15-Day Makay North to Makay South Trekking Adventure

Go on a once-in-a-lifetime journey and conquer the uncharted Massifs of Makay in 15 spectacular days! Explore Southwest Madagascar, go on a hike around the Makay Massif, and take in the beauty of Makay at its finest. Witness the landscape change every hundred meters as you explore Madagascar's spectacular natural splendor, which includes a number of gorges, rivers, forests, and savannahs. Additionally, you will get a chance to get to know the locals and see a variety of indigenous plants and animals up close. If you prefer exploring new places on foot, the Makay Massif is the ideal destination. A must-visit destination for hikers 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 - Sakoazato - Tsinjorambo

Start your Makay journey with a drive to Tsinjorambo. Then, take a short break for lunch at the quaint village of Sakoazato, which belongs to Sakalava and the Bara ethnic group before heading to Tsinjorambo, where you will camp out for the night.

Day 3 - Tsinjorambo - Sakapaly

Depart from Tsinjorambo after an early breakfast and trek your way through the entry point of Sakapaly’s canyon. Dinner and overnight near the Sakapaly Canyon's entrance.

Day 4 - Sakapaly - Sakamaly

Take on the Makay Massif by starting at a Sakapaly tributary, hiking up a canyon, and then emerging into a second canyon that connects back to the starting location. Explore the Makay in a variety of ways due to the constantly changing terrain before arriving at Sakamaly, where you will camp out for the night. 

Day 5 - Sakamaly - Ampandramaneno

Continue to the Sakamaly Canyon and spend the day exploring different canyons. Then, enjoy a picnic lunch before ascending to the base of the Ampandramaneno massifs. Upon arrival at Ampandramaneno, set up your tents before having dinner and enjoying the rest of the night with the expedition team. 

Day 5 - Ampandramaneno - Janjy

Begin the day with a trek to the Andranomaneno plateau after breakfast. Be amazed at the magnificent scenery as you make your way through the forest to observe the distinct Malagasy wildlife such as birds and lemurs, leading to the Andranomite cave, where you can see the ancient Sakalava cave drawings. Overnight at the Janjy campsite.

Day 6 - Janjy - Mandronarivo

Visit the Wet Canyon of Janjy before heading towards the village of Morarano. After lunch, drive a 4x4 vehicle off-road to Mandronarivo Village, where you will stay for the night.

Day 7 - Mandronarivo - Tsivoko

Explore Makay South's magnificent landscape to reach Tsivoko, the village at the base of the Menapanda forest. You can also go see the village’s medical clinic and school. Overnight in Tsivoko. 

Day 8 - Tsivoko - Menapanda

Spend the day trekking to reach Menapanda's deep forest, home to a variety of wildlife 

like lemurs, fosa, and birds. Reconnect with nature as you hike your way into the lush forest and get to see some of Malagasy’s wildlife up close. Dinner and overnight in the Menapanda forest. 

Day 9 - Menapanda - Beravitrazo

Continue your journey through the lush Menapanda forest and go deeper into the forest as you go search for Madagascar’s elusive wild animals and unique plants. Then, make your way to the campsite of Beravintrazo to set up your gear and recharge for tomorrow’s adventure. 

Day 10 - Beravitrazo - Andranovinily

Appreciate the beauty of nature while you continue the hike into the plateaus, observing the palm forests of Makay, to reach the Andranovily waterfall. Enjoy the scenic landscape view of the imposing Tsitondroy before reaching Andranovinily, where you will camp out. 

Day 11 - Andranovinily - Anosilahy

Trek inside the Makay Massif after packing up, then descend to reach the canyon’s natural pools, where you take a refreshing swim in its crystal clear waters. You will have a picnic lunch in the canyon before descending to the Anosilahy Camp and have the chance to encounter the Zebus in the wild.

Day 12 - Anosilahy - Sariaka

Spend the day exploring several canyons starting with the Anosilahy Canyon. You will also experience a series of ascents and descents before arriving at the sandy canyon of Sakamantse. Take a short lunch break near the mouth of the canyon before entering the Behetaheta forest, an area bordering the districts of Beroroha and Morondava where you can see Zebus running in the wild. Overnight at the Sariaka campsite. 

Day 13 - Sariaka - Beronono

Visit Lake Sariaka before you ascend to the summit of the mountain to take in the beautiful scenic views of Lake Anosilahy and Lake Sariaka. Then, descend to the Ambinanitelo Canyon to get to the village of Beronono. Mark the end of the Makay trekking journey with a celebration alongside the entire team, including the porters, guides, and cooks. 

Day 14 - Beronono - Ranohira

Cross the Makay River and the Mangoky River on the way back to Ranohira in a 4x4 vehicle. Enjoy a picnic lunch and the beautiful panoramas along the way. Upon arrival in Ranohira, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 15 - Ranohira

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

Inclusions

• Pick Up and Drop Off

• 14 Nights Accommodation

• Camping Equipment

• Meals during the Trekking Tour

• Barer 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.