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  • North of Madagascar

Nosy Be - Diego - Tsingy Rouge and Tsingy Ankarana

Departure Date

A some day excursion from Diego to Nosy be. The 3 bay, the sea of EMERAUDE are the strong points of visit around Diego. Continuation of the journey along the route national N°6 by visiting Amber Mountain, the “Tsingy rouge” and Tsingy of Ankarana. The strong points around Nosy be and their neighboring islands like Nosy komba, Nosy Taninkely and Nosy Sakatia. Note that the trip ends with a beautiful relaxation, beach at the seaside of Nosy be, specifically in the village of Andilana.

Tour and Circuit proposed:

Antananarivo - Diego

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Diego (Mer Emearude and 3 bays)

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Ramena - Joffre city

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Amber Mountain

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Joffre City - Ankarana via TSINGY ROUGE

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Ankarana – Ankify- Nosy Komba et Taninkely

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Nosy Tanikely - Nosy Be

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Nosy be – Nosy Sakatia - Nosy be

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Nosy be – Antananarivo

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SERVICE INCLUDED INCLUDED ON THE PRICE :

-Tourism tax and tourist sticker -Accommodation based on double or twin room (B.B) -All boat and ferry crossing (Ankify – Nosy komba – Nosy Taninkely – Nosy be) -Entrance parks and reserv mentioned on the program with the guide fees -Picnic lunch mentioned on the program -Other visiting expenses -Visit Antananarivo (Queen palace …) -Transfer airport – hotel -Flight Antananarivo – Diego; Nosy be – Antananarivo

SERVICE INCLUDED ON THE PRICE:

-Multi-risk insurance (repatriation, medical expenses …) -All restorations like lunches and dinners -VISA fees -Souvenir -Personal needs like coca, rum, cigarette … -International flight -Tip

Booking Information

Customer information.

Route Dzamandzar (à 120 m de BAR RELAX vers Mahitatsara Hotel)

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THE NORTH OF MADAGASCAR 5D/4N

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5 day tour of Northern Madagascar

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Programme of this trip

Day 1 : nosy-be - park of ankarana - diégo.

Leave the hotel early towards the harbour of Hell-ville, the capital city of Nosy-Be. Transfer with a private speedboat till the Park of Ankify in Madagascar. A 4WD with air conditioning a wait you with a drive and an accompanied guide speaking your language. At Ambanja or Sambirano, the cocoa region you will discover big cocoa plantations, Vanilla, pepper and other plants for perfume which are introduced to Madagascar. The continue to Road National 6 towards Ambilobe with its local market. Lunch at Mahamasina. There are more than 10 tours that you can do. You could admire the bat caves, the loss of river and the famous Tsingy, the result of eroded rocks sharp like knives. Fauna, Flora are endemic and exceptional. Then drive towards Antsiranana (Diégo), the extreme North of Madagascar. Overnight at a hotel with superior category. Dinner at the restaurant.

Day 2 : Diégo Suarez - 3 Baies - Diégo Suarez

8h30, departure in direction to the 3 Baies. From the Sakalava baies. You see an islets in front, you can walk at the low tide, then continue to the bay of Pigeon with its white sand, and to end at the bay of Dunes. The sea bed is rich in fauna like multicoloured fish. The bay of Sakalava is known by fans of windsurfers, by kite surfing in all Madagascar. It's possible to walk along the baies for 3h. On the way you visit the cape miné, a former military base in Madagascar. Lunch at Ramena a fishermen Village, then french swimming. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 : Diégo Suarez - Amber Mountain - Diégo Suarez

8h, departure for Amber Mountain, the firt National Park, created in October 28,1958. This park preserves unique fauna and flora in Madagascar, considered as a biological treasures with a microclimate, tropical, humid with a rainfall of 3.500 - 4.000 20mn annually. This mountain is home to a magnificent protected tropical forest, preserved from all human impact, so it's prosperous, complex and naturally rich. This visit allows you to appreciate different types of vegetation; Cannarium; Parasites plants, vines and ferns. There are different kinds of tours inside the Park. The park is home to 7 species of lemurs (Coronatus, Sandfordi, Aye aye, bamboo lemurs, Microcebus (the smallest lemurs in Madagascar. We will discover beautiful waterfalls and lakes, and very beautiful views on the extreme North of Madagascar. Lunch at the local restaurant, best known at Joffre Ville at the foot of the mountain. Then continue to Diégo. Visit the town with its monuments, colonial architecture, learn the old history of the town. City tour on foot or with a car.

Day 4 : Diégo - Emerald Sea - Diégo

The team will pick you up at the hotel to go to Ramena. The fishermen Village, from there you take a boat, on crossing the most beautiful bay in Madagascar, with its pristine waters, coral reefs, multicoloured fish, straw huts, seafood, grill, cocktails (Punch), white sand, King sailors, you are not far from paradise in Madagascar.

Day 5 : Diégo - Red Tsingy - Ankify - Nosy Be

7h, the team will pick you up at the hotel to go towards the Red Tsingy. You will discover a landscape of another planet. The Red Tsingy is a result of geological formation, unique in Madagascar. Throughout many years, erosion has sculpted these coloured shapes. It's unique, unfathomable compared with its neighbours the Grey Tsingy of Ankarana, but their aspect is totally different results of the whims of the wind and the rain. For sure it will be the best photo of souvenirs of your trip in Madagascar. Lunch at Mahamasina. Transfer to Nosy-Be.

End of service

PRICES IN HOTEL OF SUPER STANDARD

Midrange hotel.

SERVICES INCLUDE

Standard Hotel Every day on full board/ food during the tours (Drinks are excluded) Park entrance fees or visited reserves Local guides in the Park or in reserves (if necessary) All types of transfers, 4WD during the stay and private boats (Nosy-Be return) Accompanied guide (English guide)

SERVICES EXCLUDED

Flight Drinks/ Tips Personal expenses What are not indicated in the programme

Marojejy park view under the clouds, Madagascar

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Northern Madagascar

It's as if Madagascar had conspired to provide a microcosm of its myriad travel experiences all in one place: here you'll find the isolated Sava region with its wild coastline and vanilla-scented air, the relatively sophisticated city of Diego Suarez and the country's premier beach destination, Nosy Be. Travellers will revel in the region’s diverse national parks while activity junkies will be spoilt for choice with everything from diving to kitesurfing.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

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Parc National Marojejy

This is one of Madagascar’s flagship parks. Consisting of more than 550 sq km of pristine mountainous rainforest, it covers the Marojejy massif, an area…

Andilana

Far and away Nosy Be’s best beach, Andilana, at the island’s northwest tip, is a long stretch of pearly white sand, with water that’s true azure and clear…

Réserve Spéciale Anjanaharibe-Sud

Réserve Spéciale Anjanaharibe-Sud

Réserve Spéciale Anjanaharibe Sud

A place of outstanding beauty and solitude, this little-visited 286-sq-km reserve is the northernmost outpost of the black indri. It is also home to the…

Parc National Montagne d’Ambre

Parc National Montagne d’Ambre

This wonderful national park is literally a breath of fresh air from the arid northern plains: at 1000m, it is generally 10°C cooler than Diego or…

Parc National Marin de Nosy Tanikely

Parc National Marin de Nosy Tanikely

Nosy Tanikely is a protected marine reserve 10km south of Nosy Be. It's one of the best snorkelling sites in the area, with coral, numerous fish and sea…

Camp Andrafiamena Andavakoera

Camp Andrafiamena Andavakoera

Located 60km south of Diego Suarez, then 20km east, this camp is perched on a ridge overlooking the rainforest. This is the last refuge of the black…

Réserve Spéciale Ankarana

Réserve Spéciale Ankarana

This striking and undeveloped fantasy land is home to uniquely Malagasy sights: psychedelic fields of spiky tsingy (limestone pinnacle formations) next to…

Nosy Iranja

Nosy Iranja

The gorgeous Nosy Iranja, southwest of Nosy Be, consists of two islands: larger, inhabited Nosy Iranja Be (about 2 sq km) and tiny Nosy Iranja Kely (0.13…

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Oct 9, 2019 • 3 min read

Madagascar's monumental landscapes, forests, rivers and coastline are home to more than wildlife: trek, climb, surf, dive and paddle your way to adventure.

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Northern Madagascar and beyond

Madagascar, North-western area, Nosy-Be, the beach of Andilana

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Round trip northern Madagascar

Varied natural beauty and tropical beach stay on Nosy Be 14-day roundtrip

Varied natural beauty and tropical beach stay on Nosy Be

The atmosphere of the far north of Madagascar is different from other regions. The population is different - this is the domain of the Sakalava, among others - and there are more Arab, Portuguese and Swahili influences. During the trip, there are often opportunities to explore the area and get a glimpse into the local life of the Malagasy.

The climate is warmer and more humid closer to the equator and so close to the sea, which is never far away. The coast is not only a pleasant place to be, it is also scenically beautiful and varied. That diversity continues further inland, with the unique karst landscape of the Tsingy of Ankarana and the magnificent forest giants of the Amber Mountains. Very pleasant is that the travel distances are relatively short, compared to the rest of Madagascar. You will be on the road for half a day at most and the roads are quite good. Final destination of this tour is the tropical island of Nosy Be, a blissful and very complete beach destination.

The Three Bays

The beautiful coastal walk along Sakalava, Dunes and Pigeons bays offers the perfect balance of exercise and relaxation. You will walk sometimes on the beach and sometimes on a rocky path, passing idyllic coves and little beaches. There is plenty of time for swimming and picnicking, or just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Rinse the salt from your skin after returning to Diego Suarez and enjoy - rosy from the sun - a drink and a delicious dinner.

In search of lemurs

You will visit the famous Amber Mountain National Park, where you will have the chance to spot as many as seven different lemurs. Several species of lemurs also live in Ankarana National Park in the forests around and in the Tsingy, but they can also sometimes be seen on the pointed rocks of this wondrous karst massif. Bring your binoculars and watch the lemurs effortlessly navigate the razor-sharp rocks. On Nosy Be, if you wish, you can do another search for lemurs in Lokobe National Park.

Nosy Be and Nosy Komba

After a boat ride of about an hour, you will reach another world. During your multi-day stay on the tropical Nosy Be Archipelago, there are plenty of opportunities for activities both at sea, in the sea and on land. This is also the ultimate destination to let all the impressions of the trip sink in. Enjoy sweet coconut, spices and fresh lobster, and round off your meal with a "rhum arrangé," local rum with a natural flavor of your choice: lychee, vanilla, banana, cinnamon and clove...there is plenty to choose from! Where the world can't find you...

Tips & Tops Round trip North Madagascar

  • Explore the colorful historic city of Diego Suarez - also known as Antsiranana - on your own, and settle into a bar or restaurant for a dose of couleur locale
  • After walking along the Three Bays , stop in Ramena , a small fishing village. The beautiful beach is full of fishing boats; you can watch the fishermen at work here during the week. On Sundays the beach is crowded with Malagasy families, then there is a happy and lively atmosphere
  • In the forest of the Amber Mountains , in addition to the many species of lemurs, you will also spot ring-tailed mongooses, an exceptional number of bird species and unusual reptiles such as frogs, geckos and the smallest chameleon in the world
  • Imagine yourself in a fairy tale setting in the Red Tsingy , a wondrous landscape of eroded laterite
  • In Ankarana National Park , you can take wonderful walks, including to the Chameleon Cave. It is also possible to take a bicycle tour of the area from your lodge, or go boating on the lake
  • En route to Ankify - before crossing to Nosy Be or Nosy Komba - visit a plantation where you will see how cocoa, cinnamon and vanilla grow
  • At Nosy Be, there are very many activities available. Take a boat trip to Nosy Iranja and snorkel at Nosy Kely on the way, visit Lokobe National Park , go sea fishing or diving, or take a horseback ride
  • Depending on the season, you can look for whales or whale sharks at Nosy Be
  • There is great choice of accommodation in various categories on Nosy Be and Nosy Komba. There are also beautiful resorts on the nearby islands of Nosy Sakatia and Nosy Tsarabanjina
  • This tour of northern Madagascar is very suitable as a family trip or honeymoon
  • For a very complete tour of Madagascar, combine this trip with the Classic Highlights Tour

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Madagascar Tours & Trips

Magical Madagascar - where the wildlife is unique, from chameleons and frogs to the 70 species of lemur which are only found on this bio diverse island. It is an eco tourist’s dream with abundant national parks and wildlife reserves in breathtaking rainforests and deserts.

194 Madagascar tour packages with 211 reviews

Highlights of Madagascar Tour

Highlights of Madagascar

Overall was a good tour ! Just read well ! You will not see the baobab avenue! There only 3 meals inc'ude in all the tour so its add on the budget !!! The restaureant we went were kind of expansive ! ( still ok for sure but if you were tight on a budget it male a big difference) Otherwise i really enjoy my tour and the time spend in the home stay this is the real higtlight of the tour for me ! The ceo was nice and the driver amazingly good we all feel really safe ! Most of the activity are walking tour ! So if you dont like to walk this is not for you ! But you will see a lot of lemurs! most hotels only have one power outlet so provide a double usb port. I loved my tour and can recommand it for sure !

Madagascar Baobabs & Beyond Tour

  • Hiking & Trekking

Madagascar Baobabs & Beyond

Great trip. Good variety and packed a lot in in the 10 days. Couple of long drive days, but just sit back and enjoy the scenery passing you by. Recommend going to the local restaurant in Bekopaka, for the avid ones, if you need a break from the hotel. Excellent local food. Our guide, Bruno, did an impeccable job

11 Days Customized Private Madagascar Vacation Tour

  • Christmas & New Year

11 Days Customized Private Madagascar Vacation

We had a fantastic time in Madagascar. It’s a fascinating place to visit…. Not just for lemurs, though they are adorable both close-up (at Palmarium and Lemur Island) and on day and night ‘safari’ to find them in their truly natural habitat, where they are harder to see but you feel that you are experiencing them in the wild. We saw about 12 different species from the biggest (Indri) to the smallest (mouse lemur). The ones you see depend on the areas you choose. The east side (drive from ‘Tana) proved best for lemurs. The west side (fly from Tana) also had good lemur experiences…. on safari. The west was also an eye-opening cultural experience, seeing and meeting the friendly Madagascan people in their challenging environment. We had no problems with theft or hassle. The scenic sites made the west side trip, notably the Tsingies and also the baobabs. On the organisation, Agate Travel planned, organised and supervised the trip very well. Questions beforehand were answered overnight. The two pairs of guides/drivers were absolutely excellent. In the east, Fafa and Niner were top class despite the tricky roads and traffic. In the west, Martin and Hari ran everything equally well. Both guides (Fafa and Martin) were extremely personable, knowledgeable and strong in English, and they sorted any issues seamlessly. The 2 drivers were professional and kept us safe in demanding conditions. Things ran well to time. Ask for them!! The local guides they selected were also extremely good without exception- all speaking decent English. We met some independent travellers who were managing alone, but as experienced travellers ourselves, we felt that it was a place where the advantages of tour guides were significant and we were glad we didn’t try DIY. By booking fairly close to time, we were unable to get one internal flight arranged which necessitated a two day road trip…. But this had some benefits of seeing more of the country. Long car trips are a necessary evil for holidaying in Madagascar…. if you want to see multiple locations, which I recommend. The 4x4 was comfortable and up to the job. (We we’re just 2 plus the guide and the driver.) On the admin, the accommodation was 3* as advertised and was universally well-chosen. The actual standard varies as some is of necessity lodge-style and some is hotel. Our only gripe was that the Kiridi lodge, where there was really no other option, was a bit run-down and could improve itself… and we had most of one day there. Generally the food was decent enough. Choice isn’t massive but it was generally wholesome. They select local restaurants for lunch that are suitable for tourists. If you’re of a sensitive disposition, you might plan to carry your own lunch meals? Also, you’ll be well away from any medical cover so take your own tummy medicine. Living costs are cheap. We changed $100per day into local currency at the airport and this covered lunches, dinners, drinks, souvenirs and tips… well, nearly anyway…. Depending on your outlay on the last two. We didn’t try exchanging at hotels, or paying in dollars/euros or paying by card. Try to get some smaller notes than the wad of 20000s (approx ~$5) you’ll get at the exchange. Otherwise tipping gets expensive! It would be nice if the travel company offered a ‘small change’ pack for purchase on arrival to overcome this problem. We found that Agate were good at being flexible in tuning the trip to our timings and desires. I noted that many companies were limited in dates offered, while Agate offered considerable variability. However, I would say that they were responsive rather than proactive when it came to information about the trip and Madagascar once we had confirmed. They answered all my questions but I felt a lot of them were obvious questions and could have been covered in an info sheet at the start. Overall, it was a great experience; well-delivered by the company and their people on the ground. Madagascar is a wonderful destination for many reasons - but it’s big, so you spend a lot of time travelling. It was well worth it.
  • Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

15 Days Details Madagascar ( Comfort) Tour

15 Days Details Madagascar ( Comfort)

Great way to get around and see a lot of Madagascar, excellent organization and guides

Madagasacar 4x4 Overland Expedition to Mananara and Maroantsetra Tour

Madagasacar 4x4 Overland Expedition to Mananara and Maroantsetra

Tsiribihina River Expedition and Alley of Baobab Tour

Tsiribihina River Expedition and Alley of Baobab

Tsingy De Bemaraha Tour

Tsingy De Bemaraha

Incredible tour experience with an amazing sight. We kind of planned world tour, we started with Madagascar throught HT Agency Tours for 5 days adventure to the western part to see especially Tsingy Bemara, it was incredibly amazing and adventurious. We were in touch with Garcihel who customized our program, he responded promptly at any time. Angelin was our tour guide, the atmosphere was totally different from the point he picked us up, he animated the group and always found things to surprise us, he is knowledgable. The visit corresponded to what we really wanted to discover. Thank you to the team for making this trip an unforgettable experience.

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Madagascar Wildlife Tour 14D/13N Tour

Madagascar Wildlife Tour 14D/13N

We saw more wildlife than we imagined was possible. Our guide Roberto took wonderful care of us, and our driver Telly was great as well. The local park guides were really knowledgeable and helpful. It was a bucket list trip for us and we came away amazed.

Madagascar Adventure (8 destinations) Tour

Madagascar Adventure (8 destinations)

Baobab Safari Tour

Baobab Safari

The trip on the west side of Madagascar went very well. The professional drivers and local guides were very polite and made me feel very welcomed. We spoke French or English. Some road trips are quite long because the roads have a lot of holes or are not paved, so the trip might feel tiring (or adventurous, depending on your attitude). Madagascar is an interesting place to visit, especially if you like nature and are interested in learning about Madagascar's culture and history.

Madagascar 9 Days Baobabs and Lemurs Tour Tour

  • Sightseeing

Madagascar 9 Days Baobabs and Lemurs Tour

Mannitra is the very kind and good tour guide and driver . He know what he doing and the tour just great . And I will tell more of my friends for sure

Southern to the Highland Tour

Southern to the Highland

Εξαιρετική οργάνωση, οι άνθρωποι είναι επαγγελματίες!!! Η Μαδαγασκάρη είναι μια χώρα που χρόνια θέλαμε να την επισκεφτούμε και τώρα με τον Covid19 διστάζαμε γιατί δεν είχαμε σαφή εικόνα της εκεί κατάστασης. Πριν εγκαταλείψουμε το όνειρο μας επικοινωνήσαμε με τέσσερεις τουριστικές εταιρίες. Η HT ήταν η πρώτη που άμεσα και γρήγορα ανταποκρίθηκε. Στη συνέχεια μαζί τους επικεντρώσαμε όλη την έρευνά μας τόσο για τις λεπτομέρειες του ταξιδιού όσο και για την κατάσταση του Covid19 εκεί. Η ΗΤ μας ενημέρωσε για όλα όσα έπρεπε να γνωρίζουμε πριν ξεκινήσουμε από την Ελλάδα. Η επικοινωνία μας μαζί τους ήταν άμεση, γρήγορη και ουσιαστική. Είχαν απάντηση σε κάθε μας απορία και θέλω. Είχαμε στη διάθεση μας μόνο 7 ημέρες για να εξερευνήσουμε την χώρα συμπεριλαμβανομένης της καραντίνας 48 ωρών. Το πρόγραμμα περιοδείας 12 ημερών ήταν το πιο ενδιαφέρον και το πιο πλήρες από τα όλα τα πακέτα που είχαμε μελετήσει καθώς η περιοδεία που μας πρότεινε η HT καλύπτει σχεδόν όλα τα σημαντικά αξιοθέατα της χώρας. Δυστυχώς δεν είχαμε στη διάθεση μας τόσες ημέρες έτσι ρωτήσαμε την εταιρεία αν υπήρχε τρόπος να συντομεύσουμε το πρόγραμμα κρατώντας τα πιο σημαντικά σημεία. Η αντίδραση της ήταν άμεση εντυπωσιαστήκαμε με το αποτέλεσμα της διευθέτησης, και της πρότασης τους. Το τελικό πρόγραμμα ήταν τέλειο!!! Πραγματοποιήσαμε την περιήγηση σε 5 ημέρες ανακαλύπτοντας το Andasibe, το Isalo, τη λεωφόρο baobab και το Tsingy της Bemaraha, το πρώτο μέρος με οδήγηση, το υπόλοιπο με τσάρτερ. Είχε οριστεί καραντίνα 48 ωρών, αλλά τελικά σε 24 ώρες μας αφήσαν ελεύθερους Στο τέλος του ταξιδιού μας κανόνισαν το τεστ αντιγόνου Covid. Νιώσαμε ασφαλείς με αυτήν την τουριστική εταιρεία. Απολαύσαμε μια καταπληκτική ταξιδιωτική εμπειρία με ασφάλεια, οικονομία και ανθρώπους που μας φρόντιζαν ουσιαστικά όλες αυτές τις ημέρες σαν να είμασταν η οικογένεια τους. Είμαστε πολύ τυχεροί που συνεργαστήκαμε μαζί τους και το ταξίδι των ονείρων μας έγινε πραγματικότητα ποιοτικά και οικιακά!

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Family Trip - East Coast and Pangalanes

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Madagascar: The Lost Continent Tour

Madagascar: The Lost Continent

Great tour with a fantastic guide highly recommended
  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

What people love about Madagascar Tours

Overall was a good tour ! Just read well ! You will not see the baobab avenue! There only 3 meals inc'ude in all the tour so its add on the budget !!! The restaureant we went were kind of expansive ! ( still ok for sure but if you were tight on a budget it male a big difference) Otherwise i really enjoy my tour and the time spend in the home stay this is the real higtlight of the tour for me ! The ceo was nice and the driver amazingly good we all feel really safe ! Most of the activity are walking tour ! So if you dont like to walk this is not for you ! But you will see a lot of lemurs! most hotels only have one power outlet so provide a double usb port. I loved my tour and can recommand it for sure !
The tour guide Patrick was outstanding. He went above and beyond his job. Always extremely helpful. He was not afraid to get his hands dirty when I needed him.. He took good care of his group and had a friendly and helpful attitude.
It was absolutely lovely to take a recent amazing private tour! The vacation was amazing because to the group of amiable native guides and our fantastic private driver.

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North Tour Diego to Nosy Be 6N/7D  

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HIGHLIHTS :

  • Day Excursion to Emerald Sea by traditional sailing dhow
  • The rainforest of Amber Mountain NP
  • Red Tsingys reserve
  • Tsingys limestone of Ankarana NP
  • Discovery of paradise Islands Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Iranja

Feasibility: January to December. Best time: April to November

D1 : TANA / DIEGO / AMBER MOUNTAIN NP / RAMENA

Flight Tana / Diego, reception and day visit of Amber Mountain National Park (1H drive). The Amber Mountain National Park is a volcanic and mountainous area. This rain forest is home to many species of lemurs such as crowned lemur, Sanford lemur, Brown lemur … many species of birds, and the Brookesia minima, the smallest chameleon of the world known as the Treasure of Madagascar. Free picnic lunch. Return to Diego in the afternoon and transfer to Ramena (1H30 drive). Arrival and installation at the hotel, free dinner.

Night in Ramena

D2 : RAMENA / EMERALD SEA / RAMENA (B/L)

Breakfast at the hotel and day trip to the Emerald Sea by traditional sailing dhow, picnic lunch based on seafood at Suarez Island, possibility to snorkel in the corral barrier. Return to the hotel in the afternoon, transfer to the hotel and free dinner.

D3 : RAMENA / RED TSINGY RESERVE / TSINGY OF ANKARANA NP (B)

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Ankarana National Park (3H drive). Visit of the red Tsingy reserve on the way. Arrival and installation at the lodge, free lunch. In the afternoon, visit of the Bat cave and lost river. Return to the hotel and free dinner.

Night in Ankarana

D4 : TSINGY OF ANKARANA NP / ANKIFY / NOSY KOMBA (B)

Breakfast at the lodge and during the morning, visit of the Tsingy Meva and Tsingy Rary. We go for a walk in the limestone, crossing suspended bridge. Free lunch and at 12H00, departure to Ankify (3H drive). Then speedboat transfer to Nosy Komba (45Min of boat). Arrival and installation at the lodge, free dinner.

Night in Nosy Komba

D5 : NOSY KOMBA / NOSY TANIKELY / NOSY BE (B/L)

Breakfast at the hotel and visit of the fishermen village of Nosy Komba. Visit of the Komba reserve and observation of the black lemur. Then speedboat transfer to marine reserve of Nosy Tanikely (45min of boat).

Arrival on the island and snorkeling in the corral barrier. Marine protected reserve under the seabed very colorful corals of all kinds, reef fish such as parrotfish, surgeonfish, clown fish swimming among the sea anemones, shellfish, sea turtles. Picnic lunch based on seafood on the beach. Then transfer by speedboat to Nosy Be (45min boat). Transfer to the hotel and free dinner.

Night in Nosy Be

D6 : NOSY BE / NOSY IRANJA / NOSY BE (B/L)

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the harbur. Speedboat transfer to Nosy Iranja (2H30 of boat), possibility to observe some dolphins on the way. Arrival and visit of the Sakalava fishermen village. Then we walk on the strip of land connecting small and large Islands. Snorkelling in the corral barrier, picnic lunch based on sea food. In the afternoon speedboat transfer to Nosy Be and transfer to the hotel, free dinner.

D7 : NOSY BE / TANA (B)

Breakfast and transfer to the airport for the flight Nosy Be / Tana. End of services.

B: Breakfast L : Lunch D : Dinner

  • Turtle Watching 2N/3D

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  • Guy & Rosie DUNSCOMBE from UK : April 2016

MADAGASCAR MOZAIC TOUR - Incoming Travel agency - IVC108 Ambatomitsangana - ANTANANARIVO - MADAGASCAR Tél : +261 (0)34 01 913 19 - E-mail : [email protected]

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Explore the beaches of Northern Madagascar - 10 day roadtrip

Do you love beach holidays but are you not a fan of mass tourism and resort towns? Then this Northern Madagascar self-drive itinerary is definitely for you!

This roadrip is a great add-on or replacement for your beach holiday at Nosy Be and involves modest driving hours and lots of variation.  

  • Clamber the well-constructed steps, ladders, cables and bridges in the Tsingy in Ankarana National Park. 
  • Explore the hiking trails and waterfalls of Montagne d'Ambre.
  • Enjoy a coastal road trip along the peninsula of Ramena, a popular kitesurfing spot with several spectacular bays.

Scroll down below to see the  day-to-day itinerary with realistic driving times, route directions, and travel tips for Madagascar. Need advice on accommodation? Then check out our  Madagascar Hotel Guide , which includes our favourite lodges and hotels in Madagascar from budget to luxury. 

Day-to-day itinerary | Northern Madagascar

Day 1

Day 1 of 10

Start: Ankify (ferry point Nosy Be) Destination: Ankarana National Park Drive: 156 km | 3 hours

A colleague of Roadtrip Madagascar will hand over your 4x4 at Ankify Harbour, the ferry point to Nosy Be Island. You first cross Ambanja, a pleasant town bustling with bicycles and tuk-tuks. Palma Nova Hotel is a nice place for a lunch break. When you approach the entrance gate of Ankarana National Park, you'll find a number of hotels.

Restaurant tip: Le Relais de ‘l Ankarana with simple but good meals. 

Day 2

Day 2 of 10

Explore: Ankarana National Park

Tsingy is the Malagasy word for “walking on tiptoes”, the impenetrable labyrinth of limestone pinnacles justifies this name. Ankarana National Park is a limestone massif of tsingy and forest, intersected by caves and canyons. There are many hiking trails ranging from one hour to a fullday hike. For more info, check out our guide to the most beautiful national parks in Madagascar , which also features Ankarana. 

The main entrance to this reserve is on the east side, at Mahamasina, just off the RN6. Many species of lemur can be seen, as well as beautiful birds and if you are lucky (or not..) also crocodiles. 

Day 3

Day 3 of 10

Start: Ankarana National Park Destination: Joffreville Drive: 109 km | 3 hours

En route to Joffreville, the gateway town to Amber Mountain National Park (Montagne d'Ambre), you can first pay a visit the Red Tsingy ( Tsingy Rouge). Joffreville, a former retreat for French officers now in a state of disrepair, is the entry point to the park. Guides can be arranged at the ANGAP office or via local hotels.

Day 4

Day 4 of 10

Explore: Montagne d'Ambre National Park

Montagne d'Ambre (Amber Mountain) is an isolated patch of montane rainforest that rises from the surrounding dry region. This scenic park is famous for its waterfalls, crater lakes, and chameleons. Aloso lemurs are frequently seen. There are clear hiking trails, and much of the path is nicely shaded by trees. In the dry season, vehicles can drive right up to the picnic area.  

The park ranges from 850 to 1500 meters and has its own microclimate. This means you should prepare for everything: warm and humid to wet and cool. The best time to visit is September to November or May to August. 

Park guides can be arranged at the ANGAP office or via local hotels.

Day 5

Day 5 of 10

Start: Joffreville Destination: Madiro Kitamby Drive: 70 km | 3 hours 

Pstttt we have a true hidden gem to share. Madiro Kitamby is an unpretentious pearl at the unspoilt beaches of Baie du Courrier. You can pitch your own tent or stay in an affordable bungalow. Their restaurant serves great seafood. 

Day 6

Day 6 of 10

Enjoy: Madiro Kitamby

It's time for some beach relaxation.

You can choose to go snorkelling, deep sea fishing, or simply relax. If you feel like a walk, hike up to Windsor Castle, the views across the bay are stunning. 

Day 7

Day 7 of 10

From Madiro Kitamby, you can arrange a day trip to Nosy Hara Marine National Park. Snorkel around the small islands to see the beautiful coloured corals and, if you're lucky, dolphins or turtles. 

It's also possible to stay overnight and wild camp at Nosy Hara Island. Contact Madiro Kitamby for the possibilities. 

Day 8

Day 8 of 10

Start: Madiro Kitamby Destination: Ramena beach & surroundings Drive: 40 km | 3 hours 

En route you pass Diego Suarez, a deep sea port city, which is nice to wander around and have lunch. Located 20 kilometres east of Diego Suarez is Romena, a laid-back beach town where you find some simple restaurants offering the freshest seafood. On weekends, locals often head to the beach for picnics, barbecues, and a game of football.

Day 9

Day 9 of 10

Explore: Les Trois Baies 

If you're a kite surfer, Ramena is the perfect place to stick around for a few more days. Or put your swimming suit on, jump in the car, switch on the 4x4, as it's time to explore the famous '' Trois Baies'' on your beach road trip in the North of Madagascar: Sakalava Bay / Pigeons Bay / Dunes Bay

The waves make for hours of fun in the water, and you'll probably have the beaches all to yourself.

Day 10

Day 10 of 10

Start: Ramena Destination: Ankify Drive: 270 km | 7 hour

Before heading back to Diego Suarez, you can consider visiting the Emerald Sea (Mer d'Emeraude), a shallow lagoon with nice warm water, perfect for snorkelling and spotting turtles. It's just a short boat ride from Ramena or Antsiranana.

Depending on where your return flight to Antananarivo or your next destination departs from (Diego Suarez or Nosy Be), you can either return your car at Diego Suarez or drive back to Ankify harbour (7 hours driving). 

Northern Madagascar in 10 days | This is what you need to know

Travel time and road conditions.

Road conditions are good in Northern Madagascar, and you will hardly encounter any other tourists. A unique travel experience guaranteed!

To start your drive off easily, we offer you the option of renting your 4x4 from Ankify (ferry point to Nosy Be) at no extra cost. Passenger boats (30 mins) and car ferries (2,5 hours) depart daily between Nosy Be and Ankify. 

There are several ways to compose your North Madagascar roadtrip:

  • We recommend starting your holidays by driving the famous  RN7 first. Fly from Tulear to Nosy Be, where you can collect your car and continue your exploration of the northern region. Wrap up your trip by returning the car in Diego and flying back to the international airport of Antananarivo. Alternatively, opt for a circular route, driving back to Ankify, and savour a few extra days on Nosy Be before heading home.
  • Another appealing option is to start your rental from Ivato, taking a one-way trip to the North. Add 2 nights to this itinerary in Ankarafantsika National Park and a stopover night in Antsohihy town, providing a refreshing break during the drive to Ankarana National Park. Be prepared for challenging road conditions between Ambondramamy and Ambanja, with speed restrictions of 30 km/h. Beyond Ambanja, the road is well-repaired and maintained.

Domestic flights depart from Ivato or Tulear to Nosy Be, and return flights take off from Diego Suarez or Nosy Be to Ivato—additional flight details can be found  here.  

The best time to visit Northern Madagascar

The overland route to Nosy Be and Diego Suarez is fine to travel year-round and offers a pleasant and warm climate. 

Around Nosy Be, humpback whales can be seen from mid-August until the end of October. Turtles and dolphins are regular visitors year-round. 

For kitesurfing enthusiasts conditions are good all year round at Ramena, with a steady peak between January and March. 

Create & book your self-drive adventure in Northern Madagascar

Explore the beaches of Northern Madagascar in a 4x4 and drive your own adventure.

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  • Bay of Russians
  • Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely
  • Nosy Iranja
  • Natural reserve of Lokobe
  • Island Tour of Nosy Be
  • Nosy Sakatia
  • Whale and dolphin watching
  • Deep sea fishing
  • Catamaran cruise with diving or not
  • Nosy Mitsio with fast boat
  • Tour Fosa 15 days 14 nights
  • Tour Salama 6 days 5 nights
  • Tour Meva 5 days 4 nights
  • Tour Tsangatsanga 4 days 3 nights
  • Tour Tsarabe 3 days 2 nights
  • Tour Veloma 2 days 1 night
  • Tour Soa a day
  • Ranomafana Park
  • Montagne d’Ambre Park
  • Mantadia Park
  • Marojejy Park
  • Zombitse Park
  • Bemaraha Park
  • Ankarana Park
  • Ankarafantsika Park
  • Andringitra Park
  • Andohahela Park
  • Incentive Trip
  • Premium Transfer
  • Wedding and Honeymoon
  • Catering Service
  • Good to know

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NORTH CIRCUIT OF MADAGASCAR

NOSY BE PARADISE TOURS offers and organizes, as well day excursions as real catamaran cruises several days or Bivouac on the archipelagos around Nosy Be. To continue in the North of Madagascar towards Diégo-Suarez on a safari circuit. Without Forgetting national parks such as the Ankarana National Park, the Amber Mountain National Park. And Red Tsingy, discovering lush vegetation and unique biodiversity in the world in which species of flora and fauna have the most high percentage of endemicity of the world.

Salama tours

Visit North Circuit of Madagascar : Ankarana Special Reserve, Amber Mountain, the red Tsingy, the 3 bays with Diego’s Sugar Loaf and the Ramena Beach, Emerald Sea, Millot Plantation of Ambanja Duration: 6 days 5 nights Departure: Nosy be

Visit North Circuit of Madagascar : Ankarana Special Reserve, Amber Mountain, 3 bays with Diégo Sugar Loaf and Ramena Beach, Red Tsingy, Emerald Sea. Duration: 5 days 4 nights Departure: Nosy be

Tsanga Tours

Visit North Circuit of Madagascar : Ankarana Special Reserve, Amber Mountain, 3 bays with Diégo Sugar Loaf and Ramena Beach, Tsingy Red Duration : 4 days 3 nights Departure: Nosy be

Tsarabe tours

Visit North Circuit of Madagascar :  Ankarana Special Reserve, Amber Mountain, Tsingy Red. Duration: 3 days 2 nights Departure : Nosy be

Veloma tours

Visit North Circuit of Madagascar : Ankarana Special Reserve, Sapphires Village, Sambirano Valley Duration : 2 days 1 night Departure : Nosy be

Visit North Circuit of Madagascar: Ambanja, Millot cocoa, Sambirano valley, coffee, pepper Duration:  One Day Departure: Nosy be

airline company

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Northern Madagascar Travel Tips + Itinerary

madagascar tour nord

The Republic of Madagascar is a beautiful large Island country in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa. Most people only know from the Madagascar Film and the TV series of the penguins of Madagascar. Unfortunately they don’t know that Madagascar is a Treasure Island with impressive landscapes and outstanding nature from rainforests to dry desert and from stunning beaches to mountains and stone forests. In this Northern Madagascar travel blog I create an itinerary that shows you the best places to visit in Northern Madagascar.

Apart from its nature Madagascar offers unique and endemic wildlife, which means most of Madagascar’s wildlife species (90%) can’t be found anywhere else in the world! That’s a perfect reason to travel to Madagascar at least once in your life. No wonder the isolated island of Madagascar is also called the ‘eight continent of the world’. Our 3,5-week trip to Madagascar in 2019 was a truly unique experience. We explored different parts of Madagascar from North Madagascar to West- and South.

Apart from the Northern areas I also went on a road trip. Check out my ultimate 2-week Madagascar itinerary  showing you the best Madagascar tourist attraction. When traveling to Madagascar you can't miss the Avenue of the Baobabs . Click on the link for a complete guide for visiting this major tourist attraction or find out more about the things to do in Morondova here.

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7 Reasons to stay at Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli

Planning a trip to North Madagascar

In this Northern Madagascar travel blog I will share our 10-day itinerary including all the North Madagascar highlights, things to do, the best places to stay in Nosy Be and Diégo-Suarez and some useful Madagascar travel tips to make your Madagascar trip easier. If you are searching for the most complete North Madagascar travel guide and itinerary this travel blog is a must read. For a more detailed Nosy Be travel guide with all things to do click here.

madagascar travel blog north 2

Why visit North Madagascar

North Madagascar is an often-overlooked travel destination perfect for beach-, wildlife- and nature lovers! It has everything unique to Madagascar from endemic wildlife of Madagascar like Lemurs and chameleons to rainforest, beautiful turquoise lagoons, beaches and the iconic Baobabs. The northern part is also home to Madagascar's famous cocoa plantations and ylang-ylang tree. The northernmost region of Madagascar, the Diana Region, stretches from the capital of Antsiranana (also known as Diégo-Suarez) to Ambilobe and Ambanja, including the island Nosy Be and the highlights along the NR6-NR4 to Ankarafantsika.

madagascar travel blog north 3

What I love about North Madagascar is the perfect combination of exploring Madagascar’s beach- and sea life (turtles, fishes, corals) with discovering the endemic flora and fauna of the country and hiking through unique nature reserves. If you only have 2 weeks or less to travel around Madagascar, then I highly recommend exploring the North because you’re able to see all the unique places to visit in Madagascar in a short amount of time.

madagascar travel blog north 4

Great reasons to visit Northern Madagascar are the paradise beaches of Nosy Be and Diégo-Suarez, the lemurs and smallest chameleons in Lokobe Reserve, the limestone massif of Ankarana National Park (Tsingy) with the presence of the crowned lemurs, the endemic Baobabs in French Mountain and the tropical rainforest of Amber Mountain. Another reason to visit North Madagascar is because it’s easy accessible by plane from other parts of the world! From for example Europe it’s easy to fly directly to Nosy Be with airlines like Air Madagascar or Ethiopian.

madagascar travel blog north 5

How to travel around Madagascar

It’s best to visit Madagascar by car and depending on your Madagascar itinerary and number of days to spend in the country I would suggest combining your Madagascar road trip with a few domestic flights operated by their local airliner Tsaradia.

In contrast to South Madagascar, the Northern part has very bad roads; it’s even worse than the road conditions I experienced in Uganda (see my Uganda travel blog ). It’s possible to do a self-drive in Madagascar but for the North I’d personally recommend hiring a car including a driver/guide.

Domestic flights in Madagascar with Tsardia

If you want to see as much from Madagascar as possible it’s best to book a few domestic flights as well. Madagascar has 11 domestic airports throughout the country, so it’s easy to fly from one place to another to tick off the best things to do in Madagascar. Flying within the country is one of my best Madagascar travel tips as it will also save you a lot of travel time, especially because of the long distances and road conditions

In July 2018 Tsaradia became a subsidiary of Air Madagascar. Unfortunately Air Madagascar doesn’t have a great reputation in terms of cancellations, delays or changing flight times. Locals call it ‘AirMad’ because it’s unreliable and therefore all hotel staff and tour operators strongly advise you to build-in plenty of time if you need to catch an onward flight. Especially for international flights it’s strongly advised to be in Antananarivo a day before your flight will leave (just in case).

That being said, in our complete 3,5-week Madagascar itinerary we had 3 domestic flights and no problems with Tsaradia in terms of delays or whatsoever. All flights with Tsaradia departed on time. Perhaps it’s a good thing that the National airline Air Madagascar decided to create a subsidiary company fully dedicated to domestic service, which hopefully means that Tsaradia – which literally means ‘a beautiful journey’ – will gain a better reputation when it keeps focussing on their core elements like punctuality and reliability.

Because were upgraded to privilege class we had the luxury of boarding last to avoid standing in line and leaving the plane first. They offer quite a good service on board and they serve light meals and drinks in privilege class. Their planes, however, were quite dated. The back of my chair was broken and not able to adjust and all two of our folding tables were completely scratched with blue pen stripes on two out of three flights. Overall we had a good experience with Tsaradia.

madagascar travel blog north 6

Madabest Madagascar

The amazing team of Madabest guided us during our trip through North Madagascar and we had the best time! I love to sit back, relax and enjoy the views. Madabest is a well-experienced receptive agency and local tour operator with offices in Nosy Be and Diégo-Suarez who offer tours throughout the whole country. The owner of Madabest is a member of the Madagascar Tourism Board and the team is passionate, friendly and experienced with a lot of knowledge to give you the best Madagascar travel tips. They totally exceeded our expectations and it was a pleasure to spend time with them. We had some good laughs, learned about the Malagasy culture and tasted the real Malagasy food.

Best Northern Madagascar Itinerary

north madagascar itinerary map

  • Day 1-4: Nosy Be and the surrounding Islands
  • Day 5: Private Tsingy, Laka-Laka Lake and Ambatomiloloha viewpoint
  • Day 6: Ankarana Special Reserve and Red Tsingy
  • Day 7: Diégo-Suarez (Antsiranana)
  • Day 8: Joffreville (Amber Mountain)
  • Day 9: Flight from Diégo-Suarez to Antananarivo
  • Day 10: Tsarasaotra bird park and flight to Morondava

Note: because we wanted to visit as many of the best places to visit in Madagascar as possible in a short amount of time we only planned 10 days in the North. I would advise to spend more time in the North to have a little more relaxing time and enough time to discover the highlights of North Madagascar.

Nosy Be archipelago

Recommended stay: 4-5 days

Nosy Be means ‘big island’ in Malagasy language and it’s the largest and busiest tourist attraction in Madagascar. With an average daily temperature of 25.3 degrees Celsius it’s Madagascar’s premier beach destination located off the northwest coast of Madagascar. The volcanic island also acts as the main gateway to a gorgeous archipelago with beautiful paradise islands like Nosy Komba (Lemur Island), Nosy Sakatia, Nosy Iranja (Turtle Island) and Nosy Tanikely.

Beach and diving lovers will be in paradise on Nosy Be with more than 10 small islands to explore! You will be in love with the beauty of white sandy beaches, azure blue sea, unique coral reefs and the Island’s endemic wildlife. Nosy Be also has beautiful crater lakes. A great Madagascar travel tip is to visit Mont Passot – the second highest volcanic peak on Nosy Be – for a 360° panoramic view over the Mozambique Channel and some crater lakes.

nosy be travel mont passot

Since Nosy Be has its own airport it’s easy to travel to Nosy Be. Nosy Be Airport – also known as Fascene Airport – is the second largest (international) airport in Madagascar, located only 20 minutes from the city centre. However the number of visitors on Nosy Be is growing fast, it’s not yet discovered by mass tourism. Maybe it’s only a matter of time since Airlines such as Ethiopian, Air Madagascar and Air Austral offer more (direct) flights to Nosy Be from for example Europe.

Go visit Madagascar now it is still an off the beaten path destination and make sure you include Nosy Be in your itinerary! In this link you will read everything you need to know when you travel to Nosy Be Madagascar .

The Island of Nosy Be is also called ‘Perfume Island’ because of all the intense scents present over the island like cinnamon, vanilla, sugar cane and frangipani, but especially the flowers of the ylang-ylang that are used to produce essential oil. You will smell and discover a lot of these plantations on Nosy Be.

Nosy Be has a lot to offer for all kinds of tourists. Trips to the islands of the beautiful Nosy Be archipelago and Lokobe Strict Reserve (which is known for the black lemur and the smallest chameleon) are definitely among the top things to do in Nosy Be, Madagascar. Every island has a unique reason to visit. For example: Nosy Iranja for its iconic white sandbank and turquoise water.

nosy be travel lemur island

Where to stay in Nosy Be?

Home Madagascar the Residence is a magnificent, luxury place to relax and unwind and my favourite place to stay in Madagascar. This residence offers stylish and spacious villas and apartments with private swimming pools on a well-maintained property. We were given a huge two-floor villa with everything you can possibly wish for from Wi-Fi and a huge flat-screen TV in a beautifully decorated living room to a private swimming pool including a lounge area right at the beach!

nosy be hotel at the beach

Home Madagascar the Residence has its private (800m long) beach at Befotaka Bay where you can watch a beautiful sunset with silhouettes of palm trees in front of the setting sun. To complete your relaxing stay, I would highly recommend visiting their Banyan Nosy-be Spa, where you will enjoy relaxing massages with essential oils of Madagascar. I also loved the staff; they were friendly all the time and there was even a present waiting in our villa: a tower of Madagascar’s spices.

nosy be sunset

I could easily spend a week in Home Madagascar the Residence. It was very peaceful right at the beach and I loved their breakfast and diner in their Tropikaly Beach Restaurant with delicious chef’s specialties, fresh seafood, Malagasy Zebu steak and great Italian pastas. The restaurant area is located at the beach including an infinity swimming pool. If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday on Nosy Be, you should definitely check this place and their rates! Keep in mind that this place is a 35-minute drive to Ambatoloaka Bay (from where most Island daytrips start).

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I am sure by seeing these photos you feel like a holiday. This amazing place surely is among my top Madagascar travel tips and Im sure you will love it just as much as I did.

nosy be restaurant tropikally beach

Private Tsingy, Laka-Laka Lake and Ambatomiloloha viewpoint

Recommended stay: 2 days

madagascar trip tsingy 1

The tsingy is located on Madagascar’s mainland. To get to the mainland you have to take the boat or ferry from Hell-Ville (Nosy Be) to the port of Ankify. The speedboat shuttle to the mainland takes 40 minutes and costs Ar. 12.000 (about €3). I recommend taking the speedboat as early as possible. In the morning it’s more crowded but the crossing will be smoother because the boats leave as soon as they are full. In the morning you’ll never have to wait long for the boat to depart.

If you’re traveling with a vehicle you need to take the ferry. The ferry is much slower and will take around two hours. A ticket for the ferry cost Ar. 80000 (€20). We took the speedboat and our driver took the ferry (with the vehicle). Therefore we had to wait in Ankify harbour for another hour, but we had a local Malagasy breakfast in de port while waiting and it was nice to observe the lively Ankify harbour. Another reason to visit Northern Madagascar with a guide/driver.

madagascar travel guide rice fields

On the way to the tsingy you will enjoy the beautiful scenery through cacao, coffee and ylang-ylang plantations and mangrove landscapes. If you have enough time, make a quick stop at a place called Chez Cyril to learn more about the cacao process and treatment before transforming it into the chocolate we know as ‘chocolate’. Lots of Malagasy people don’t like the chocolate how we eat it but they eat the fruits. Chez Cyril also harvests pepper and other spices like curcuma, ginger, cinnamon and guava. After Chez Cyril you will drive through rice fields and a drought forest of traveller trees for about two hours to reach Ambilobe town and Iharana Bush Camp (IBC).

madagascar trip tsingy 2

The reason we planned to overnight in this natural bush camp is because of IBC’s private ‘tsingy’ and its panoramic view of Ambatomiloloha. The tsingy is a pointed limestone rock formation and the most famous ones are the Tsingy de Bemaraha and the Tsingy de Ankarana. But Iharana Bush Camp has its own private tsingy that is even unknown by some Malagasy people. So a valuable Madagascar travel tip is to visit this tsingy as well. You will not regret it! In Malagasy, the word Tsingy means ‘walking on tip toes’ or ‘the place where one cannot walk barefoot.’

madagascar trip tsingy 3

For Iharana’s guests there are several activities like hikes, rock climbing and canoe trips to discover the beauty of the site and the tsingy. You won't read this in any other Madagascar travel guide but there’s a private path with small steep ladders, bridges and guardrails leading to caves and several viewpoints. The starting point is the camp itself with the choice to depart on foot or by boat.

First we did a two-hour hike through the tsingy including Ambatomiloloha’s 360 degrees panoramic lookout over the tsingy and we ended up enjoying the sunset from a pirogue on Laka-Laka Lake.

madagascar trip laka laka lake sunset

Their latest activity is a zip-line adventure over the tsingy, another Madagascar travel tip for the adventurous traveller. Don’t forget your camera, because on your way you will also see lemurs, birds, butterflies and various colourful floras. Wear a light pants or shorts, walking shoes, a hat/cap and bring some sunscreen and enough water.

madagascar trip tsingy sunset

Where to stay for visiting the Tsingy?

Iharana Bush Camp is an outstanding natural site just outside of Ankarana Reserve with a natural swimming pool and a great Madagascar travel tip for those ones who love to visit a remote destination in the middle of nature. This environment is extraordinary! You will sleep in a natural cottage open to nature inspired by traditional Malagasy housing, which makes this Bush camp totally harmonious with its environment.

madagascar hotel iharana bush camp 1

The cabanas use ecological energy, so you have hot water and light through solar panels. Charging your devices is only possible in an office, which is created for that purpose. From your private balcony or from the restaurant area you have truly amazing views over the lake at the foot of the Tsingy massif! We stayed here for only 1 night, but I would suggest staying at least 2 nights to discover more of the Tsingy. From Iharana Bush Camp you can also visit the Tsingy in Ankarana Special Reserve, which is about 1,5 hours drive to the Mahamasina gate of Ankarana National Park.

madagascar hotel iharana bush camp 2

If you travel to Madagascar expect an amazing adventure s keep in mind that it’s possible to find some bugs or snakes in your cottage, because you’re in the middle of nature. We found a snake in our bathroom. It doesn’t happen often that snakes are found in the open cottages, but it’s possible. The staff removed the snake very quickly and brought it back to the bushes.

Ankarana Special Reserve

Recommended stay: 1 day

Ankarana National Park is one of Madagascar’s most visited parks and a rewarding hiking destination, known for the limestone Ankarana tsingy with Africa’s biggest underground network of rivers and caves of which some contain cave-crocodiles. The park offers awesome trails, amazing landscapes and a lot of animals, so make sure to include it in your Madagascar itinerary.

madagascar travel ankarana tsingy

Ankarana Reserve contains one of the highest densities of primates of any forest in the world and it hosts one of the largest and least disturbed populations of the crowned lemurs. Besides that you can find several other species of lemurs like the Sanford’s brown lemur, Perrier’s black lemur and the northern sportive lemur. You can also find many bird species, chameleons and leaf-tailed Uroplatus gecko in this reserve.

madagascar wildlife sahafary sportive lemur

There are three entry points to Ankarana Special Reserve. The most accessible gate is in Mahamasina along the RN6 road. The entrance to the west is near Amboandriky and the entrance on the North side - in Matsaborimanga - is mostly only accessible during the dry season. The best time to visit the grey tsingy of Ankarana is during the dry seasons from April to November. Be prepared for high temperatures with a fierce sun while hiking through the plateau, which is composed of 150-million-year-old Middle Jurassic limestone. To visit Ankarana Special Reserve you need a guide and you’ll have to bring enough water and some food.

madagascar travel ankarana tsingy hanging bridge

Because we had to visit the Red Tsingy on the same day, we opted for a short circuit of 7 km including a walk through the forest to see lemurs, a hike to the famous hanging bridge of Ankarana and to some beautiful viewpoints. My advise to you would be to not visit these highlights of Madagascar on the same day! To discover the whole reserve, including the caves, underground rivers and canyons you need to spend a whole day inside the reserve. And even with only a short circuit it’s too much of a hurry to visit both tsingies on the same day.

madagascar wildlife crowned lemur female

Where to stay for visiting Ankarana Special Reserve

I would recommend staying here for at least one extra night on top of the 2 nights in Iharana Bush Camp. You can choose to stay in Iharana Bush Camp or somewhere near the entrance of Ankarana Reserve in Mahamasina. Madabest recently opened their first accommodation for guests near the entrance of Ankarana: Ankarana Relax-Inn.

Recommended stay: stop on the way from Ankarana Special Reserve to Diégo-Suarez or vice versa.

madagascar trip red tsingy

The Tsingy Rouge was very unique and interesting, though very different and small comparing to the scale of the limestone Tsingy in Ankarana. There are various viewpoints to see the formations up close. To get there you always have to walk down a fairly steep path. It is quite tough climbing back up in the heat but well worth the effort. Apparently in the past it was possible to touch the tsingy and take photos in the middle of the stalagmites, but luckily that’s not allowed anymore. The Red Tsingy is very fragile and even a smooth touch will damage the tsingy. That is why the formations are fenced nowadays.

Because the sun was already setting we didn’t have enough time to visit all the beautiful viewpoints. We were only there for about 40 minutes. After this visit, we still had a 2,5-hour drive to Diégo-Suarez.

Diégo-Suarez (Antsiranana)

Recommended stay: 4 days

madagascar travel diego suarez sugar loaf

When you decide to travel to Northern Madagascar, you need to travel to Diégo-Suarez. It’s located at the windy northernmost tip of Northern Madagascar, on an inlet of the Indian Ocean. This place offers very nice pristine beaches and perfect bays for water sport activities. The actual name of this town is Antsiranana, but it’s better known under its old French name Diégo-Suarez. There’s no best time to visit Diégo-Suarez. Because of the pleasant climate you can visit all the year round. For water sport activities it’s probably best to visit during the Windy Season from April 15 to November 15. The Low Wind Season is from November 15 to April 15.

madagascar travel guide diego suarez 1

Although it’s a beautiful beach destination to stay for at least one week, we stayed here for quite a short time. We wish we had more time in our Madagascar itinerary. Therefore we couldn’t visit all the beautiful places Diégo-Suarez has to offer. A lot of people stay in Diégo-Suarez for 1 or 2 weeks and plan different day trips to Tsingy Rouge, Amber Mountain, Emerald Sea and even Ankarana National Park. Apart from these day trips, this area offers many opportunities for trekking, climbing, swimming, snorkelling, diving, kite surfing, fishing and so on. Diégo-Suarez is a best-kept secret when it comes to worthwhile tourist attractions in Madagascar. I will point out a few highlights to visit in Diégo-Suarez.

madagascar travel guide diego suarez 2

The three bays is a series of beautiful turquoise bays with long white beaches and splendid landscapes. A sandy road and a footpath along the shore connect these three bays, which consists of Sakalava Bay, Pigeon Bay and Dune Bay. The sandy footpath makes it possible to walk from one bay to another to enjoy the scenery or relax at the beaches and have a swim in the turquoise water, one of the most relaxed things to do in Madagascar.

madagascar trip three bays sakalava bay

You don’t need a guide for that. If you don’t feel like walking you can also reach the bays by 4WD car. Visiting the Three Bays seems to become a popular trip in Diégo-Suarez, but we only saw two other tourists, so we had the beaches to ourselves. We started the loop from the southernmost of the Three Bays in Sakalava Bay and ended in Ramena village, a small charming fisherman village.

Sakalava Bay is the largest of the three bays and an ideal for water sports. Near Sakalava Bay you can also visit the great 400+ years old Baobab of Sakalava.

madagascar trip three bays sakalava baobab

From Dune Bay we walked through the water to the beautiful isolated Pigeon Bay, where you’ll find high dunes with wonderful views over the bays and the Indian Ocean.

madagascar trip three bays dunes bay

Near the bays you can find military installations like canons, bunkers and ruins dating back from WWII. Before we reached the bunkers and the Cap Miné lighthouse we made a quick stop at a hidden endemic Baobab, which you cannot see from the road. You have to walk through a small bush to get there. A great secret spot in Diégo-Suarez from where you have nice views of the Three Bays. Definitely a must do when visiting Madagascar and you’re a lover of Baobabs, like me.

Madagascar tribes

To continue to Ramena you need to pass through the military zone and pay an admission fee (Ar5000 per person and Ar2000 for a vehicle). Some people access the bays through Sakalava and drive the same way back to avoid this fee. Because we wanted to make the whole loop to watch the sunset at Ramena Beach and visit the port of Ramena village, we passed through the military zone.

diego suarez madagascar travel tips ramena beach

Diégo-Suarez City

diego suarez madagascar travel tips french mountain

Where to stay in Diégo-Suarez

Mantasaly resort is a luxury 4-star resort with a beautiful property and a private bay at the Indian Ocean. It’s a 45-minute drive from Diégo-Suarez Airport and they offer 3 types of accommodation, all very spacious and comfortable, some with sea view. This resort offers everything you need for a relaxing holiday in Madagascar: a nice large swimming pool, bar, wellness, outdoor gym, a playground, private beach and good food with a daily changing menu and decent service.

diego suarez hotel mantasaly resort 1

Joffreville - Amber Mountain

Amber Mountain National Park (Montagne d'Ambre) is the oldest park in Madagascar and situated near Joffreville, around 40 kilometres south of Diégo-Suarez. Although the temperature in Diégo-Suarez can be hot and dry, Amber Mountain is always cool and fresh with mist hanging over the trees. Because of the bad road conditions it’s quite a challenge to get there.

Some people say the park is a bit overrated. I personally can’t judge that since I had to skip Amber Mountain Reserve because of some health issues. Apparently people expect to see a lot of wildlife in this reserve and are disappointed afterwards when they didn’t see lots of lemurs or other typical wildlife of Madagascar. So maybe just go there without expectations. Wild animals cannot be directed and besides the animals it’s a unique environment with different hiking circuits. Depending on the length of the hikes you will come across a crater lake, a few baobabs and a couple of waterfalls.

diego suarez madagascar travel tips sugar loaf

Where to stay in Joffreville?

An ideal base to stay and explore the surrounding of Amber Mountain Reserve is Nature Lodge. This accommodation provides spacious bungalows with a small private deck that will give you spectacular views over the bays and the mountains.

Note: Since we had to re-schedule our plan because of some health issues we stayed in Diégo-Suarez in the beautiful Meva Plage Hotel with a private beach and a beautiful view of the Sugar Loaf of Madagascar.

diego suarez hotel meva plage 1

Sometimes it’s not a huge property that makes the difference but the charm of a small hotel. That’s exactly why we love the family-owned hotel Meva Plage, located near Ramena. Their hospitality and service is amazing. The rooms provide air-conditioning and the restaurant serves delicious meals, all reasonably priced. We had a wonderful stay! They also offer a pool and a children’s playground.

diego suarez hotel meva plage 2

Antananarivo

Antananarivo (in short Tana) is the largest city in the country and interesting for the curious traveller who has enough time. The capital city of Madagascar is rich in colours and history, but not exactly one of the best places to visit in Madagascar. That’s one of the reasons why it’s called ‘The City of the Thousands’. There are plenty of things to do like visiting the sacred place ‘The Rova’, the original capital Ambohimanga and the Albert Camus Cultural Center. 

Madagascar transportation

Don’t expect to see turquoise lagoons, baobab trees and humid forests populated by lemurs. You’ll find none of these things in or around Tana. Since we planned to fly from Diégo-Suarez to Morondava to explore for example Baobab Avenue, we stayed in Tana for only one night to bridge our time between the flights.

antananarivo trip tsarasaotra bird park

We only visited the Tsarasaotra bird park for 1,5 hour, which is located only 5-10 minutes from the airport. This park is privately owned and it’s a sanctuary for many bird species like the Madagascar Pond Heron, the critically endangered Meller’s Duck, the Madagascan Grebe and the Madagascar Kingfisher. This park is also full of spider webs. It’s a small park where you can easily walk around the two lakes while photographing the birds. It was a nice park for a short visit but to be honest I’d expected more of this park after the reviews I’ve read on the Internet. Not exactly one of the top things to do in Madagascar!

antananarivo travel tsarasaotra bird park

Where to stay in Antananarivo?

Susie’s place is a friendly family run bed and breakfast, close to Ivato Airport (15 minute drive). They offer transfers from and to the airport for a reasonable price. Susie’s place is not just a place; it’s actually a beautiful huge villa with various spacious and comfortable rooms with private bathroom. Although the house is a bit noisy because of its acoustics, it’s a perfect accommodation to stay to bridge your time between the flights.

madagascar bed and breakfast susies place 1

They have a peaceful and nicely decorated garden where you can enjoy your breakfast, including fresh eggs! Susie’s place doesn’t serve dinner. For dinner I recommend Au Bois Vert restaurant, which is on walking distance.

madagascar bed and breakfast susies place 2

North Madagascar travel blog: Veloma!

Time to say Veloma, which means goodbye in Malagasy! We had an amazing time in Northern Madagascar, hosted by Madabest. From the warm Malagasy welcome at the airport in Nosy Be to the last day in Diégo-Suarez, they made us feel home away from home! If you want to explore Northern Madagascar I would highly recommend contacting Madabest. They’re able to customize your trip to your wishes and needs and apart from that it’s also possible to only rent a car to do a self-drive.

Do you have more time to visit Madagascar then check out this ultimate 2-week Madagascar itinerary , which includes multiple National Parks and other amazing things to do in Madagascar, including camping in a nature reserve.

This amazing North Madagascar travel blog is written by travel photographer Kim Paffen , one of Traveltomtom’s talented team members with a deep-seated passion for traveling to Africa. She traveled for Traveltomtom to Madagascar and shared all her tips and incredible photos in this Northern Madagascar travel guide. Check out her Instagram account: ourplanetinmylens .

She also wrote about the best things to do in Nosy Be Madagascar , a Morondava travel guide  or click on the following link for the gateway to the famous Madagascar Baobabs , to know everything before you go. 

I hope that this travel blog and all the above Northern Madagascar travel tips were helpful for you to plan your own Madagascar trip. Feel free to help me in return by sharing the link of this article somewhere on the Internet. Every tweet on Twitter, pin on Pinterest or share on Facebook is very much appreciated. Also don’t hesitate to reach out on Instagram I’m happy to help!

English version of Mada Tours Guide

North of Madagascar tour

Helinirina Raharomanana – Madagascar Tours Guide

North of Madagascar tour map

  • 16 days / 15 nights
  • Minimum age: 10 years
  • Availability: All year
  • Diego Suarez
  • Maximum number of people: 40

North of Madagascar tour - Itinerary

Circuit : Tana – Ankarafantsika – Antsohihy – Mahamasina – Ankarana – Ramena – Diego – Ambanja – Nosy Be

Day 1 – Antananarivo

Day 2 – antananarivo – ankarafantsika, day 3 – ankarafantsika national park – antsohihy, day 4 – antsohihy – mahamasina, day 5 – ankarana national park, day 6 – mahamasina – ramena, day 7 – the emerald sea, day 8 – ramena – the red tsingy – diego, day 9 – diego suarez – amber mountain – diego suarez, day 10 – diego suarez – ambanja, day 11 – ambanja – ankify – nosy be, day 12 to day 14 – nosy be, day 15 – nosy be – antananarivo (by plane), day 16 – antananarivo – country of origin, north of madagascar tour - details of the itinerary.

At your arrival at Ivato international airport, our driver will tell you Tongasoa in Madagascar, that is to say welcome to Madagascar. From now on, we will make your dream come true, your stay in the Big Island an unforgettable moment. From the moment you are picked up at the airport, our goal is to make you discover the true beauty of Madagascar. Through a personalized circuit , you will go from discovery to discovery rich in colors, images, emotions and sensations.

In addition to the North of Madagascar tour that you have chosen, another customized tour that meets your expectations can also be offered.

After your transfer and installation in a hotel, our guide will make you visit the capital Antananarivo which means the City of Thousands. An opportunity for you to know its history, its culture but especially to get to know its population, the Tananarivians.

This small tour allows you to see some famous places like:

  • The Palace (Rova) of Manjakamiadana, a remarkable site implanted on the hill of Analamanga where the different kings of Madagascar succeeded each other. This site was recently renovated after being burned in 1995.
  • Your guide will then lead you to the Anosy lake, a place jealously guarded by a statue of “Golden Angel” in the middle of numerous jacarandas;
  • From lake Anosy, you will take a short walk along the independence avenue in Analakely, in downtown Antananarivo. This square is marked by the presence of modern architecture next to old houses from the colonial period or even from the time of the kingdom. A large weekly market was held there several years ago.

at the entrance of the Rova of Manjakamiadana

Very early in the morning, departure for Ankarafantsika in company of your accompanying driver for the village of the National Park of Ankarafantsika. Direction then the west exit of Antananarivo, to emerge on the national road 4 where you will contemplate a scroll of typical landscapes to this island of dream that is Madagascar throughout this journey of 8 hours.

These 8 hours of travel will transport you in the immensity of Madagascar, an immensity without any other similar which will arouse in you various emotions. Vast expanses of savannah of the Tampoketsa plateau, infinite expanses that flirt with the sky, arid landscapes, empty spaces as far as the eye can see, mountain landscapes, sub-desert landscapes… But not only… Small villages along the road, mango, jujube and tamarind merchants depending on the season… Sometimes, you will come across zebus, pulling their carts or a line of bush cabs coming in the opposite direction, loaded with their luggage, in a hurry to reach the capital.

After about 5 hours, you will gradually feel the heat rising, meaning that you are approaching  the hottest region of Madagascar, Maevatanana . Maevatanana, the stage town. It will also be a stage of this North of Madagascar tour, for you and your driver who will guide you towards a restaurant for the lunch break.

Soon, you will see the impressive Betsiboka river which carries its red waters and will meet the goldpanners who on its banks try to make a fortune… You could possibly discuss with them their way of life, and ask them if the gold here feeds its man…

Once you pass the Kamoro bridge, built during the french colonization, you are closer to Ankarafantsika National Park, your final destination of your second day of travel in Madagascar. Once you arrive, under the heat of this tropical night of this dream island, we will set up our tents for a night in the wilderness, for a night where you will breathe the pure air of the beautiful forest of Ankarafantsika.

madagascar tour nord

On the way to visit the Ankarafantsika national park, for the circuit Coquerelle of 1H30 mn. The forest of Ankarafantsika counts nearly 800 varieties of trees. You will meet several species of lemurs including the famous microcèbe, the smallest lemur in the world , different species of chameleons and birds. More than 130 species of birds have been listed in this national park and you can do birdwatching.

This circuit North of Madagascar will lead you then right to the Malagasy canyon, the “big lavaka” after 3 hours of walk. If the course is rather sporting, the walk is not less pleasant. The less sporty will be able to reach it by road.

After lunch, by the National Road 6, heading to Antsohihy, city of stage before the Ankarana national park.

Once in Antsohihy, you will find all your energy to continue this circuit North of Madagascar after a night at the hotel.

Microcebus rufus ankarafantsika park

Direction: the village of Mahamasina, nestled at the entrance of the Ankarana National Park. The journey continues on the RN6, the road that leads to the north tip of the Big Island. The journey of 315 km by car takes 7 hours. The trip is quiet through tropical landscapes.

Your tour guide will install you at the lodge where you will spend the night.

Ankarana landscape

The 5th day of this north of Madagascar tour, you will spend it contemplating the grandiose panorama of the Ankarana. The hike is rather sportive because it requires 8 hours of walking. Its exceptional flora and fauna make Ankarana one of the protected areas of Madagascar.

Several circuits can be made there. From the discovery of the tsingy, vast expanses of limestone rocks sculpted by erosion to the caves of the bats and the immense walls strewn with nests of bats through the wonderful green lake.

The Tsingy Rary circuit gives, from the top of the suspended and secured wooden footbridges that you will take, an impressive panorama of the plain of tsingy pigmented with fatty plants such as pachypodiums. This circuit also allows to pass by the “loss of the rivers”, enormous karstic cavity in half-circle and to reach later the “tsingy of the turrets”. On the whole circuit, the show is simply fabulous and grandiose, the emotions are strong! Madagascar, island of dreams, finds here all its meaning.

The discovery of the Ankarana National Park requires physical endurance. In the evening, the return to the lodge will be even more appreciated.

Tsingy of Ankarana

Destination the second largest bay in the world where the picturesque fishing village of Ramena is located at 20km from Diego Suarez. The transfer is done by 4X4 vehicle. Once again, you will take the national road 6 (RN6) for a 6 hour drive to pass by Nosy Lonjo, “the Sugar Loaf”.

Your tourist guide will tell you the story of the famous “Pain de Sucre” or “Nosy Lonjo”, symbol of the city of Diégo Suarez , as soon as you see it. This island has surely many stories to tell, if only those of the sailors who would have stranded there… It remains the theater of several traditional ceremonies although its access is simply difficult.

Once in Ramena, your tour guide will see to your installation at the hotel for the night.

Nosy Lonjo at sunset

Day 7 of this North of Madagascar tour: the day is placed under the sign of relaxation and idleness. It begins with the presentation of the crew for a pirogue excursion on the Emerald Sea, an immense lagoon with turquoise blue and emerald green colors and heavenly beaches.

The flavors of the sea are on the menu of the day. You may have the chance to taste fresh fish that you have caught yourself. If not, you will appreciate the picnic lunch prepared by the piroguers. Other relaxing activities are on the program: it is indeed possible on the emerald sea to make kite surfing.

When the day will fall on the beach, it will be then time to find Ramena. You will spend the night in the same hotel.

Emerald Sea Diego-Suarez

It is another variety of tsingy that we propose you to discover in this 8th day of your trip to Madagascar, island of dreams. During your transfer to the private park of red Tsingy, you will already have a foretaste of the beautiful adventure that you are about to live.

The red tsingy differ from the tsingy of Bemaraha by their more rounded shape. Born from the meeting of rainwater and a compact rock, the red tsingy is the result of the erosion of this sandstone-marl massif. The red sand that was on the surface mixed with the sandstone-marl to impregnate the tsingy with the different shades of red that gave it its name. These tsingy are fragile but you will have the leisure to contemplate them in particular the big and the small red tsingy , as well as the Canyon. Their ochre silhouettes standing in front of you majestic and austere, give the red tsingy the vision of a landscape of exception, of an unreal world.

Then we go to Anivorano where the main attraction is the sacred lake populated by crocodiles. The legend tells that a traveler who passed by there asked for water to the inhabitants of the village who refused to give him any. He then cursed the village which turned into a lake while the inhabitants were reincarnated into crocodiles.

Return then on the city of Diego Suarez for a night at the hotel.

Red Tsingy of Diego-Suarez

Day 9 of this circuit North of Madagascar: in the program: the national park of the Amber Mountain. To reach it, the journey is done in 4X4 vehicle. The park is located at about forty kilometers from Diego Suarez.

Following the Thousand Trees path, you will enter a unique tropical garden, a primary rainforest, which several streams and sacred waterfalls water at various places. The fauna is also tropical. Seven species of lemurs out of the 70 species that Madagascar has, live together. Five species like the day and are thus diurnal and two species prefer the night. During the walk, you will meet birds – there are more than 75 species – and reptiles including the smallest chameleon in the world , the Brookesia tuberculate. The flora is typical of the tropical rainforests of Madagascar. Botany buffs or not, you will be pleasantly surprised by this green universe of orchids, palms, ficus…

Then visit of the city of Joffreville. Joffreville takes its name from Joseph Joffre, a french military officer in charge of this north region of Madagascar during colonization. Created in 1903, the architecture of some of its houses has kept the vestiges of its colonial past. It was a holiday resort at the time, and it also allows access to the Amber Mountain.

At the end of the afternoon, you will return to Diego Suarez and you will spend the night in the same hotel.

The Mountain of Amber national park

Before reaching Ambanja, next city of stage distant from Diègo Suarez of 230 km, a small tour of the city of Diègo Suarez is nevertheless necessary. The make-up of the young women in Diègo Suarez will not fail to surprise you: their face is finely drawn with masonjoany, natural sun cream resulting from the sandalwood. Diego Suarez has a particular cachet. The architecture of certain houses often still reflects the colonial past.

Then head for Ambanja, the cocoa capital that you will reach after about 6 hours of travel on the National Road 6. It is in Ambanja that the best cocoa of Madagascar is produced, which makes the world fame of the Big Island.

Your tour guide will take care, as usual, of your installation at the hotel where you will spend the night.

Around Diego Suarez

There is a pier called Ankify where the crossing to Nosy Be takes place. It is to this pier of Ankify that your tourist guide will lead you. Apart from its paradisiacal beaches, Ankify is only a necessary passage for the crossing to Nosy Be. The crossing takes about 45 minutes. Your tour guide will take care of your transfer and your installation at the hotel.

You can take advantage of your free afternoon either to rest at the hotel or to go for a walk.

madagascar tour nord

These days of freedom that you will spend in the island of Nosy Be will lead you to a conclusion: no need to travel the world to find the earthly paradise. It is here in Nosy Be where, the trees of the traveler, the ravinala, mango trees, pepper trees, coffee trees, vetiver and others…mingle and intermingle in the landscape under the bewitching perfume of the ylang-ylang to give to this island of dream, its appellation, of “island of the perfumes”. From Mount Passot, you could admire the chain of crater lakes and the surrounding islands bathed by the sunset. Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Iranja or the Island of the turtles are as many small islands which invite you to the discovery.

You can also visit the reserve of Lokobe which contains an endemic flora and fauna: palms and coconut trees, rare plants and orchids… The lemurs of which the eulemur macaco, the chameleons, the amphibians, the birds… constitute the flora of this paradisiacal garden which opens on the sea You can also see the Lemuria Land. Getting to know the sacred tree, the port and the markets in order to better understand the culture, the inhabitants, the behaviors will allow you to better understand the people and their living environment in this dream island of Nosy Be.

But you can also lean for the farniente side that offer the paradisiacal beaches of Nosy Be. You can therefore take advantage of it to relax and unwind in order to get back on track. You can also undertake a mini-cruise of 3 to 7 days to the surrounding islands.

This stay in Nosy Be, you will spend it, in the same hotel which will offer you several conveniences.

Sunset Mount Passot

15th day of this Northern Madagascar Tour: On the program of this day, your transfer to the airport of Nosy Be where you will take the plane for Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, main point of departure of the international flights.

Our driver will welcome you at the international airport of Ivato, and will accompany you to the hotel where you will be installed.

madagascar tour nord

Our driver will take care of your transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule to your country of origin. He will make a stop at the artisanal market on the way to the airport to allow you to buy beautiful souvenirs of your trip to the Big Island through small artisanal objects that represent the country.

Malagasy handicraft products

North of Madagascar tour - Map

North of madagascar tour - video.

Jacana Madagascar Tours logo

DÉCOUVREZ LE

Nord de madagascar, notre circuit "nord".

Plongez au cœur de Madagascar pendant 7 jours et 6 nuits en demi-pension. De la vibrante Antananarivo aux merveilles de Diego Suarez, la 2ème plus grande baie au monde, laissez-vous séduire par la richesse naturelle de la Montagne d'Ambre et les mystérieux Tsingy d'Ankarana. Et pour couronner le tout, détendez-vous sur les plages dorées de Nosy Be, l'île aux parfums. Une expérience inoubliable vous attend !

DÉROULÉ DU CIRCUIT

ANTANANARIVO

Accueil à l’aéroport et transfert à l’hôtel.

Déjeuner libre

Visite de la ville.

Diner et nuit à l’hôtel.

ANTANANARIVO – DIEGO SUAREZ (VOL NATIONAL)

Petit déjeuner à l’hôtel.

Transfert à l’aéroport et envol pour Diego Suarez.

Accueil et transfert à l’hôtel.

Visite guidée de la ville et ses environs.

- Ancien port de la frégate française.

- Architecture française très remarquée.

- 2ème plus grande baie au monde après Rio de Janeiro en Brésil.

DIEGO SUAREZ – MONTAGNE D’AMBRE

Route pour la Montagne d’Ambre.

Excursion : Parc National d’Ambre.

- Massif volcanique recouvert de forêt tropicale humide.

- 875 à 1 475m d’altitude.

- 7 espèces de lémuriens.

- 77 espèces d’oiseaux.

- 24 espèces d’amphibiens.

- Six lacs et plusieurs fleuves et rivières.

L’excursion est à organiser sur place avec le guide selon le climat et la capacité physique des participants.

MONTAGNE D’AMBRE – ANKARANA

Route pour Ankarana.

Excursion: Tsingy Rouge.

Constitués de grés, de marne et de calcaire, les tsingy rouges sont très différents des tsingy courant de l’Ankarana, non seulement au niveau du couleur mais aussi au niveau de sa formation.

Excursion: Tsingy de l’Ankarana.

- Massif calcaire fortement érodé en surface.

- 60 espèces de reptiles et amphibiens.

- 96 espèces d’oiseaux.

- 14 espèces de chauve-souris.

- 11 espèces de Lémuriens.

- Lac sacré, sentier botanique, canyon, grottes.

Diner et nuit à l’hôtel

ANKARANA – ANKIFY – NOSY BE (BATEAU)

Route pour Ankify.

Transfert en bateau pour Nosy Be.

Accueil au port et transfert à l’hôtel.

Excursion : tour de l’île.

Une excursion d’une journée permettant de voir plusieurs curiosités de l’île aux parfums, à savoir la distillerie d’Ylang-Ylang, le marché de Hell-ville, l’arbre sacré, la petite cascade, pour finir la journée au Mont Passot, le point culminant de l’île, vue panoramique avec ses lacs de cratères le tout au coucher du soleil.

Diner et nuit à l’hôtel « Nosy Be ».

Séjour balnéaire libre

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  1. Tour del Nord del Madagascar

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  2. Grand Tour Del Nord (Africa

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  6. Madagascar: Tour del Nord & soggiorno mare

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VIDEO

  1. AVENTURE SUR LA ROUTE DE MANANARA NORD MADA part 1

  2. Madagascar Tour

  3. Farmers in #Madagascar produce roughly 80 percent of the world’s #vanilla. #soexpensive #spices

  4. Madagascar: quale meta non devi assolutamente perderti a Nosy Be⚠️ ⚠️ scene impressionanti ⚠️ Lokobe

  5. Madagascar 🇲🇬 2022! Andilana Beach/ Tour del Nord

  6. The 2023 MADAGASCAR Adventure Ride

COMMENTS

  1. North of Madagascar

    A some day excursion from Diego to Nosy be. The 3 bay, the sea of EMERAUDE are the strong points of visit around Diego. Continuation of the journey along the route national N°6 by visiting Amber Mountain, the "Tsingy rouge" and Tsingy of Ankarana.

  2. Tours of The North of Madagascar

    Northern Madagascar. Northern Madagascar is characterized by a wide variety of landscape and nature, the Tsaratanana massif which shows the highest peak of Madagascar, Maromokotra, culminating at 2880m brings rain and humidity to the region of Sambirano, Nosy Be and the region of Sambava while dry climate swept six to seven months a year by the trade wind distinguishes Antsiranana and its ...

  3. Tour Trip North of Madagascar : 4 Night and 5 Days

    Progam and timing to Tour North of Madagascar. Day-1 : NOSY BE - ANKARANA (145 km ) Departure from the hotel at 6:30 am drive to the Port of Nosy Be Hell-Ville. Boarding with a speed and private boat to the mainland (during 45mn). Arrive at the small Port of Ankify. Boarding with 4×4 car; Leaving directly for Mahamasina Village where the ...

  4. THE NORTH OF MADAGASCAR 5D/4N

    Day 1 : Nosy-Be - Park of Ankarana - Diégo. Leave the hotel early towards the harbour of Hell-ville, the capital city of Nosy-Be. Transfer with a private speedboat till the Park of Ankify in Madagascar. A 4WD with air conditioning a wait you with a drive and an accompanied guide speaking your language. At Ambanja or Sambirano, the cocoa region ...

  5. Northern Madagascar travel

    Northern Madagascar. Madagascar, Africa. It's as if Madagascar had conspired to provide a microcosm of its myriad travel experiences all in one place: here you'll find the isolated Sava region with its wild coastline and vanilla-scented air, the relatively sophisticated city of Diego Suarez and the country's premier beach destination, Nosy Be.

  6. Round trip northern Madagascar

    This tour of northern Madagascar is very suitable as a family trip or honeymoon; For a very complete tour of Madagascar, combine this trip with the Classic Highlights Tour; Your tailor-made trip. Travel proposal. Call us: +31487540367. Daily overview. 1 : Arrival Antananarivo : 2 ...

  7. 10 Best Madagascar Tours & Trips 2024/2025

    Madagascar Tours & Trips. Magical Madagascar - where the wildlife is unique, from chameleons and frogs to the 70 species of lemur which are only found on this bio diverse island. It is an eco tourist's dream with abundant national parks and wildlife reserves in breathtaking rainforests and deserts. 194 Madagascar tour packages with 211 reviews.

  8. Adventure tour in the north

    The adventure tour of the north typify the adventurous tour in the full extent of the definition of the word reaching places only seasonally accessible by all terrain vehicles showcasing locally endemic wildlife as exemplified by the silky sifaka, the black sifaka and the crowned sifaka. ... Wild Madagascar, Domaine de la Motte, Lot 47 AB/M ...

  9. Nosy be Paradise Tours: Excursion à Nosy Be, Circuit Nord et Tour de Mada

    NOSY BE PARADISE TOURS is a sole proprietorship created in 2004 which operates in the tourism sector and whose main activity specialized tourist service including the organization of excursions not only to Nosy Be and the many small islands around but also in the northern part of Madagascar to the Grand Terre side of the Big Island.

  10. Madagascar north tour

    Madagascar north tour takes you to discover the most beautiful landscapes in northern Madagascar. Madagascar north tour offers you the opportunity to discover emerald sea, Amber Mountain national park, red tsingy, Tsingy of Ankarana National Parkand Nosy Be island. Madagascar north tour offers a beach stay in Nosy Be with trips to Nosy Komba island, Nosy Tanikely island and Nosy Iranja island

  11. East and North Madagascar

    This tour will take you to explore the splendid landscape of the eastern and the northern Madagascar. ... Combinaison de randonnées dans la forêt tropicale et de séjours sur les plages idylliques du Nord (Antsiranana et Nosy Be), Faune (Lémuriens, reptiles, amphibiens, etc.) et Flore (bois précieux, forêt primaire, etc.) endémiques, Plus ...

  12. Tour Trip North of Madagascar 5 Night and 6 Days

    Day-4: DIEGO SUAREZ- JOFFRE VILLE - THE 3 BAYS. At 7:45 am, Departure and drive to JOFFRE-VILLE (distance 45 km and drive during 50mn ). Drive to the entrance of the AMBER MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK. . ( Various types and species of animals, birds, Caméléons, reptiles. On the tour North Madagascar, Amber Montaine is a Volcanic Region of Diego ...

  13. Northern Madagascar in 10 days

    Day 1 of 10. Start: Ankify (ferry point Nosy Be) Destination: Ankarana National Park. Drive: 156 km | 3 hours. A colleague of Roadtrip Madagascar will hand over your 4x4 at Ankify Harbour, the ferry point to Nosy Be Island. You first cross Ambanja, a pleasant town bustling with bicycles and tuk-tuks.

  14. Circuits dans la région nord de madagascar

    Pour continuer au Nord de Madagascar vers Diégo-Suarez sur un circuit safari. Sans Oublier les parcs nationaux tels le Parc National de l'Ankarana, le Parc National de la Montagne d'Ambre. Les Tsingy Rouge, en découvrant des végétations luxuriantes et une biodiversité unique au monde dans laquelle des espèces de flore et faune ont le plus haut pourcentage d'endémicité du monde.

  15. Northern Madagascar Travel Tips + Itinerary

    The tsingy is located on Madagascar's mainland. To get to the mainland you have to take the boat or ferry from Hell-Ville (Nosy Be) to the port of Ankify. The speedboat shuttle to the mainland takes 40 minutes and costs Ar. 12.000 (about €3). I recommend taking the speedboat as early as possible.

  16. North of Madagascar tour

    On the way to visit the Ankarafantsika national park, for the circuit Coquerelle of 1H30 mn. The forest of Ankarafantsika counts nearly 800 varieties of trees. You will meet several species of lemurs including the famous microcèbe, the smallest lemur in the world, different species of chameleons and birds.More than 130 species of birds have been listed in this national park and you can do ...

  17. Tour Trip North of Madagascar 7 Night and 8 Days

    (Français) Circuit tours nord de Madagascar, visite des parc National : Ankarana, Montagne d'Ambre, Faune et Flore des espèces endemiques. Online casino echtgeld klarna. ... -During tour trip north of Madagascar, customers are allowed to stop and make or take pictures the times they want.

  18. CIRCUIT NORD

    NORD DE MADAGASCAR. NOTRE CIRCUIT "NORD" Plongez au cœur de Madagascar pendant 7 jours et 6 nuits en demi-pension. De la vibrante Antananarivo aux merveilles de Diego Suarez, la 2ème plus grande baie au monde, laissez-vous séduire par la richesse naturelle de la Montagne d'Ambre et les mystérieux Tsingy d'Ankarana. ... Excursion : tour de l ...

  19. Madagascar

    1° Episodio della serie "Madagascar - Tour del Nord": Nosy Be - Diego Suarez.Un documentario che racconta i 560 Km percorsi in 5 giorni di avventura a nord d...

  20. Progamm and timing of the Tour

    Day-1 : NOSY BE - DIEGO SUAREZ (245 km durante 8ore) Departure from the hotel at 6:30 am drive to the Port of Nosy Be Hell-Ville. Boarding with a speed and private boat to the mainland (during 45mn). Arrive at the small Port of Ankify. Boarding with JEEP; -departure directly to the RED TSINGY . Crossing all the PLANTANTIONS of THE CACAO and ...

  21. Tour Trip West and North Madagascar 14 Night 15 Days

    Transfer to Antananarivo by Air Madagascar * Nosy Be: Diego Suarez - Nosy Be. Transfer to Nosy Be in 4×4 and you will have a private boat in Ankify! Night in GERARD/FRANCINE or Over Day- 15: NOSY BE- AIRPORT. TRANSFER TO NOSY BE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. The end Tour trip West-North Madagascar . SERVICES INCLUDED-Transfer by car from the hotel ...

  22. Tour Trip North of Madagascar 3 Night 4 Days

    (Français) Circuit tours nord de Madagascar, visite des parc National : Ankarana, Montagne d'Ambre, Faune et Flore des espèces endemiques. Echtes geld online casino. ... Progam and Timing Tour Trip North of Madagascar Day-1 : NOSY BE - ANKARANA (145 km ) Departure from the hotel at 6:30 am drive to the Port of Nosy Be Hell-Ville. ...