tourhq

Explore the world with tourHQ

tourhq
The Makay Massif Madagascar Tour
  • Tour Category

    Group Tour

  • Tour Types

    Nature, Safari, Trekking, Wildlife

  • Duration

    15 Days

  • Activity Level

    Medium

  • Language

    English, French

Description

Embark on an exhilarating journey along National Road 7, traversing the stunning landscapes of the Malagasy highlands and vibrant cities like Antsirabe and Ranomafana. Delve into the hidden gem of Makay Massifs, a natural marvel discovered in 2009, where adventure seekers revel in its rugged canyons and vibrant sandstone formations. Accompanied by seasoned trackers and porters, immerse yourself in five days of trekking through this mineral fortress, braving sandy terrain and perpetual water flows amidst temperatures soaring up to +35°C, for an unforgettable exploration of nature's sanctuary.

  • Antananarivo expand_more
    • Welcome and pick up at the airport, then transfer and installation at the hotel.
  • Antananarivo - Antsirabe expand_more
    • Departure in the morning, heading directly on National Road 7 to reach the Vakinankaratra region. Known as the Southern route, from Antananarivo to Tuléar, a short stop in the small town of Ambatolampy will take place. 
    • Ambatolampy, the capital of Mimosa (flowering in July/August), is recognized for the Ankaratra massif as the third highest point of the Big Island. The activity will be a visit to its foundries and artisanal distilleries. Night stay at the hotel.
  • Antsirabe - Tsaranoro expand_more
    • Departure is early in the morning. We always take the RN7, heading to Tsaranoro village via Fianarantsoa City, the capital of the Betsileo country. Installation and night at the Camp.
  • Tsaranoro Valley expand_more
    • This is a day to explore the Tsaranoro Valley and Cameleon Peak. The hike begins at the foot of the cliff. There are many activities to do in one day to observe chameleons and lemurs. The night is always at the same Camp.
  • Tsaranoro - Ranohira expand_more
    • Departure in the morning for around four hours of driving towards Ranohira, a small village of the Bara ethnic group at the foot of the Isalo Massif.
    • At the end of the day, quickly hop to the Isalo window to admire the sunset. Night at the hotel. 
  • Isalo National Park expand_more
    • Isalo National Park offers numerous hikes through magnificent landscapes, splendid uniforms, exceptional nature, fauna, and surprising and varied flora. The sites to visit are the natural swimming pool, ridges, black swimming pool, blue Namaza Canyon, and Nymph Waterfall. Walks through the canyons and crests of the Park and hiking.
    • Night stay at the hotel.
  • Ranohira - Beroroha - Beronono expand_more
    • Departure early in the morning to reach Beronono, the last village at the gate of Makay.
    • Will be on the program for this excellent track day, admiration of the landscape's entire savannah. Still following the chaotic track, we arrive at the foot of the massive. Night in tent.
  • The Makay Massif expand_more
    • Let's go to the first site, the Mahatiny cave. The cave was the habitat of the first occupant of the Makay around the 80s. It was the Sakalava, pushed out by the Bara. They are located further west of the big island. Rock art makes a beautiful decline in the cave, and the most surprising thing is the presence of a water point inside. We will continue towards the nearest village, Analamamy, for the next bivouac.
  • The Makay Massif expand_more
    • After a good breakfast, we resume the adventure, going from village to village and from one stream to another. We arrive at a sacred lake, Saririaka. If we translate it, it resembles the sea. Why? When there is a lot of wind, waves form a little on the lake's surface, and the ancestors said it looks like the sea.
    • It is sacred because crocodiles inhabit the lake, and several taboos are imposed, but the most important thing is to respect them. Camp next to the Lake.
  • The Makay Massif expand_more
    • Early departure for the rest: This day will be dedicated to the canyon. There will be lots of physical endurance but a well-deserved frame. Our day always ends in a beautiful canyon near Lake Anosilahy.
  • The Makay Massif expand_more
    • This day will be a return trip to the same camp; from there, we will make the ascent to the beautiful viewpoint near Mount Manitsila. It will be a day dedicated to the landscape as far as the eye can see. 
    • In the middle of the day, we arrive at the natural swimming pool and canyon of Andranoviniry. There's only one word to describe it: paradise!! After swimming, we will return to our starting camp.
  • The Makay Massif expand_more
    • Back to the village of Beronono. We return to the first village to return on the road the next day, enjoying the breathtaking views and a few lake passages. The most beautiful of all is Lake Anosilahy. 
    • If we have good equipment, we can admire the giant flying foxes which occupy a small forest next to this lake. Installation and night in the tent.
  • Beronono - Beroroha - Ranohira expand_more
    • Back to Ranohira village, take the track and take the ferry passage—night at the hotel.
  • Ranohira - Tuléar - Antananarivo expand_more
    • Transfer to the airport, then flight to Tana by the flight. Overnight at the hotel.
  • Antananarivo expand_more
    • Visit a short city tour, purchase souvenirs, and then transfer to the airport according to the schedule of your back flight.
What's Included
  • Rental 4WD vehicle during the Tour
  • Fuel 
  • The internal flight
  • Accommodation and Hotels (Tent & decent room with private bathroom)
  • The program mentions the cost of visits and fees for local guides, trackers, and porters
  • Trekking to the Makay massif under full board formula from Day 6 to Day 12
  • Bivouac equipment (tent, mattress, sheet, kitchen utensil, etc.)
  • Municipal duties and taxes, ferry crossings, tolls, parking, etc
  • Accommodation of the driver and French-speaking guide (meals, accommodation, compensation and miscellaneous costs)
What's Excluded
  • Lunch and dinner except during the Trek in the Makay Massifs, mentioned in the program description
  • Drinks and mineral water
  • Extras, tips and personal expenses
What to bring
  • Passport
  • Vaccination certificate
Know before you go
  • This Tour is available between April and October
  • This Tour requires good physical condition
  • Accommodation in the Makay Massifs is under tents
Meeting Point

Antananarivo, Madagascar

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price Details
Persons
1 To 8 USD 1985 Per Person

This is a group tour

Starting From

Fromss

see details
USD 1985 / person