Northern

Nosy Be & the North

Amber Mountain's lush forests, Ankarana's limestone tsingy and Diego Suarez's charm meet the pristine islands of Nosy Be — rare lemurs, chameleons, coral reefs and emerald lagoons.

Amber Mountain — Lush Volcanic Rainforest

One of Madagascar's first protected areas (182 km²), this cool volcanic massif offers six lakes, three waterfalls and 30 km of trails to Sacred Falls and the 1,475 m summit. Crowned lemurs, chameleons, leaf-tailed geckos and 75 bird species thrive in its refreshing forests.

Ankarana — Limestone Fortress Adventure

Dramatic limestone pinnacles (tsingy), canyons and Africa's largest underground cave system (120+ km) define Ankarana. Explore sinkholes, suspension bridges, the Green Lake and Crocodile Caves, amid lemurs and 350+ plant species, while the Antankarana keep sacred sites alive.

The Red Tsingy — Sandstone Needles

Unique to the north, the Red Tsingy are vivid red and orange sandstone spires carved by erosion in a small canyon near Ankarana. Constantly reshaped by wind and rain, these colourful formations are among the region's most photographed wonders.

Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) — Gateway to the North

Blending French colonial charm and Malagasy culture on a vast bay, Diego Suarez is the gateway to Amber Mountain and Ankarana. Nearby, the 'Three Bays' offer surfing and scenic beaches, and Cape Ambre reveals striking limestone formations like Windsor Castle.

The Emerald Sea — Lagoon of Diego Bay

At the entrance of Diego Bay, this 34 km² protected lagoon glows emerald-green over shallow sandy bottoms. Surrounded by islets, it is ideal for snorkelling, kitesurfing and windsurfing (June–October), with seafood picnics and sailing day trips.

Montagne des Français — Dry Forests & Cliffs

Just outside Diego Suarez, this 5,000-hectare reserve protects dry forest, limestone cliffs and caves, home to endemic baobabs, Sanford's brown lemurs and rich birdlife. Trails reach panoramic viewpoints and colonial ruins, with 15 km of caves and climbing routes nearby.

Andrafiamena–Andavakoera — Perrier's Sifaka

This 73,319-hectare reserve, 100 km south of Diego Suarez, is the last stronghold of the critically endangered Perrier's sifaka. Multi-day 4x4 visits combine guided hikes, night walks for nocturnal species and encounters with local culture.

Nosy Be & Surrounding Islands

Madagascar's premier tropical destination combines resorts, ylang-ylang plantations and rich marine life — diving, whale-shark safaris and the Lokobe Reserve's black lemurs. The archipelago includes Nosy Komba (Lemur Island), Nosy Tanikely (marine reserve) and Nosy Iranja's famous twin islands and sandbar.