261 Exp

5.0/5 – 5 Reviews

$3,482 pp (USD)
This tour is offered in EUR. Show rate in EUR

2 travelers   on   Start date
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Age at the end of the tour
*This tour does not accept children under 12.
Travelers

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

  • You'll be collected from the airport.
  • Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day 1

Welcome 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)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 2

Towards 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)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 3

Antsakoazato

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

Day 4

Makay 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

Day 5

Canyon 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

Day 6

Steep 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

Day 7

Lemur 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

Day 8

Menabe 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

Day 9

Betania 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 at Allee Des Baobabs (Highlight)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 10

Roadtrip 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)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 11

The 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

Day 12

Departure

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.

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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.