15-Day Makay Massif Madagascar Trek with Isalo and Tsaranoro

1

Day 01

Arrival in Antananarivo

• Welcome and pick-up at the airport, followed by transfer and installation at the hotel.

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Day 02

Drive from Antananarivo to Antsirabe via Ambatolampy

• Departure in the morning, heading directly along National Road 7 to reach the Vakinankaratra region. Known as the southern route from Antananarivo to Tuléar, this journey includes a short stop in the small town of Ambatolampy.
• Ambatolampy, the capital of Mimosa, which flowers in July and August, is also known for the Ankaratra massif, the third-highest point on the Big Island. Activities here include a visit to its foundries and artisanal distilleries. Overnight stay at the hotel.

3

Day 03

Journey to Tsaranoro via Fianarantsoa

• Departure is early in the morning. We continue along the RN7, heading to Tsaranoro village via Fianarantsoa, the capital of Betsileo country. Installation and overnight stay at the camp.

4

Day 04

Explore Tsaranoro Valley and Cameleon Peak

• This day is dedicated to exploring Tsaranoro Valley and Cameleon Peak. The hike begins at the foot of the cliff, and there are many activities to enjoy in a single day while observing chameleons and lemurs. Overnight stay at the same camp.

5

Day 05

Drive to Ranohira and sunset at Isalo Window

• 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, make a quick trip to the Isalo Window to admire the sunset. Overnight stay at the hotel.

6

Day 06

Hiking in Isalo National Park

• Isalo National Park offers numerous hikes through magnificent landscapes, exceptional nature, fauna, and surprising, varied flora. The sites to visit include the natural swimming pool, the ridges, the black swimming pool, blue Namaza Canyon, and Nymph Waterfall. Enjoy walks through the park's canyons and crests, with plenty of hiking throughout the day.
• Overnight stay at the hotel.

7

Day 07

Off-road journey to Beronono at the gates of Makay

• Departure early in the morning to reach Beronono, the last village at the gate of Makay.
• This excellent track day features admiration of the vast savannah landscapes. Continuing along the chaotic track, we arrive at the foot of the massif. Overnight in a tent.

8

Day 08

Enter Makay and visit Mahatiny Cave

• We head to the first site, Mahatiny cave. The cave was the habitat of the first occupants of Makay around the 80s. They were the Sakalava, later pushed out by the Bara, and today they are located further west on the Big Island. The cave features beautiful rock art, and the most surprising element is the presence of a water point inside. We then continue towards the nearest village, Analamamy, for the next bivouac.

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Day 09

Village trails and sacred Lake Saririaka

• After a good breakfast, we resume the adventure, going from village to village and from one stream to another. We arrive at the sacred lake of Saririaka. Its name resembles the sea because, when there is a lot of wind, small waves form on the lake's surface, and the ancestors said it looks like the sea.
• The lake is sacred because crocodiles inhabit it, and several taboos are imposed there, the most important being that they must be respected. Camp next to the lake.

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Day 10

Canyon trekking in the Makay Massif

• Early departure for the next stage. This day is dedicated to the canyon, with plenty of physical effort rewarded by a remarkable setting. The day ends in a beautiful canyon near Lake Anosilahy.

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Day 11

Viewpoint hike and Andranoviniry natural pool

• This day is a return trip to the same camp. From there, we make the ascent to the beautiful viewpoint near Mount Manitsila. It is a day dedicated to landscapes stretching 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 is only one word to describe it: paradise!! After swimming, we return to our starting camp.

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Day 12

Return to Beronono via Lake Anosilahy

• Return to the village of Beronono. We head back to the first village in preparation for returning to the road the next day, enjoying breathtaking views and a few lake crossings along the way. The most beautiful of all is Lake Anosilahy.
• If we have good equipment, we may admire the giant flying foxes that occupy a small forest next to this lake. Installation and overnight stay in a tent.

13

Day 13

Track and ferry back to Ranohira

• Return to Ranohira village, taking the track and crossing by ferry. Overnight stay at the hotel.

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Day 14

Fly from Tuléar to Antananarivo

• Transfer to the airport, then take the flight to Tana. Overnight stay at the hotel.

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Day 15

Antananarivo city visit and departure

• Enjoy a short city tour, purchase souvenirs, and then transfer to the airport according to the schedule of your return flight.