Travel Guide Massif Du Makay

The Makay massif is located in the southwest of Mada. It extends from north to south over a length of 120 km as the crow flies, from east to west over 50 km. It is a region difficult to access and isolated, a pure paradise for hikers today. The Baras, a semi-nomadic people, live there: their tradition is to burn the forests to fertilize the areas to be cultivated, which results in intensive deforestation. Recently, the first rock paintings of Madagascar were discovered in several caves (Mahatigny, Faratsay, Lac Noir...) and under-rock shelters (about 450 to date). The oldest ones are for the moment dated from the 8th century. There are also signs of the practice of sikydi, a kind of geomancy inherited from the Arabs. Those who have already travelled to Australia will note a more than disturbing resemblance with the Bungle Bungle of Western Australia. More than 2,000 species have been recorded there, including 150 ants (5 unknown), 34 new species of insects, 1 new rodent (the olinguito) and 9 species of lemurs, as well as the Pachypanchax, a microscopic fish. The association Naturevolution, which has been leading scientific expeditions there since 2007, obtained in 2015 the status of protected area for this absolutely fascinating natural and cultural environment.Access : we enter the massif, either by the north from Malaimbandy, or by the south from Beroroha (accessible from Ranohira, in the Isalo massif). Some agencies start to walk in the southern part.