancellation, medical costs, repatriation)
  • Lunches and dinners not listed in 'included'
  • Activities and visits not mentioned
  • Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Good to know

Pricing

From 1365 EUR/pax

Rate applicable for a group of 7 pax (7 pax maximum). Contact us for a tailor-made quote.

Notes

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Ready for the adventure?

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