The unusual trekking in the Makay massif

Departure by car to Antsirabe. Antsirabe is located some 170 km from the capital and is an integral part of the so-called region of the Central Highlands. Quaint villages whose houses are dyed red, laterite color, are scattered ever where along the way.

However, there are also municipalities more or less important thanks to their industrial and artisanal activities. Thus, the city of Ambatolampy deserves to stop, just to see homemade foundries producing kitchen utensils, especially pots or casseroles as we like to call them here.

Arriving in Antsirabe, the traveler notices the existence of many rickshaws, exotic means of transport par excellence to admire the beauty of the city. But what is special about the city is the existence of thermal springs including the famous "Ranovisy" or "Vichy Malagasy" and healing waters. What earned him the name of "City of Water". In addition, it is surrounded by areas rich in mineral resources, mainly precious, fine or ornamental stones. And the stone cutting are worth visiting, not to mention other workshops such as embroidery or the crafting of objects from zebu horn. Rickshaws tour with a short sightseeing tour of the city.

Overnight in hotel.

After breakfast, continuation to Miandrivazo leaving the famous RN7 and taking the RN34.

About twenty kilometers from Antsirabe, a stop for a small rural getaway in the village of Betafo allows you to discover this typically Merina village and the know-how of its inhabitants. It is also in this village that the Norwegians established the first Lutheran Church in Madagascar.

The landscape will be marked by the volcanic landscape of the Vakinakaratra region, with mountains that have more or less rounded summits. It is a rich region favorable to cultivation and particularly to that of rice. The rice fields are located on the slopes of the hills and terraced so as to form a mosaic that, it looks like, was shaped by the hands of an artist.

Arrival in Miandrivazo in the afternoon.

It is the hottest village in Madagascar where the average temperature is 28° C.

Overnight in hotel.

At daybreak, we resumed our journey towards Malaimbandy, where the asphalt gives way to a bumpy track winding along the majestic Bongolava mountain range. Along the way, our route will take us through charming dry forests and picturesque villages, offering a captivating experience as we travel.

The sedimentary barrier of Makay draws closer, revealing an imposing and rugged profile on the western horizon.

Here, we meet our guides and porters, who will be our companions and partners throughout this exceptional adventure.

First night under the tent in a small village.

Here begins our hiking adventure, through a lush forest where lemurs briefly reveal themselves but remain out of reach. And as we progress, the imposing sandstone cliffs with their tumultuous hues rise before us, creating an impressive spectacle.

After four hours of walking, we arrive at the beginning of a canyon where a natural pool is nestled.

Upon our arrival, we set up our camp by the water's edge, providing a refreshing moment of relaxation, where you can fully enjoy the natural pool. 

Throughout our exploration of the magnificent Makay massif, we will spend convivial evenings around the campfire, in the company of our guide and porter friends.

Night under the tent.

We begin our exploration in the heart of the Makay massif by ascending a tributary of the Sakapaly, crossing a canyon of 3 to 4 km to emerge in another canyon. This day promises a mosaic of discoveries, as the landscapes evolve with every step.

We then return to our campsite to enjoy a dinner in the midst of nature and spend the night under the stars in bivouac.

We take the time to explore the sublime landscape of the Sakapaly Gorges. A beautiful trail leads us to the plateau south of the canyon, where a maze of intriguing rock formations called "Sakasaka" stretches out before us. The sight of these rock structures is simply breathtaking, offering a spectacular perspective.

Back at our campsite, we enjoy a friendly dinner followed by a night under the stars in bivouac, allowing the experience of the Makay to leave a lasting impression on our memories.

At dawn, we leave our campsite to ascend the sandstone plateau, offering a 360-degree panoramic view from one of the Makay's peaks.

Our route takes us through a dry forest, where we take a brief pause before reaching a new canyon that we explore until we reach our final campsite.

We set up our last camp along the riverbanks, creating our haven by the water's edge.

We leave our campsite, following the winding path of a canyon that leads us near Tsiazorambo after about four hours of walking.

Upon arrival, a car awaits us at the foot of the massif to take us back to Malaimbandy and then to Morondava. Here, we reluctantly part ways with our local team and the magnificent Makay massif, carrying with us enduring memories.

Morondava is a city located on the west coast of Madagascar, bordered by the Mozambique Channel.

Overnight in hotel.

Morning short visits at Kirindy Forest Reserve to explore the dense dry forests where we can see turtles flat-tailed, lemurs Sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi), brown lemurs (Eulemur fulvus) , some endemic plants such as the baobabs, etc...

You also might have the privilege to see the "Fosa" or "Cryptoprocta ferox", the bigest carnivorous mammal in Madagascar. This dense dry forests is also the habitat of turtles flat-tailed, lemurs Sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi), brown lemurs (Eulemur fulvus) and giant Malagasy jumping rats (hypogeomys antimena).

In the afternoon, discovery of the entwined lovers baobab then return back to Morondava passing by the inevitable Baobab Alley to contemplate a beautiful sunset. The high baobabs of a unique variety in the world, scroll to the horizon, like military review. Late arrival in Morondava.

Overnight in hotel.

Transfer to the airport according to the flight schedule to Antananarivo.

Arrival in Antananarivo, transfer at the hotel.

Overnight in hotel.

Visit of a handicraft shop and then transfer to the airport for the return flight.