A real mineral fortress formed by hundreds of canyons, the Makay massif in the southwest of Madagascar contains varied, rich and unique biotopes in the world. The north of Makay is little known. Our successive expeditions have allowed us to unearth this unique itinerary. Here, the canyons are monumental, more humid than those of the south.
Accompanied by a group of carriers, we leave to explore the North of Makay in total autonomy! We will walk sometimes in the sand, sometimes in the water… crossing canyons, sometimes narrow, small dry forests etc. The crossings on the lines of crest are done almost every day.
This northern side of the massif is sublime… and the landscapes we cross are breathtaking! We will listen carefully to the advice of our trackers and our guide for each passage. They will make us discover the secrets and the mysteries of Makay! Bivouac under tent each evening at the edge of the river, most often at the foot of the cliffs. The sunset on the scarlet walls of the cliffs is a privileged moment! Swimming is possible regularly during this trek in the rivers.
Briefing with your guide then we take the road directly towards the South. Discovery of the rural world of the Malagasy Highlands, the architecture of its traditional houses, its rice fields and its own cultivation techniques... On the way, we will take advantage of the fresh fruit and vegetable markets to complete our purchases for the meals in bivouac.
Provide lunch at your expense.
Then, continuation towards Antsirabe. Arrival in the early evening and get settle at the hotel.
Overnight at your hotel
After breakfast, departure towards the Middle West. Note that Miandrivazo records an average temperature of 28° C all year round!
Picnic lunch by us on the way then continuation of the road to Malaimbandy. Arrival at the end of the day and installation in a bush lodge.
Dinner and overnight in a bush lodge
We start the last drive to reach the village of Tsimazava. Meeting with our our luggages carriers, then we will engage gradually in the massif through a landscape of savanna. The Makay reveals its most beautiful forms in front of us. We can't wait to get there and discover its secrets. Through the passages of crests and the descents, the course is diversified. The interior of the canyons is strewn with pretty palm trees, and a river flows below. Our first bivouac will be set up on the magnificent beach of Madinoka Amalo, literally the little eel. The view is impressive on the walls of the massif.
Picnic lunch prepared by us
Dinner and night in bivouac.
After breakfast, we start a short climb to a ridge. The views on the canyons from these heights are impressive. The route alternates between forests and rivers. With a bit of luck, we could observe some sifaka and Fulvus lemur. We cross several times the river of Ankaramena and the river of Sakapaly. Before reaching the bivouac of Ankaramena, we will visit a cave where some rock paintings have been discovered (to date, they are the only ones that have been recorded in Madagascar).
Picnic lunch prepared by us
Dinner and night in bivouac.
Crossing canyons remain particularities of the trek in the Makay. The route of the day counts many of them. They are narrow and some passages are sporty. The use of a headlamp is sometimes necessary. Possibility to see some groups of lemurs in the gallery forests. Bivouac on the beach of Ampasimaika
Picnic lunch prepared by us.
Dinner and night in bivouac.
Ampasimaika is incredibly beautiful. It is surrounded by gallery forests, rivers and several canyons with a thousand passages. We will spend a whole day to enjoy the place. On the program, exploration of the canyons, forests and animal observation. Possibility of swimming in the river.
Picnic lunch prepared by us.
Dinner and night in bivouac.
A day of « aquatic trek ». After the ridge lines, we cross several times the rivers that flow in the heart of the Makay. A long descent to Andasibe Rivotra, our bivouac point, ends our journey. We will cross the river on foot to the camp. The current facilitates the progression and provides a pleasant natural massage to the calves.
Picnic lunch prepared by us.
Dinner and night in bivouac.
Last day of trek, we leave the massif after crossing some ridges and rice fields. A long arid plateau where some baobabs rise leads us to the village of Tsiazorambo, our last bivouac point. Installation in the camp then moment of immersion in the village. The small village of Tsiazorambo lives essentially from agriculture (rice, corn, manioc, sorghum, ...) and from duck breeding.
Picnic lunch prepared by us
Dinner and night in bivouac.
We take the track, then the road in 4X4 in direction of the village of Malaimbandy before joining Morondava, economic and administrative capital of Menabe. Get settle at the hotel at the end of the day.
Depending on flight schedules, transfer to the airport for the flight back.
Provide lunch by your expense.
TRAVEL AGENCY – DMC – CAR RENTAL
AGENCE DE VOYAGES – TOUR OPERATEUR – LOCATION DE VOITURES
