8-Day Best of Makay North Trekking Adventure

Embark on a truly memorable expedition to the unexplored Massifs of Makay in 8 spectacular days! Visit Makay North at its finest by traveling to the Southwest of Madagascar and hiking through the Makay Massif. Be astounded by the outstanding natural beauty of Madagascar, which includes canyon, river, and natural pool. You can also get up close with a variety of endemic flora and fauna, as well as engage with the local community. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to camp at Andranomitea's Cave. A must-visit destination for trekkers and adventurers!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Miandrivazo

Arrive at Miandrivazo Airport. Your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. Take time to freshen up and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 2 - Miandrivazo - Malaimbandy - Bekignana

Start the day with a drive to Malaimbandy, where the paved road ends. From Malaimbandy, take the path that follows the Bongolava Mountain range. You will have a short break and enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. After walking for two hours, you can start to see the Massifs of Makay North from afar. Camp out in the small village close to the Makay for the night.

Day 3 - Bekignana - Andranomitea - Janjy

Embark on your journey to Makay North after the car transfer. Climb in the Makay to get closer before ascending a dry river for a few hours. Afterwards, travel down a wide valley to reach Andranomitea Cave, a stopover location where you may take in the massif's distinctive landscape. After ascending the 1034-meter peak, from which you'll have a breathtaking vista, take a different tributary down to the next campsite, where you stay for the night.

Day 4 - Janjy - Volivanda - Sakamaly - Sakapaly

Spend one night in a bivouac upstream of another river called "Ikaosy'' that emerges from the Makay ridge. It takes 2 days of pleasant hiking to connect the Janjy campsite to the Sakapaly River. In order to gain access to certain hidden facets while avoiding the eastern facade of the chain, a few simple climbs will quicken the pace. The porter team will take another route to arrive first and set up the camping equipment.

Day 5 - Sakapaly

Conquer the Makay Massif by starting up a tributary of the Sakapaly and climbing up through a 3–4 km canyon before exiting into another canyon that connects back to the starting point by making a hiking loop. The Makay can be explored in many different ways on this day because the scenery changes with each step you take. 

Day 6 - Sakapaly - Andasy Be Rivotsy

Set off early in the morning and ascend the sandstone plateau, which offers a 360-degree panorama from one of Makay's roofs. Pass through a dry forest for a picnic lunch before arriving at a new canyon that you will follow until you arrive at the campsite.

Day 7 - Andasy Be Rivotsy - Malaimbandy - Morondava

Depart from the campsite early in the morning and start your trek to the village of Tsiazorambo, where the driver is waiting. You will also bid goodbye to your local guide and porter team here. Then, continue on to Morondava via Malaimbandy with a stopover at the popular Baobab Avenue to see the beautiful sunset. 

Day 8 - Morondava

Check out from the hotel after breakfast. With the help of your guide, transfer to Morondava Airport for your journey back home.

Inclusions

• Pick Up and Drop Off

• 7 Nights Accommodation

• Camping Equipment

• Meals during the Trekking Tour

• Porter Fees in the Makay Massif

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Transportation as Per Itinerary

• Admission Fees and Activities as Per Itinerary

Exclusions

• Local and International Flights

• Sleeping Bag

• Meals Not Mentioned

• Drinks

• Activities Not Mentioned

• Visas

• Travel and Medical Insurance

• Personal Expenses

• Gratuities (Optional)

Additional Information

• This experience involves a moderate amount of walking; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• This experience requires good weather conditions. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum is not met, you will be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

• This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. 

• Arrival time at each location may vary depending on the season.

• If there is insufficient time for all attractions/destinations on the itinerary, the tour guide will adjust the length of time spent at other attractions/destinations. 

• Delays, shortening of the tours, or omissions to the itinerary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances are not subject to refund.

• Itinerary is subject to change and the attractions may be closed due to traffic, weather, and force majeure. An alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on road conditions.

• Please note that on days in which no activities are planned, you are free to explore at your leisure; all activities and purchases will be at your own expense. You will have your tour guide's mobile number in case of emergency.