8-Day Northern Makay Nature and Wildlife Trekking Tour

Go beyond the typical tourist destinations and embark on a truly memorable expedition to the unexplored Massifs of Makay in 8 amazing days! Journey through the Northern Makay and be astounded by its exceptional natural beauty and incredibly rich flora and fauna. Conquer dry forests, small quaint villages, a string of rivers, and a savannah landscape as well as see elusive wildlife creatures throughout your trekking adventure of Makay. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to camp at Andranomitea's Cave. A must-visit destination for any trekking and outdoor sports enthusiast!

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 - Tsiazorambo

Start the day with a drive to Malaimbandy, where the paved road ends. From Malaimbandy, take the path that follows the Bongolava Mountain range to the Northern boundary of Makay. You will have a short break for lunch before going West to reach the first sandstone reliefs over the plateau. Camp out in the small village close to the Makay for the night.

Day 3 - Tsiazorambo - Ankaromokotry

Embark on your journey to Ankaromokotry, passing through canyons and savannah. Take time to explore the distinctive mountain range as you enter the Ankaromotry Gorge through a network of rivers and savannah. You will also get to see the sandstone used to create the sedimentary plateau of Makay.  Overnight in a bivouac at the edge of the Makay River. 

Day 4 - Ankaromokotry - Ampasimaiky

Start the day with a pleasant hike through the trail, giving you an opportunity to appreciate the majestic beauty of nature. You will occasionally ascend on rocky peaks, which offer spectacular vistas of the Makay, and descend the canyons on foot, basking your feet into the river’s glistening clear waters as it flows over the white sand beaches. Arrive at the Ampasimaiky Gorge and set up your camp close to a spring. 

Day 5 - Ampasimaiky - Sakapaly

Conquer the Makay Massif by starting up a tributary of the Sakapaly and climbing up through a 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. Parrots are also abundant in this area of the Makay, spend some time bird watching and spot many species of unique birds hovering over the mountains. You can also search for lemurs and get to observe these elusive wildlife in their natural habitat. 

Day 6 - Sakapaly - Manampanda

Set off early in the morning and ascend the sandstone plateau, which offers panoramic views from one of Makay's roofs. Pass through a dry forest filled with pandanus, palms, and ferns before arriving at a new canyon that you will follow until you arrive at the campsite. Spend the night bivouac at the edge of the Makay River. 

Day 7 - Manampanda - Tsiazorambo - Malaimbandy - Morondava

Depart from the campsite early in the morning and stroll down the Makay River to the "Baras" community, where you will get the chance to observe their daily routines as they go about their business through rice paddies. From there, start your trek to the village of Tsiazorambo, where the driver is waiting. After lunch, pack up your tents and head off with your carriers and trackers. Board on a 4x4 once more to travel North and into Malaimbandy. Take the National 34 route taking you to Miandrivazo, where you will spend the night. 

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

• Airport Pick Up and Drop Off

• 7 Nights Accommodation

• Camping Equipment

• Meals during the Trekking Tour

• Porters and Cook in the Makay Massif

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Transportation as Per Itinerary

• Admission Fees and Activities as Per Itinerary

Exclusions

• Local and International Flights

• 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.