Letter from an eternal walker

Antananarivo, November 21, 2019

Dear hiking friends,

I am Arsène, a guide with Détours Madagascar. 

I would like to share with you an exclusive and unique journey we’ve recently created. We call it: The Incredible Malagasy Treks! Between Vavavato, Makay, and the Tsingy of Bemaraha, these extraordinary hikes take you through a succession of geographical and cultural environments, each more diverse than the last. 

This exclusive journey is, in my opinion, the most beautiful sequence possible in Madagascar, thanks to the complementarity of its biotopes, cultures, and geological formations.

Discovering Vavavato

Hidden at the edges of the Ankaratra range is a chain of mountains that rivals the Andringitra massif. The crystalline base rock emerges, and the pink granite chaos enhances the alpine atmosphere. 

This original and unprecedented trek leads you through stunning landscapes and rare settlements. We traverse the mysterious Vavavato mountain chain on foot, meeting a mountain people who carefully maintain their autonomy, living almost entirely self-sufficiently. Animist influence is deeply ingrained here, and according to experts, the people living in these heights are the guardians of traditional Malagasy rituals.

Exploring Makay 

Next, we head to the sedimentary massif of Makay. Hiking amidst this biodiversity sanctuary is a unique experience. This area remains unknown and confidential. Its distinctive geography—composed of sandstone plateaus shaped into ruins and traversed by deep canyons—makes it nearly impenetrable. 

A true natural fortress, Makay preserves a unique biotope with exceptional flora and fauna. Each day, we share in the joy of life with our Bara team. This trek is as much a human adventure as it is a natural one, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and shared experiences.

The Tsingy of Bemaraha

Finally, the horizon reveals the West, where the environment becomes more African: semi-arid, adorned with baobabs, thorny plants, and other fascinating flora. We approach the Mozambique Channel. 

The Tsingy of Bemaraha offers a new and singular environment with its dramatic landscapes: razor-sharp profiles, countless underground galleries… They present breathtaking and unique vistas for nature-loving hikers. 

On the surface, the sharp limestone ridges, uniquely grooved karst formations, and deep fissures make any penetration challenging. The hikes are both aerial and subterranean, offering an unparalleled adventure.

Join us on this exceptional journey 

Explore the unexplored corners of the Great Island on this exceptional trek: three weeks of unprecedented discoveries, three atypical and complementary biotopes, and three types of immersive experiences—human, natural, and geographical. 

As one of the rare guides in Madagascar capable of navigating these lesser-known environments, I invite you to experience these unforgettable treks in my own way. 

I am scheduling two dates in May and September 2020, with a maximum of eight participants. 

See you soon on the Malagasy trails!

Arsène

Specialized guide for hiking and trekking with Détours Madagascar

Who am I?

Originally from the Vakinankaratra mountain massif near Antsirabe, I am a born walker. Walking is my passion, and I do it naturally, with enthusiasm and calmness. 

During the treks I guide, I enjoy sharing my approach to responsible travel with my teams of porters and trackers. I am deeply committed to promoting equity within our teams. As for you, dear travelers, I am both explanatory and attentive, often understanding even what you don’t explicitly say.

Highlights of the incredible Malagasy treks

VAVAVATO

MAKAY

TSINGY OF BEMARAHA

© Détours Madagascar - 25 Novembre 2019