This stunning western region of Madagascar’s highlands is one of the island’s most breathtaking destinations for adventure seekers. Here, you’ll feel truly immersed in nature, surrounded by the whispering wind through towering mountains and the soothing flow of water in deep canyons—offering a peaceful escape from everyday life. Wildlife often appears unexpectedly along rugged cliffs and hidden canyons, adding to the magic of this remote wilderness.
After an early breakfast, leave the capital and travel through the typical Merina countryside with mixed rice paddies and vegetable crops. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as Stonechats, Hamerkops, Egrets, and Kingfishers. Stop for lunch in Antsirabe, then continue to Miandrivazo. Experience a peaceful feeling crossing the wide, almost untouched middle-west landscape, dotted with traditional gold miners. Arrive in the late afternoon, check in, and enjoy dinner.
After breakfast, drive to Malaimbandy where the landscape grows wilder with wooded savanna dominated by the endemic Bismarck Palm. The rough road begins here. After several hours through small deciduous forests, start hiking to the first campsite.
After breakfast, begin trekking with sturdy hiking shoes. Walk through savanna and descend to sandy trails at the start of the canyon. Each day’s landscape changes, offering a true sense of adventure and tranquility. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route, then arrive at the campsite mid-afternoon to relax and have dinner.
Start with a morning climb to admire the breathtaking landscape and feel the cool breeze. Notice the elephant foot plants blooming with yellow flowers on sandstone rocks. Return down to gather luggage and continue trekking. Long trousers are recommended due to narrow paths with spiky grasses. The scenery varies from savanna and mountains to deep canyons with stunning sandstone walls, almost otherworldly. Picnic lunch en route. Arrive at the campsite by a stream late afternoon.
Watch the sunrise before breakfast. Begin climbing to the mountain summit for panoramic views of sandstone formations. Follow the cliff edge before descending to the canyon. Picnic lunch along the way. Continue hiking to the next campsite deep in the canyon, where you might encounter Sifaka Lemurs climbing trees. Enjoy dinner under the stars.
After breakfast, trek through canyons with beautiful vegetation, including palm trees. Shorts and water-friendly shoes are advised as much of today’s route involves walking through water. Spot Lemurs along the way. Arrive mid-afternoon at the campsite, take a refreshing dip in the river, then relax by the fire before dinner.
After breakfast, hike up and through savannas and canyons. Again, shorts and water shoes are recommended. The sandstone walls display astonishing colors. Arrive mid-afternoon, relax by the river, enjoy dinner, and rest.
Enjoy sunrise photography atop the mountain before breakfast, capturing stunning views of Makay’s canyons and peaks. Trek through a canyon, walking on colorful rocks and petrified wood. Arrive late afternoon at the last campsite.
Complete the last few hours of hiking through savanna to meet vehicles and say farewell to your porters. Drive to Malaimbandy with lunch on the way, then return to the main paved road and continue to Morondava.
Explore Morondava at leisure. Drive early to the iconic Baobab Avenue to witness a spectacular sunrise or wander through the local fishermen’s village.
Fly to Antananarivo.
