Isalo, Makay, Andringitra

Hiking and trekking in Madagascar

Canyons and natural pools in Isalo, a multi-day trek through the Makay, the summit of Pic Boby or the pinnacles of the Tsingy: walk at your own pace, with local guides who know every trail.

Duration A few hours to 4 days
Level Easy to challenging, depending on route
Who for Walkers with reasonable fitness
Season Best from April to October

The activity

What is it like?

Hiking in Madagascar takes you through strikingly different landscapes: the sandstone canyons of Isalo, the rainforest of Amber Mountain, the limestone pinnacles of the Tsingy and the high valleys of the Andringitra. Outings range from a three-hour walk to a natural pool to a trek lasting several days, with porters and nights under canvas.

In the national parks you always walk with an approved local guide, hired at the park entrance: they choose the trail to suit your fitness, introduce you to the wildlife and plants and look after your safety. On treks, a team of porters carries the camping gear and supplies.

BEMIRAY builds the itinerary around what you want: a few day hikes between the stages of a tour with a private vehicle and driver-guide, or a true expedition such as the four-day Makay trek. We adapt the pace, distances and accommodation to your level and to the season.

100% tailor-made

On the spot

Things to do and see

The highlights of the activity, arranged around your pace and your wishes.

Swim along the way

In Isalo, trails lead to the Natural Pool, the Blue and Black Pools of Namaza or deep into the Canyon des Makis, where you can cool off between stages.

Climb Pic Boby

In Andringitra National Park, the Imarivolanitra trail, 28 km there and back, takes two days to reach Pic Boby which, at 2,658 m, is one of the island’s highest summits.

Four days in the Makay

Canyons with crystal-clear streams, a cave decorated with rock paintings, lakes seen from the ridges: a wilderness trek with porters and nights under canvas.

The walkways of the Grands Tsingy

At Bemaraha, ladders, walkways and a suspension bridge are crossed wearing a harness, high above a forest of limestone pinnacles, on a route of about four hours.

Caves and tsingy of Ankarana

Beginner, keen walker or seasoned athlete: from the park entrance, many trails lead to the Bat Cave, the Perte des Rivières sinkhole, the Tsingy Rary or the Ambohimalaza viewpoint.

Sunset at the Window

Late in the day, a short walk takes you to the Isalo Window, a natural opening in the rock that frames the setting sun over the savannah.

Destinations

Where to go

Our favourite places for this activity, to link together or to slot into one of our tours.

South, near Ranohira

Isalo National Park

Created in 1962, this park of more than 81,000 hectares protects a sandstone massif carved into canyons, ridges and plateaus. Trails, always walked with a local guide, lead to the Natural Pool, the Blue and Black Pools of Namaza or the Canyon des Makis, in a few hours or over several days with nights under canvas.

Central west, north of Isalo

Makay Massif

Separated from Isalo by the Mangoky River, this 150 by 50 km sandstone massif remains largely unexplored. Our four-day trek, supported by a team of porters, follows canyons with crystal-clear streams, visits the rock paintings of the Mahatiny cave and offers nights under canvas on the banks of the Makay River.

Southern Highlands, near Ambalavao

Andringitra and the Tsaranoro Valley

At the foot of the Andringitra, the Tsaranoro Valley and its towering rock walls suit day walks as well as multi-day expeditions with camping. In the neighbouring national park, the Imarivolanitra trail climbs over two days to Pic Boby, at 2,658 m. Ring-tailed lemurs live in the valley.

West, near Bekopaka

Tsingy de Bemaraha

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tsingy form a forest of limestone pinnacles. The Petits Tsingy can be explored in a few hours; the Grands Tsingy call for good fitness, with ladders, narrow passages and a suspension bridge, crossed wearing a harness and with a guide. The park generally closes during the rainy season.

North, near Diego-Suarez

Amber Mountain

On the edge of Joffreville, this montane rainforest park offers trails for every level, from a 45-minute stroll to a full day up to the crater and summit. Along the way you discover the sacred waterfall, the jade-green waters of Lake Mahasarika and lemurs, including the crowned lemur.

In pictures

The activity in photos

A few images of the activity and of the places where you can enjoy it.

The right time

When to go

The best time is from April to October, during the dry season: trails are passable, skies clear and days pleasant. From June to August nights are cold at altitude. From December to March, rain makes many tracks impassable: the Makay becomes inaccessible and the Grands Tsingy generally close, while Isalo, with its drier climate, often remains open to walkers.

Makay: treks possible from April to November, in dry weather.
Grands Tsingy de Bemaraha: generally closed during the rainy season.
Andringitra: nights below 0 °C possible from June to August.

Month by month

Jan not advised
Feb not advised
Mar possible
Apr ideal
May ideal
Jun ideal
Jul ideal
Aug ideal
Sep ideal
Oct ideal
Nov possible
Dec possible

Ideal
Possible
Not advised
This month

Recommended season: Best from April to October

In your bag

Gear and equipment

What is provided and what you should bring to make the most of the activity.

Provided

Approved local guide in every park
Porters and camping equipment for treks
Meals and water during treks
Harness lent on site at the Grands Tsingy
Transfers by private vehicle with driver-guide

What to bring

Well broken-in walking boots
Sandals or shoes that can get wet
Daypack and water bottle
Hat, sunglasses and mineral sunscreen
Warm layers for nights at altitude
Light rain jacket
Head torch
Small first-aid kit

Peace of mind

Safety advice

A few simple rules so you can enjoy the activity with peace of mind. On site, always follow your guide’s instructions: they know the ground and the conditions of the day.

Always walk with the approved park guide, compulsory in national parks, and stay on the paths they show you.
Set off early in the morning: in Isalo and the Tsingy the heat builds by midday and the rock reflects the sun.
Drink regularly from bottled, filtered or treated water, and carry at least two litres per person for a day’s walk.
In the Andringitra, nights can drop below 0 °C during the southern winter: bring a warm sleeping bag and extra layers.
Only swim where your guide says it is safe, and never enter a canyon when a storm threatens: the water can rise very quickly.
Tell us in advance about any knee, back, vertigo or other health problem, especially before the equipped sections of the Grands Tsingy.
Seek medical advice before you travel (malaria, vaccinations) and take out insurance that covers hiking, medical costs and repatriation.

With BEMIRAY

Why choose this activity?

Guides who know the ground

Approved local guides in the parks and porters from nearby villages on treks: you walk with people who know every path, every water source and every story of the massif.

A route made for you

A walk of a few hours or a trek of several days: we adapt the stages, distances and accommodation to your fitness, your wishes and the season.

All the logistics handled

Private vehicle with driver-guide, transfers to the trailheads, camps and meals on treks: all you have to do is walk. We reply to your enquiry within 48 hours.

Hiking with respect

We work with local partners, respect sacred sites and park rules, and make sure our treks also benefit the villages along the way.

Good to know

Your questions

Another question? Our team replies within 48 hours, in English or in French.

Do I need to be very fit?

No. Many trails in Isalo, Amber Mountain or Ankarana take just a few hours, on well-marked paths. The Makay trek and the climb up Pic Boby, on the other hand, call for good fitness and experience of walking several days in a row.

Can I go hiking with children?

Yes, on the shorter trails, for example to the Natural Pool in Isalo or through the Amber Mountain forest, with regular breaks and plenty of water. Multi-day treks and the Grands Tsingy are better suited to teenagers used to walking; the minimum age depends on the park.

Where do we sleep on a trek?

In tents, at a camp set up by the team: in the Makay, on the riverbank or on sandbanks in the canyons; in the Andringitra, at the park’s equipped campsites. Before and after the trek you enjoy the comfort of a hotel, for example in Ranohira.

Should the park guide be booked in advance?

Guides are usually hired at the park entrance, at the Madagascar National Parks office, as in Ranohira for Isalo. We arrange this step for you and book the team needed for multi-day treks in advance.

How can I combine hiking with a tour?

Several tours already include it: “Makay Massif, the jewel” for trekking, “Rice Fields, Kingdoms & Rituals” for the Tsaranoro Valley and Isalo, “Tsingy Adventure” for the Grands Tsingy and “Dreams of the Wild North” for Ankarana and Amber Mountain.

How much should I tip guides and porters?

Tipping is not compulsory, but it is customary for the park guide and for porters at the end of a trek. Your driver-guide will suggest a reasonable amount depending on the length of the outing and the size of the group.

Combine it