The Makay Massif is one of Madagascar’s most breathtaking treasures. It is located deep in the southwest of the island. The Makay massif is a maze of Jurassic sandstone, so it is commonly called ruinform. Its rock formation is made of rock blocks separated by corridors. Erosion has dug deep galleries and spectacular amphitheaters throughout the enormous rock mass.
Hiking in the Makay massif is a journey in the wilderness, where time seems to stop. It is vast, wild, and almost mythical in appearance. It is an amazing sculpted canyon and sandstone mountains covering thousands of square kilometers. From above, the massif appears as a huge mosaic of valleys.
The Makay massif has remarkable biodiversity, with a wide range of endemic species. Here is the list of lemurs identified there:
– Red-fronted lemur (Eulemur rufifrons),
– Coquerel’s giant mouse lemur (Mirza coquereli),
– Gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus),
– Fat-tailed dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus medius),
– Pale fork-marked lemur (Phaner pallescens),
– Red-tailed sportive lemur (Lepilemur ruficaudatus),
– Reddish-grey mouse lemur (Microcebus griseorufus),
– Verreaux’ sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi),
– Ranomafana bamboo lemur (Hapalemur griseus ranomafanensis)}
Apart from lemurs, the fauna is vibrant with some bat species, fish, amphibians, reptiles, over 2,000 insects and myriapods, and many bird species. As for the flora, the Makay massif has Pteridophytes and some species of Bryophytes. There are seven Xerophytes species as well, two of which are endemic to Makay. It is a real paradise for scientists.
The Makay has been inhabited for an extended period, as proven by the cave paintings found there, the oldest dating back to the 8th century. The Sakalava were the first permanent inhabitants the Makay Massif, They settled here because they were chased by the Merinas of the highlands and Makay Massif provided them a secure habitat where they can defend themselves. Then came the nomadic Bara herders to settle in the Makay. The Makay Massif itself doesn’t have permanent inhabitants. Most people living in the Makay Region are the Bara, semi-nomadic pastoralists. Their territory is between the Mangoky River, the Midongy forest, and the Beroroha and Sakaraha villages. They are known for raising zebus, which is considered a symbol of wealth; they live and move with their cattle. The zebu is omnipresent in their daily life.
In their tradition, stealing a zebu is an essential ritual for young men wishing to get married. Yet, this doesn’t mean zebu theft is always linked to this ritual. The Bara also has traditional music and dances, such as the Papango dance. Papango is a common bird, and in this special dance, they imitate the suspended position of a flying bird. Apart from cattle breeders, some do farming on the side (cassava, sweet potatoes, rice, onions, etc.), but zebu remains the symbol of wealth for the Bara. The importance of their herd measures power and wealth.
One of Makay’s major environmental issues is bushfires caused by herder, who use them to move their herds around more easily. They set up temporary camps and then set fire to pick up certain roots easily,
As with many regions in Madagascar, Makay has its own fady (prohibitions), one of which is that it is forbidden to raise or eat goats.
Madagascar is definitely a true land of trekking. These specific environments allow beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime trekking! A real off-beaten track itinerary where one can experience great moments of sharing with our teams: porters, riders, cook, and guide. A real transformative journey to forgo comfort and embrace the unknown! A place to connect with the natural world. Choosing Makay tour accepts an invitation to adventure unlike any other: pure wilderness where you wake up with birds’ song and lemurs’ cries! Where waterfalls feed a swimming pool! Viewpoints are simply breathtaking!
The best season to visit Makay is from April to October, as it is the dry season! A Makay tour requires good health and conditions, as it requires walking.
Here are some valuable tips to help you prepare for the trip
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Mosquito and insect’ repellent
Sunscreen with high SPF and after-sun lotion.
Long-sleeved shirts and light trousers (for sun protection and mosquito bites).
A light sweater or jacket (it can get cool in the evenings).
A hat or cap to protect against the intense sun.
Personal medications (enough supply for the whole trip).
Basic first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, painkillers, etc.).
Wet wipes.
Arrival at Ivato International Airport. Meet and greet upon arrival. Transfer to the hotel.
Overnight.
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Miandrivazo through the Highlands landscapes. Stopover at Ambatolampy to visit a traditional aluminum pot workshop. It shows Malagasy ingenuity and tradition at work.
Inside the small family-run workshop, visitors can observe the process of making a cooking pot. Old engine parts, scrap aluminum, and recycled metal are melted down in blazing furnaces and poured into handmade sand molds. With simple tools and remarkable skill, artisans shape the molten metal into cooking pots, ladles, and other household utensils found in nearly every Malagasy kitchen.
The atmosphere is both rustic and authentic: the heat of the fire, the rhythmic hammering, and the teamwork of the artisans reveal a heritage passed down through generations.
Lunch in Antsirabe. Short city tour before heading to Miandrivazo.
The landscape gradually changes into arid with mountains carved by natural erosion when leaving Antsirabe.
Overnight at the Soa Lia hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive towards Malaimbandy, where the paved road ends, following a beautiful road along the Mahajilo River. Continue on a dusty track to reach the small village of Tsiazomambo, the starting point of our trek into the Makay.
Picnic lunch.
Meet with the porters, cook, and guide, and begin the hike towards the northern base of the Makay.
Overnight in camping tents.
Breakfast in the middle of nowhere. We leave the riverbed to cross the vast plateau around. The ruiniform sandstone plateau of Makay reveals astonishing formations. After a steep climb, we arrive at a gorge named Ankoromokotry, named after a fruit that grows on the plateau. Here, crystal-clear water flows gently. Walking in the water to reach the bivouac point, set on a beautiful stretch of white sand.
Overnight in camping tents.
We quickly gain altitude and overlook an impressive fluvial network. This spectacular and almost impenetrable landscape has allowed rare and unique species to thrive, far from the outside world. Lemurs, although discreet, inhabit these wild forests and are often glimpsed rather than closely observed. On foot, we soak in the beauty of nature, climbing eroded ridges and peaks that offer breathtaking panoramas. We reach the Andranomanga pass, where the waters divide between the Manampanda and Sakapaly rivers. Parrots, ever-present, fill the valleys with their echoing calls.
Overnight camping in tents.
Give me a full day to explore the beauty of Makay. I will start by ascending a tributary of Sakapaly through a 3–4 km canyon and then exiting into another canyon that connects back to the starting point by creating a hiking loop to conquer the Makay Massif.
Overnight in camping tents.
After breakfast, we head towards Andasy Be Rivotsy, ascending the sandstone plateau for nearly 10 km, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the Makay’s rooftop. We then descend into the Manampanda Canyon for lunch. The walk continues for 7 km along the river inside the canyon, surrounded by lush vegetation. If you are lucky enough, you may meet some lemurs.
Overnight camping in tents.
Eat breakfast early in the morning and trek to the village of Tsiazorambo, where the driver is waiting. Have a farewell lunch with the porters, guide, and cook. Then, drive back to Miandrivazo.
Overnight at Soa Lia.
Breakfast at the hotel. Continue the journey to Morondava. Nestled on the western coast of Madagascar, Morondava is a charming seaside town known for its Baobabs Alley, stunning sunsets, and proximity to the island’s natural wonders, such as the tsingy. With golden beaches, traditional fishing villages, and spectacular landscapes, Morondava serves as the gateway to unforgettable adventures.
Overnight at Vezo Beach.
Breakfast. Excursion to the Kirindy Forest Reserve, a dry forest with rich wildlife, namely the famous fossa (Madagascar’s puma). Back to Morondava in the afternoon. On the way, stopover at “The baobab amoureux” (baobabs in love). A pair of intertwined baobab trees symbolizing eternal love, located not far from the Avenue of the Baobabs. Then another stopover at the baobab’s alley by sunset. The most photographed site in Madagascar, this dusty road is lined with centuries-old baobab trees that rise dramatically into the sky. At sunrise and sunset, these giant “upside-down trees” silhouettes create a truly magical spectacle.
Overnight at Vezo Beach.
A day for leisure by the beach.
Optional Activities :
Day Excursion in Nosy Andria
A small offshore island accessible by boat, perfect for a quiet day trip with swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking.
Fishing on the Mozambique Channel
Join local fishermen on traditional pirogues or arrange a sport-fishing excursion for barracuda, king mackerel, or tuna.
Visit to the Mangrove Conservation
Explore mangrove ecosystems near Morondava and learn about local conservation projects protecting these vital coastal habitats.
Birdwatching in the Wetlands
Explore lagoons and marshes home to herons, flamingos, and other endemic bird species.
For adrenaline seekers, off-road trips through sandy tracks, baobab groves, and coastal dunes can be arranged (quad, bike, moto, four-wheel drive)
Overnight at Vezo Beach.
Transfer to the airport and flight back to Antananarivo. Meet and assist upon arrival. In case of a morning flight, a city tour could be arranged to explore Antananarivo. Commonly called Tana by the locals, it is the capital of Madagascar, a lively and bustling city spread over twelve sacred hills in the island’s central highlands.
No tour of Tana is complete without a visit to the Rova, the former royal palace that crowns the city’s highest hill. The palace keeps the story of the Malagasy monarchy, from the reign of Queen Ranavalona to the turbulent years of colonization. Devastated by fire in 1995, it has been restored, allowing visitors to appreciate its grandeur and sweeping views over the city’s hill. Just a short stroll away lies Andafiavaratra Palace, the former residence of the powerful Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony.
To understand Antananarivo, one must dive into its markets. Analakely Market, buzzing with energy, is a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. Stalls overflow with tropical fruits, fragrant spices, embroidered tablecloths, raffia baskets, and handwoven fabrics. Here, locals bargain cheerfully, street food vendors serve skewers of grilled meat or banana fritters, and the rhythm of Malagasy life unfolds before your eyes. It is the perfect place to experience the capital’s daily hum and shop for authentic souvenirs.
South of the city center lies Lake Anosy, a winged angel commemorating soldiers who died during World War I. During October and November, jacaranda trees around the lake burst into bloom, painting the area with a sea of purple blossoms and creating one of the most romantic sights in the city.
La Digue Handicraft Market offers the best selection of Malagasy crafts for shopping, from intricate wood carvings to semi-precious stones, zebu-horn utensils, and handwoven raffia products. Shopping here is not just about souvenirs — it’s a way of supporting local artisans.
Transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at Nosy Manga.
Assistance with transfer to Ivato International Airport. International flight back towards your country.
Discover a different side of the Makay Massif through this tour — remote, untamed, and awe-inspiring.
From the beaten paths to the untamed Makay Massif, Madagascar’s last great wilderness, where hidden canyons, crystal-clear rivers, and untouched landscapes await true explorers.
Trek across ever-changing terrain, uncover secret valleys brimming with life, and encounter rare flora and fauna found nowhere else on the planet.
Along the journey, meet local communities who live in harmony with nature, gaining insight into the authentic spirit of Madagascar’s wild south.
For passionate trekkers and outdoor adventurers, the Makay is not just a destination — it’s an unforgettable expedition into one of the most mysterious and spectacular corners of Madagascar.
South of Makay
Arrival at Ivato International Airport. Meet and greet upon arrival. Transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at San Cristobal.
Breakfast at the hotel. Briefing with your driver. Road to Antsirabe, an elegant Spa town of the Highlands, set in the cool highlands at the foot of Tsiafajavona peak. Founded by Norwegian missionaries in the 19th century, the city is famous for its thermal springs, colonial charm, and artisanal culture. Antsirabe means “where there is much salt” in Malagasy.
Overnight at the Royal Palace.
Breakfast at the hotel. City tour to explore this beautiful town. Ride through the city’s charming streets by rickshaw, offering a traditional and authentic experience. Then visit some artisanal workshops where you can watch the making of miniature bicycles and rickshaws from recycled materials — a unique local craft. You continue to the gemstone markets and lapidaries, as the region is rich in semi-precious stones.
Drive to Fianarantsoa after the visits. Stopover in Ambositra for lunch. The heart of Malagasy woodcraft and traditional art.
Overnight at Zomatel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Ranohira, gateway to Isalo National Park; this road takes you through picturesque landscapes and charming villages. Stopover in Ambalavao, a colorful and bustling highland town surrounded by granite cliffs and rice paddies. Stopover at the Antemoro Paper workshop, where artisans produce handmade paper from the Avoha tree bark, using ancestral techniques introduced by Arab settlers. The paper is decorated with pressed flowers, ferns, and leaves, creating unique and eco-friendly souvenirs like notebooks, greeting cards, and lanterns. It’s a great cultural experience and a chance to support local craft.
Visit the Anja Community Reserve, 13 km south of Ambalavao. This small reserve offers a short and rewarding hike to see ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) in the wild, along with spectacular granite boulders and panoramic viewpoints.
Arrival in Ranohira by the end of the afternoon.
Overnight at Isalo Ranch.
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive through the Isalo Massif trail, a rugged and challenging route. Cross the Mangoky River to reach the village of Beronono, where you will come together with your local guide and porter team.
Overnight in a bivouac at the edge of the Makay River.
Fuel up with breakfast in the heart of nature, where the crisp morning air and vast wilderness set the tone for the day ahead. The real trek begins as you venture deep into the wild and uncharted Makay Massif — a spectacular labyrinth of sandstone cliffs, canyons, and untouched ecosystems sheltering some of Madagascar’s most unique wildlife. Discover the ancient Mahatiny Cave, its rock paintings whispering stories of the Sakalava ancestors and their past. Continue your ascent to the high plateau, where sweeping views reveal the immensity of the Makay massif.
Camping along the banks of the Makay River — a remote haven where adventure meets serenity.
After breakfast, continue deep into the wild heart of Makay. Make your way through the winding Ambanitelo Canyon — a narrow passage sculpted by time and water — before climbing toward the summit of the plateau. From above, take breathtaking panoramic views of the Makay Massif and the shimmering Nosilahy Lakes, a reward for every step of your ascent.
As the sun set, we set up camp at Nosilahy, where dinner under the open sky and the distant sounds of nature mark the perfect end to another day of exploration.
After breakfast, follow the winding riverbeds on foot, wading through clear waters as towering cliffs rise around you — a true immersion into the wild.
Pause for a picnic lunch on the shores of the sacred lake, where you can quietly observe crocodiles basking in the sun and trace their movements across the water from a safe distance.
As the afternoon fades, make your way out of Makay National Park and reach the Beronono Campsite.
Camping.
After breakfast, visit the serene Lake Sariaka before the final ascent. Climb to the mountain’s summit for a sweeping view over both Lake Nosilahy and Lake Sariaka — a breathtaking reward and the perfect vantage point to grasp the vast beauty of the Makay Massif one last time.
Then, descend through the rugged Ambinanitelo Canyon to reach the village of Beronono, where your journey through Makay comes full circle.
By the evening, celebrate the end of this extraordinary expedition with your team — porters, guides, and cooks — sharing stories, laughter, and the deep satisfaction of having conquered one of Madagascar’s most remote wildernesses.
Breakfast before leaving the wilderness of Beronono behind. Drive to Ranohira.
Enjoy a scenic drive through the vast horizons of southern Madagascar.
Sunsets & photography at the famous Window of Isalo, a rock window formation where sunsets are magical.
Overnight at Isalo Ranch
After an early breakfast, departure from Ranohira toward the coastal city of Tuléar. The landscapes become increasingly arid, offering a fascinating contrast to the green highlands you’ve left behind. Along the roadside, admire the unique and elaborate tombs of the Mahafaly and Antandroy people. Decorated with « aloalo » (wooden funerary totems) and bright symbolic murals, reflecting deep cultural respect for ancestors. As you get closer to Tuléar, you’ll drive through the extraordinary spiny forest ecosystem, dotted with baobab trees, euphorbias, and other endemic dry-adapted plants.
Transfer by boat to Anakao. Nestled along the southwest coast, Anakao is a charming Vezo fishing village where time seems to stand still. Facing the deep blue waters of the Mozambique Channel, this remote coastal gem is known for its crystal-clear lagoons, white-sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, offering the perfect balance between tranquility and adventure.
Overnight at Prince Anakao
Full day free for leisure by the seaside
Optional activities:
Snorkeling and Diving
Discover the rich marine life around Nosy Ve Island, a protected marine reserve where colorful corals, tropical fish, and sea turtles thrive.
Boat Excursion to Nosy Ve:
Please take a short boat ride to this small, uninhabited island known for its pristine beaches and the rare red-tailed tropicbirds nesting there.
Surfing and Kitesurfing:
With consistent winds and perfect waves, Anakao is one of the best spots on Madagascar’s southwest coast for surfing, kitesurfing, and other water sports.
Breakfast. Transfer by boat to Tuléar. Transfer to the airport as per the flight schedule. Flight to Tana. Meet and assist upon arrival.
Transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at San Cristobal.
Day 15 – DEPARTURE
Assistance with transfer to Ivato International Airport. International flight back towards your country.
Antananarivo Airport
