12-Day Makay & Baobabs

Welcome to Madagascar

Day 1Welcome to Madagascar Welcome to Madagascar Arrive in Antananarivo, where your driver-guide will be waiting for you at the airport, depending on your international flight schedule. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Afterward, the driver-guide will provide a briefing about your upcoming tour. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel. Main Destination: Antananarivo (City) Accommodation: Le Combava Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Antananarivo (City) +8 Photos +7 Photos Meals & Drinks: Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included) Drinks not included

Towards the sun

Day 2Towards the sun Towards the sun Departing from the Malagasy capital, the journey to Miandrivazo begins with landscapes dominated by lush rice fields and traditional villages characteristic of the Highlands. After passing through Antsirabe, we make a stop for lunch. The afternoon drive continues through diverse scenery, including small farming communities and gold-mining villages. We arrive in the late afternoon, where you will enjoy an overnight stay at Soa Lia Hotel, with dinner and breakfast included. Main Destination: Miandrivazo (Town) Accommodation: Soa Lia Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Miandrivazo (Town) +11 Photos +10 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included

Antsakoazato

Day 3Antsakoazato Antsakoazato Early in the morning, the roadtrip resumes toward Malaimbandy, where the paved road ends, and we begin our trek along the rugged track that winds beside the Bongolava mountain range. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed en route. After about two hours on the track, the North Makay massif begins to emerge in the distance. We set up camp in a small village near the Makay, where we’ll have dinner and spend the night in a bivouac, immersed in the tranquility of the surroundings. Main Destination: Makay Massif (Mountain Range) Accommodation: Budget camping Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinks not included

Makay EXPloration

Day 4Makay EXPloration Makay EXPloration We begin our trek into the heart of the Makay massif, a region we first prospected in 2013. Our journey takes us through vast, rectilinear faults where sunlight barely filters through, and we encounter lush vegetation along the canyon walls. We navigate through pockets of forest where elusive lemurs can be glimpsed, though hard to approach. The day ends by setting up camp on a white sandbank along the Sakapaly River, where we’ll spend our first night under the stars or in tents. Main Destination: Makay Massif (Mountain Range) Accommodation: Budget camping Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinks not included

Canyon Navigation and River Crossing

Day 5Canyon Navigation and River Crossing Canyon Navigation and River Crossing Continuing our trek, we cross the Sakapaly River, which cuts through the mountains. As we navigate the canyons, the terrain becomes challenging with soft sand and knee-deep water, and we occasionally find ourselves climbing steep, rocky sections. Some descents into the canyons require securing ourselves with ropes. Despite the tough conditions, the beautiful landscapes and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs keep us motivated. We camp again on the river’s sandbanks, reflecting on the remote beauty of the place. Main Destination: Makay Massif (Mountain Range) Accommodation: Budget camping Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinks not included

Steep Climbs and Rock Crossings

Day 6Steep Climbs and Rock Crossings Steep Climbs and Rock Crossings Our path leads us deeper into the massif, where we encounter short but steep climbs, along with rocky crossings that require balance and agility. The cliffs are high, and the trek becomes more physically demanding, with the need to carefully navigate over rocks. The heat is intense, and the trekking conditions are made more challenging by the ever-present itching hairs, rolling pebbles, and constant saka-saka (scratches from thorny plants). The isolation of this place is undeniable as we venture further from civilization. Main Destination: Makay Massif (Mountain Range) Accommodation: Budget camping Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinks not included

Lemur Sightings and Canyon Exploration

Day 7Lemur Sightings and Canyon Exploration Lemur Sightings and Canyon Exploration On the final day of our trek, we navigate through the remaining canyons, continuing to tackle the rugged terrain with short climbs, descents, and rock crossings. By the end of the day, we return to a final campsite by the river. We’ve explored this unique part of the Makay massif and its remarkable landscapes, and we conclude our journey with a celebratory campfire. We reflect on the five days spent in one of the most isolated and awe-inspiring regions of Madagascar, knowing that this experience will stay with us forever. Main Destination: Makay Massif (Mountain Range) Accommodation: Budget camping Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinks not included

Menabe Capital

Day 8Menabe Capital Menabe Capital In the morning, we depart from the camp and embark on a 4-hour trek to the designated rendezvous point, where our vehicle will be waiting to take us to Morondava via Malaimbandy. After bidding a heartfelt farewell to the dedicated Makay team of porters and trackers, we continue our journey. Upon arrival in Morondava, you’ll enjoy an overnight stay at Baobab Café, where dinner and breakfast are included, allowing you to relax and reflect on the unforgettable adventure in the Makay region. Main Destination: Morondava (Town) Accommodation: Baobab Café Morondava Mid-range hotel located in Morondava (Town) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included

Betania village & Baobabs Alley

Day 9Betania village & Baobabs Alley Betania village & Baobabs Alley After breakfast, we’ll head to the Betania fishing village for a morning visit, where you’ll experience the local culture and way of life. A picnic lunch will be served during the visit. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the hotel, and around 4 PM, we’ll depart for the iconic Allee des Baobabs to witness a peaceful and unforgettable sunset. Your overnight stay will be at Baobab Café, with dinner and breakfast included, providing you with a comfortable and relaxing end to the day. Main Destination: Allee Des Baobabs (Highlight) Accommodation: Baobab Café Morondava Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Allée des Baobabs (Highlight) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included

Roadtrip back to the capital

Day 10Roadtrip back to the capital Roadtrip back to the capital After an early breakfast, you'll set off on the road back to Antsirabe. Along the way, you’ll pass through numerous villages, where you’ll observe locals working in their rice fields. The route takes you through rural areas where agriculture focuses on drought-resistant crops. You’ll also enjoy breathtaking views of semi-desert landscapes and towering mountains. Upon arrival in Antsirabe, you’ll check in at the Chambre du Voyageur Ecolodge, where you’ll spend the night on a half-board basis, ready to relax after a scenic and immersive journey. Main Destination: Antsirabe (City) Accommodation: Eco Lodge Les Chambres Du Voyageur Mid-range bungalow located in Antsirabe (City) +3 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included

The heart of the Highlands

Day 11The heart of the Highlands The heart of the Highlands After breakfast, enjoy a charming rickshaw ride through Antsirabe, where you'll explore the town's vibrant culture and unique architecture. Then, head back to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the upper town, where you’ll delve into the rich history of Madagascar and its ancient kingdoms. Your overnight stay will be at the Combava Hotel, with dinner and breakfast included, providing a relaxing end to your day while immersing yourself in the local heritage. Main Destination: Antananarivo (City) Accommodation: Le Combava Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Antananarivo (City) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included

Departure

Day 12Departure Departure After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Ivato International airport to take your flight back. End of our services. Main Destination: No major destination visited Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals & Drinks: Meals at own expense Drinks not included End of tour (See Getting There for more details)End of tour (See Getting There for more details) Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport. Interested in This Tour? Request a Quote We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators (Learn why) Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly Next: Overview Next: Day by Day Next: Rates Next: Inclusions Next: Getting There Next: Offered By Best price guarantee Your request will be sent directly to the operator If preferred, you can contact the operator directly Next: Request a Quote Request a Quote Disclaimer This tour is offered by 261 Exp, not SafariBookings. This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings. If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change. The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability. If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative. This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of 261 Exp. $4,078 pp (USD) This tour is offered in EUR. Show rate in EUR Get a Fre