Makay: A journey of mindfulness and unique moments

An incredible display of nature, from the savannah to the stunning structure of plateaus, and tropical forests hidden in the canyons, each uniquely different—sand, water, rock, and greenery…A divine light emanates from every passage through the gorges, with splendid stones featuring sublime textures and colors, radiating positive energy. The vegetation—palms, pandanus, ferns, and more—thrives with remarkable vitality. The trees demonstrate their resilience, their roots stretching and clinging to the rock. The pandanus canyon is breathtakingly beautiful, and the camps set on sandy riverbanks exude a special charm. They evoke emotions and inspire serenity, with my personal favorite being Sakapaly.

The caravan of Bara porters embodies happiness and joy. Their smiles, laughter, and songs create a simple yet genuine connection, bringing us closer to the essence of life. They are a true and humble people, grounding you in the present moment.

Daily hikes, sprinkled with a few technical passages (perfectly managed and accessible to any good walker who follows the guidelines), allow you to discover the exceptional beauty of this massif. Its diversity and uniqueness are truly remarkable. Each step, touch, sound, scent—every breath—connects you to this pristine nature. For me, this experience brought joy, peace, lightness, and a sparkle in my eyes!

The caravan’s cooks comfort you with every meal—diverse, balanced, and perfectly adapted to the physical effort required.

The organization required for a trek like this is immense. Détours Madagascar handles it flawlessly, which is no small feat in a country like Madagascar. Hats off to the team!

We were a group of 10 travelers, all different in life paths, temperaments, characters, and ages. Yet, mutual support and kindness naturally became the guiding principles. Wonderful encounters with wonderful people.

For me, this trek felt like a retreat, a pilgrimage. I cannot recall another time when I was so in harmony with myself and nature. It was a timeless journey—I lived fully in the moment, neither a minute before nor after. It was like being in my own bubble, a total release that I never imagined possible, yet it felt so instinctive.

The sense of well-being was immense, and returning to reality was tough. I remain grounded in the many gifts that Makay gave me—memories, landscapes, positive emotions, and the smiles of the Bara people that I carry in my heart. Pure happiness!

The Makay is a little treasure in this crazy world, an unforgettable journey for its beauty and soul. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

THANK YOU Détours, and thank you to everyone!

Text and photos by Stéphanie Colin - Makay, July 2022