Welcome To Makay
Travel is not a word for describing a voyage to the Makay Massif as going to this region is more of an expedition, due to the adventurous nature of this trip. The Makay Massif is one of the most isolated and wildest areas in all of Madagascar and your scene for your once-in-a-lifetime voyage. For those among us who like to go to unusual, raw places far away from everything, live true adventure, enjoy marvelous landscapes and meet unique wildlife and get to meet an interesting culture, Makay is a guaranteed success for a spectacular trip in one of the strangest geological spectacles our planet has to offer. Whether it’s a short five-day trip or one of our two-week camping packages, a visit to Makay will be among the most beautiful travel experiences in your life. Enjoy the beauty of this unusual maze whose landscape changes every corner, while you’re making your way in this rocky labyrinth through deep canyons, mysterious forests and small turquoise rivers, climbing over rocks and stones and descending into deep canyons. At night you’ll be in awe when observing a magnificent sky full of stars, like you’ve never seen before. You’ll fall in love with this stubborn, wild, but incredibly rewarding place, like you’ve never been before.
Our agency has been operating all over Madagascar and many of our guides have decades of exploring all corners of the island. We were among the first local travel enthusiasts to have set foot in the area and over the last few years we have successfully executed both research and private excursions in Makay for clients all around the world. This trip is one of the wildest, purest and most adventurous one can have in Madagascar and definitely is not for everyone. During your journey you’ll have to climb and make yourself thing to pass through narrow canyons, you’ll have to walk through shallow rivers and we’ll be sleeping in tents and eating basic local meals. But there isn’t anything more rewarding than the privilege of entering this little-explored lost world and setting foot where very few, even locals, have ever been before you. It is possible you’ll even get to be eye to eye with an animal which hasn’t even been documented! For those who have been everywhere and are still looking for that one trip which can still completely steal their heart and feel like a true explorer, Makay is that trip. Come conquer this geological playground with us and have the expedition of a lifetime.
Adventure Tours In The Makay Massif
When was the last time you felt truly lost? When was the last time you felt truly away from everything, in a strange, isolated place, far away from everything? When was the last time you lived without the internet and a phone for more than a week? When was the last time you had a true adventure, discovered something truly wild and unique, so different from anything you’ve ever seen and known, you truly felt you’re on a strange planet, far away in the other corner of the universe .. ?
Pierce deep into what seems to be an impenetrable mineral fortress lost in a golden sea of grasslands and shrubs surrounding the massive walls shielding off this lost paradise from the rest of the world. Come step into this endless labyrinth with innumerable canyons, countless streams, mysterious small forests, each their own ecosystem and let’s meet its inhabitants such as little studied playful lemurs (at least nine species!), fierce crocodiles, strange chameleons, colorful lizards, shy snakes and acrobatic birds of prey. Come live this exceptional adventure deep into the west of Madagascar, disconnect from everything you know and enjoy this wonderful wilderness together with our professional team.
Thanks to its isolation and difficulty to access this area, the Makay Massif has been little distrubed and visiting the Makay is not an easy trip. It is important to be well-prepared and to really know what you’re doing without the risk of getting lost or to get into an accident. It is important to carefully choose the right travel agency who knows what he’s doing and makes sure the expedition is safe and responsible.
Makay is the perfect example of responsible ecotourism. When we travel to Makay we leave as little impact on the place as possible. Accommodation is in mobile tent camps and we have a ‘leave no trace behind’ policy.
Camping In The Makay Massif
From afar the Makay looks like a dry, arid environment, a kingdom of rocks planted in a golden-yellow world of shrubs and grasses: massive walls guarding a hidden world. Once you are inside this secret land, you’ll be surprised how the environment is rapidly changing. You’ll find yourself surrounded by deep, humid tropical forest, where a number of animals such as lemurs, birds, chameleons, snakes, lizards and butterflies awaits you. This place, which seems so dry and thirsty from afar, hides a whole network of streams, small waterfalls, springs and small, but profound lakes hiding underwater worlds harboring many secrets.
During your stay you’ll be privileged to hike through this wonderful hidden world and in the late afternoon, we’ll set up camp and start cooking. As we are so far out there in the wild, we’ll have a clear sky full of stars. For the camping you can use our comfortable tents and sleeping gear, all selected for maximum comfort, or you are welcome to bring your own gear if preferred. During your stay you don’t have to worry too much about animals. The Makay doesn’t have dangerous snakes and the ones in Makay are very shy. Crocodiles are the only predators to look out for, but just like the snakes they are quite shy, compared to other crocodiles. The Makay also has small populations of mosquitoes, so you won’t get bitten too much, although we advise you to take the usual precautions against mosquitoes and cover up at night: long pants and arms covered and closing your tent. You’ll have to cover up anyway, as temperatures at night can drop to 5°C, so bring a sweater and jacket
We can actually divide the Makay into two parts: the bottom of the canyons and the ridges. In the canyons, you will find dense tropical vegetation, incredible fauna (lemurs, birds, butterflies, chameleons, etc.), water and lots of sand. On the ridges, it’s the opposite: they are very arid places, a world of rocks that overlooks the canyons.
What to bring to Makay:
– Tent
– Mattress and sleeping bag: make sure to have a sleeping bag which is fit for cold nights
– A fleece blanket to wrap around yourself at night
– Torch and plenty of batteries
– Powerbanks fully charged
– Quick drying towels
– Quick drying sports shirts
– Long breathable pants and also some shorts
– Swimming trunks
– Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen to protect against the sun
– Basic medication
– Good hiking shoes and appropriate socks
– Flipflops or sandals for when you’re in the camp
– Walking sticks
– Sweater and jacket
– Mosquito repellent
When is the best time to go to Makay?
The dry season starts at the end of March and runs until October. The first rains come in November and then the rainy season last from November until mid-March / the end of March. During the dry seasons there are very few rains. If you want to travel to Makay, it is best to book your tour between April and October as then the roads are easier to navigate.
Is there malaria in Makay?
Although there are not a lot of mosquitoes around in Makay, there is malaria in the area. It is therefore advised to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself against mosquitoes. Please, consult your doctor if you consider taking anti-malaria medications.
How do I get to Makay?
There are a few ways from which the Makay can be entered by 4×4. This is usually done in the dry season as during the rainy season driving will get slowed down and some parts even become impossible to drive. It is vital to do this with an agency who knows the road, has good well-maintained vehicles, and professional drivers. You will be in some very bumpy parts where the road is made out of sand, dirt and rocks, so be prepared for long, intense driving.
– South: From Antananarivo to Ranohiro by the N7 and then to Beroroha. (2 – 3 days) or coming from Tuléar. From Beroroha you will have at least half day of driving.
– West: From Antananarivo or Morondava to Mandabe and then one or two hours to the first starting points for hiking.
– North: From Antananarivo or Morondava to Malaimbandy, from there it’s half a day to one day to one of the starting points to hike.
Please, contact our agency if you are planning to go to Makay. We’ll set up a programme for you based on your flight plan and can set up your itinerary starting from Antananarivo and other cities in Madagascar.
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