The north of Madagascar in 11 days

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Antananarivo

  Upon your arrival at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, you will be greeted by your driver, who will take you to your hotel where you can fully rest.

• day 2

  Direction Diego-Suarez

  Today, you will take a flight to Antsiranana, better known as Diego Suarez. Once you arrive, you will begin the visit of the Three Bays, a superb and very little frequented spot, with its beautiful fine white sand beach. The Three Bays are a succession of the Bay of Sakalava, the Bay of Dunes, and the Bay of Pigeons. These bays are all as beautiful as each other, with a turquoise blue sea bordered by long white sand beaches. Often windy, the Bay of Sakalava is the favorite spot of local "kite-surfers" who have fun in the waves. After your lunch, you will be able to walk to two pleasant islets.

• day 3

  Visit to the Amber Mountain National Park

  After a good early breakfast, you will start the day with a visit to the Amber Mountain National Park, created in 1958 to preserve unique flora and fauna. Covering an area of more than 180 km2, the park is located in a Quaternary volcanic complex and is adorned with lakes, craters, and waterfalls. Amber Mountain rises to 1475 m there. On the way, you will be able to see Joffre Ville, which, during the French colonization, was the holiday resort for soldiers who enjoyed the fresh air of the heights. After lunch, you will begin a walk in the park along the botanical trail, the great waterfall (80 m high), the Antakarana waterfall, and the Campement des roussettes. You will discover the lush and varied flora of this rainforest, composed of large endemic trees, epiphytic plants, tree ferns, pandanus, ficus, araucarias, palms, medicinal plants, and orchids... 1020 species of plants have been recorded there. The fauna is just as exceptional, with several varieties of birds, chameleons, and amazing amphibians, as well as 7 species of lemurs (5 diurnal), including the fork-marked lemur of Amber Mountain (Phaner electromontis), the crowned lemur (Eulemur coronatus), and Sanford's brown lemur (Eulemur fulvus sanfordi).

• day 4

  Diego Bay

  

  You will take the road to Diego Bay along the beautiful coastal road and its famous "Sugarloaf", Nosy Lonjo Island, all the way to the small fishing village of Ramena and its vast white sand beach. You will then board a motorized boat for a memorable excursion in the Emerald Sea, a lagoon like a natural aquarium with turquoise waters. You will also have free time to walk along the fine sandy beaches. If you wish, you can swim or go snorkeling in this clear water, among multicolored tropical fish. It is not uncommon to encounter sea turtles or manta rays. After a lunch with local flavors, you can enjoy the rest of the day to go about your activities on the beach.

• day 5

  Discovery of the Ankarana East

  On this new day, we take you to Ankarana East to discover the Red Tsingys, a version of these surprising coral-origin formations, certainly less impressive than the Tsingy of Bemaraha, but easier to access. You will continue on the road to the Grey Tsingys, true stone sculptures, interspersed with unsuspected canyons, covered with forest and containing a network of caves and underground rivers.

• day 6

  Exploration of the Ankarana West National Park

  

  This day will be dedicated to visiting the Ankarana West National Park. This reserve covers an area of 18,000 ha and is partly made up of Tsingy, strange rock formations, crossed by canyons and composed of numerous caves. The park is a fantastic hiking area and is home to endemic fauna and flora.

• day 7

  Direction Nosy-Be

  Today, you will have an early departure from Ankarana to Ankify. After two hours of driving, you will board a boat that will take you to Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Komba. Nosy Tanikely is a small island known for its marine reserve and has an excellent diving spot. After your lunch consisting of grilled fish and coconut rice, you will continue to Nosy Komba, where you will have the opportunity to visit the village of Ampangorina. You can also enjoy the beach to relax. You will arrive in Nosy-Be at the end of the afternoon.

• day 8

  Free day in Nosy-Be

  

  You can spend the day as you wish. We recommend enjoying the island's magnificent beaches, considered the most beautiful beaches in the country. For those who wish, it is possible to rent a boat to tour the island and admire the picturesque landscapes that await you.

• day 9

  Snorkeling in Nosy-Be

  After a good early breakfast, you can enjoy water activities. Nosy-Be is full of snorkeling spots, including Nosy Tanihely, considered the most visited diving site on the island, Nosy Tranja with its turquoise blue sea, and Nosy Vorona, also called the bird island, which also has a diving site.

• day 10

  Nosy Be - Antananarivo

  This morning, very early, you will take a flight to reach the capital, Antananarivo. This will be an opportunity to make a final visit to the city. You will notably visit a handicraft market in La Digue. This market is the calmest in the city; you will thus be able to stroll through the streets peacefully. After lunch in a local restaurant, you can enjoy your afternoon freely and at your own pace.

• day 11

  Antananarivo

  After this 11-day journey discovering the north of Madagascar, filled with memorable memories, your driver will take you to Ivato International Airport for your return flight.