Nature Diego Suarez · Montagne d'Ambre · Ankarana · Nosy Be

Northern Wonders — Lemurs, Tsingy & Islands

A 12-day journey through northern Madagascar. Fly to Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) to discover its three bays and the Emerald Sea, hike Amber Mountain National Park — home to the world's smallest chameleon — and marvel at the crimson Red Tsingy. Explore the caves and canyons of Ankarana, visit the Millot cocoa plantation, and finish with island-hopping around Nosy Be — Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely and the sandbar of Nosy Iranja.

Highlights

Antsiranana & the Emerald Sea
Amber Mountain National Park
The Red Tsingy
Island paradise at Nosy Be

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1
Arrival at Antananarivo
Highlights: Our agent greets you at the airport, helps with a SIM card and currency exchange, and transfers you to your hotel. Overnight at Le Grand Mellis or similar.
Day 2
Antananarivo → Antsiranana (flight)
Highlights: Fly to Diego Suarez and explore the Three Bays — French Bay, Sugar Loaf, Sakalava Bay — a spectrum of white, pink and golden sands. Lunch at Dunes Bay, then the colonial Cap Miné, its lighthouse and Orangea beach. Overnight at Allamanda Hotel.
Day 3
Emerald Sea day trip
Highlights: A traditional boat across the transparent Emerald Sea to a pristine sandbar — snorkelling, swimming and kitesurfing amid coral reefs, sea turtles and manta rays, returning to Ramena by evening. Overnight at Allamanda Hotel.
Day 4
Diego → Joffreville → Amber Mountain NP
Highlights: A day among the forest trails and waterfalls of Amber Mountain (1,475 m), a lush sanctuary of orchids and endemic wildlife — crowned lemurs, 77 bird species and the tiny Brookesia chameleon. Overnight at Nature Lodge.
Day 5
Joffreville → Red Tsingy → Ankarana (150 km, 5h)
Highlights: Drive to the surreal crimson sandstone pinnacles of the Red Tsingy, sculpted by wind and rain, then continue to Ankarana National Park and its grey tsingy. Overnight at Relais de l'Ankarana.
Day 6
Ankarana National Park
Highlights: Explore Ankarana's tsingy, canyons, sinkholes, caves and suspension bridges — trails adaptable to your level of fitness. Overnight at Relais de l'Ankarana.
Day 7
Ankarana → Ankify → Nosy Be (150 km, 4h)
Highlights: Drive through coffee, cocoa and ylang-ylang plantations and the fertile Tsaratanana foothills, visiting the Millot cocoa plantation, then board a boat at Ankify for Nosy Be. Overnight at L'Heure Bleue.
Day 8
Nosy Komba & Nosy Tanikely
Highlights: A full-day boat excursion: snorkelling and diving in the Nosy Tanikely marine reserve with a beach picnic, then Nosy Komba, famous for its tame lemurs and island craft markets. Overnight at L'Heure Bleue.
Day 9
Nosy Iranja
Highlights: By fast boat to Nosy Iranja, two islands joined by a white sandbar revealed at low tide — turquoise waters, a turtle-nesting beach, a lighthouse viewpoint and a traditional fishing village. Overnight at L'Heure Bleue.
Day 10
Relax day in Nosy Be
Highlights: A free day on the 'Perfume Island' — beaches, snorkelling, diving, vibrant markets and fresh seafood, or simply relaxing. Overnight at L'Heure Bleue.
Day 11
Nosy Be → Antananarivo (flight)
Highlights: Transfer to the airport and fly to Antananarivo; transfer to your hotel. Overnight at Sakamanga Hotel.
Day 12
Departure
Highlights: Your tour comes to an end and we arrange your transfer to Ivato Airport. Note: international flights also depart from Nosy Be (Ethiopian Airlines, Airlink), so you may prefer to fly home from there. Safe travels!