Set off on an extraordinary adventure through some of Madagascar’s most fascinating landscapes,
from the charm of the Central Highlands to the golden beaches of Ifaty.
This 12-day journey offers a complete experience combining
cultural encounters, exploration, and untouched wilderness.
Following the legendary National Road 7 (RN7), you will discover the soul of the island:
traditional villages, terraced rice fields, and local craftsmanship.
The adventure continues toward the spectacular Makay Massif,
a remote labyrinth of canyons, rivers, and pristine forests.
Hiking, wild camping under the stars, and encounters with unique biodiversity make this expedition unforgettable.
The journey ends gently on the peaceful beaches of Ifaty,
surrounded by lagoons and baobab forests.
Meet and greet at the Airport and transfer to the city center.
Overnight: Havana Resort or similar
Day 2 – Antananarivo → Fianarantsoa (420 km – approx. 10 hrs)
Embark on a scenic drive south along the iconic RN7, traversing the beautiful Central Highlands. You’ll witness landscapes of terraced rice fields, rolling hills, and traditional villages. En route, make engaging stops in Antsirabe, a charming thermal town known for its colonial architecture and rickshaws, and Ambositra, the renowned capital of Malagasy woodcraft, where you can observe skilled artisans at work. The journey culminates in Fianarantsoa, a significant cultural and intellectual center. Overnight: Miharana Hotel or similar
Day 3 – Fianarantsoa → Ambalavao → Ranohira (280 km – approx. 6 hrs)
After breakfast, continue your journey south. Your first significant stop will be the Anja Reserve, a community-managed forest where you can observe numerous troops of habituated ring-tailed lemurs in their natural habitat, often basking on granite boulders. The drive takes you through the stunning landscapes surrounding Ambalavao, famous for its picturesque vineyards. Continue to Ranohira, the quiet village serving as the primary gateway to the magnificent Isalo National Park.
Overnight: H1 Isalo or similar
Day 4 – Ranohira → Beroroha (220 km – approx. 10 hrs off-road)
Today marks the beginning of your true off-road adventure as you leave the main roads behind and head towards the remote Makay Massif. This challenging but incredibly rewarding journey involves a full day of driving along rough tracks, traversing vast, untamed landscapes and crossing the Mangoky River. This immersive experience takes you deep into Madagascar’s untouched wilderness, promising a profound sense of exploration and solitude. You’ll set up your first wild camp, sleeping under a blanket of stars.
Overnight: Camping
Day 5 – Beroroha → Beronono → Morafeno
The adventure into the heart of the Makay Massif begins in earnest. After leaving Beroroha, you will drive to Beronono, the actual starting point for your trek. Your day includes a visit to the fascinating Mahatiny Cave, where you can discover ancient rock paintings, offering a glimpse into the history of human habitation in this secluded region. The trek continues through unique terrain, leading you to Morafeno where you will set up camp by the river, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of nature.
Overnight: Camping by the river
Day 6 – Morafeno → Lake Anosilahy
Today’s trek leads you deeper into the breathtaking landscapes of the Makay. You will hike through diverse terrain, including areas dense with reeds and along picturesque ridges that offer stunning views over shimmering lakes. The path winds through incredible geological formations and varied vegetation, immersing you further into this pristine wilderness. The remoteness of the region ensures a profound connection with nature, away from any signs of modern civilization.
Overnight: Camping
Day 7 – Lake Anosilahy → Lake Sariaka
Continue your exploration of the Makay Massif, discovering its hidden treasures. The hike today takes you through lush canyons, a stark contrast to the more arid parts of the massif, where unique flora thrives in the protected microclimates. Your destination is the peaceful Lake Sariaka, a serene oasis nestled within the rugged landscape. The tranquility of this remote lake offers a perfect opportunity for reflection and enjoying the unspoiled beauty around you.
Overnight: Camping
Day 8 – Lake Sariaka → Beronono
This day marks the final significant hike through the core landscapes of the Makay Massif. You’ll retrace parts of your path and discover new vistas, solidifying your appreciation for this unique wilderness. The journey through canyons and along ridges offers further opportunities to observe the specialized biodiversity of the region. Reaching Beronono signifies completing the intense trekking portion of the Makay exploration.
Overnight: Camping
Day 9 – Beronono → Ranohira
After an unforgettable adventure deep within the Makay Massif, you will begin your return journey to civilization. This day involves exiting the remote terrain and traveling back towards Ranohira. The journey offers a stark contrast between the wild, untouched beauty you’ve experienced and the more established routes, providing a sense of achievement and a return to comfortable accommodations after your challenging trek.
Overnight: H1 Isalo or similar
Days 10–11 – Ranohira → Toliara → Ifaty
Leaving Ranohira, you will embark on a drive toward Madagascar’s southwest coast. The landscape gradually transitions from the rugged canyons of Isalo to the dry spiny forest and eventually the coastal plains. Your destination is Ifaty, a picturesque fishing village known for its lively beach. You’ll spend two relaxing days here, indulging in swimming, snorkeling in the vibrant coral reefs, taking traditional pirogue trips, or simply unwinding by the Mozambique Channel.
Overnight: Bamboo Club or similar
Day 12 – Ifaty → Toliara → Antananarivo
After a final breakfast by the sea in Ifaty, you will be transferred to Toliara airport for your domestic flight back to Antananarivo. End of our services.
1 traveler: €3,200
2 travelers: €1,800 per person
3 travelers: €1,650 per person
4 travelers: €1,550 per person
5 travelers: €1,400 per person
6 travelers: €1,300 per person
Contact us for custom options or private departures.
Included
Domestic flight Toliara – Antananarivo
Airport transfers
Private vehicle with French-speaking driver
Entrance fees for listed excursions
Full board (Days 4–9)
Half board (Days 2, 3, 10, 11)
Not Included
Visa (€35)
Unmentioned lunches
Drinks & personal expenses
Makay Massif
The Makay Massif is one of Madagascar’s last truly untouched wilderness areas. This vast sandstone labyrinth is shaped by deep canyons, rivers, hidden lakes, and isolated plateaus. Difficult to access and rarely visited, it shelters unique endemic wildlife and pristine ecosystems, offering a raw adventure experience for explorers seeking remote, unspoiled nature.
Antsirabe
Antsirabe is a highland town known for its cool climate, colonial architecture, and thermal springs. Often called the “City of Water,” it is surrounded by volcanic landscapes and crater lakes. The town is famous for its colorful rickshaws and skilled artisans producing gemstones, embroidery, and traditional crafts.
Ambositra
Ambositra is the cultural heart of Malagasy woodcarving and the gateway to the Zafimaniry region. Renowned for its finely carved wooden sculptures and marquetry, the town showcases exceptional craftsmanship passed down through generations. Set in the central highlands, Ambositra offers deep insight into local traditions and artisanal heritage.
Fianarantsoa
Fianarantsoa is a historic highland city and an important cultural and religious center. Its old town, built on a hill, features traditional architecture and panoramic views. Surrounded by vineyards and rice terraces, it serves as a gateway to the southern rainforests and nearby national parks such as Ranomafana.
Ambalavao
Ambalavao is a lively town rich in culture and tradition, known for its Antemoro handmade paper workshops and large zebu markets. Nearby, the Anja Community Reserve offers close encounters with ring-tailed lemurs in a dramatic rocky setting. Ambalavao perfectly blends cultural discovery with accessible wildlife experiences.
Isalo
Isalo National Park is one of Madagascar’s most iconic landscapes, featuring sandstone massifs, deep canyons, natural swimming pools, and savannahs. Ideal for hiking, the park offers spectacular scenery, endemic plants, lemurs, and unforgettable sunsets. Isalo combines adventure, geology, and nature in a unique desert-like environment.
Ifaty
Ifaty is not about turquoise lagoons, but about lively atmosphere and outdoor activities. Located on the southwest coast, it offers excellent snorkeling at Baie des Roses, access to the unique Reniala spiny forest, mangroves, fishing villages, and whale watching in season. It is ideal for active travelers seeking nature, culture, and sea-based experiences.
