This immersive journey takes you deep into the wild and diverse landscapes of northern Madagascar, beginning in the historic port town of Diego Suarez and ending in the lush vanilla region of Sambava. Designed for adventurous travelers, the itinerary blends coastal exploration, dramatic geological formations, rich marine environments, and some of the island’s most important national parks.
From rainforest-covered mountains and razor-sharp limestone tsingy to remote archipelagos and turquoise lagoons, each stage reveals a different face of Madagascar’s extraordinary natural heritage. Along the way, encounter endemic wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, trek through untouched ecosystems, meet local communities, and experience nights under the stars in remote protected areas.
Balancing active exploration with moments of relaxation by the sea, this expedition-style tour offers an authentic and in-depth discovery of Madagascar’s far north—raw, scenic, and unforgettable.
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Day 1 – Arrival in Diego Suarez
Arrival at Diego Suarez Airport (Antsiranana). Meet and greet by your local guide, followed by a transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a short orientation walk around town or relax at the hotel. Diego Suarez is known for its impressive natural bay, colonial architecture, and lively atmosphere. Overnight at Hotel name or similar.
Day 2 – Diego Suarez – Joffreville – Amber Mountain – Ramena
Depart Diego Suarez toward Joffreville, a former colonial hill station at the entrance of Amber Mountain National Park. Enjoy a guided visit of this lush rainforest reserve, famous for waterfalls, crater lakes, orchids, tree ferns, and several lemur species. After the visit, descend toward the coast and continue to the fishing village of Ramena. Overnight at Lakana Resort or similar.
Day 3 – Montagne des Français and Three bays trekking
Drive to Montagne des Français for a short hike offering panoramic views over Diego Bay and surrounding limestone formations. Continue to Ramena and begin the iconic Three Bays coastal trek. Walk along dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches linking Baie des Pigeons, Baie des Dunes, and Baie de Sakalava. Enjoy turquoise waters, white sand, and wild scenery. Optional swimming at Sakalava Bay before returning to Ramena. Overnight at Hotel name or similar.
Day 4 – Emerald sea boat excursion
Full-day boat excursion to the Mer d’Émeraude, a spectacular shallow lagoon with brilliant emerald waters, sandbanks, and coral reefs. Time for snorkeling, swimming, or relaxing on remote sandbars. Picnic lunch in a natural setting before returning to Ramena in the afternoon. Overnight at Hotel name or similar.
Day 5 – Free day in Ramena
A full free day to relax after the activities around Diego Suarez. Enjoy the beach, swim, kayak, or simply unwind by the sea. Optional activities can be arranged such as snorkeling, fishing with local fishermen, or a sunset walk along the coast. Overnight at Hotel name or similar.
Day 6 – Ramena – Red Tsingy – Ankarana
Early departure toward the Red Tsingy, a unique landscape of eroded sandstone formations shaped into glowing red spires. After exploring this surreal site, continue by road toward Ankarana. Arrival in the afternoon and time to relax. Overnight at Relais Ankarana or similar.
Day 7 – Ankarana National Park exploration
Full day exploring Ankarana National Park on an extended circuit. Discover razor-sharp limestone tsingy, caves, underground rivers, and dry forest ecosystems. Wildlife includes crowned lemurs, Sanford’s brown lemurs, sportive lemurs, leaf-tailed geckos, panther chameleons, bats, and many endemic birds. Overnight at Relais Ankarana or similar.
Day 8 – Ankarana – Ampasindava – Nosy Hara
Travel through remote northern Madagascar to Ampasindava, then continue by boat to Nosy Hara National Park. Discover an isolated archipelago of limestone islets, dry coastal forest, and rich coral reefs. Settle into camp and enjoy the wild atmosphere. Full-board camping.
Day 9 – Nosy Hara island exploration
Free day in Nosy Hara with options for snorkeling, island hopping, swimming, or short coastal walks through limestone formations and coastal forest. A day fully dedicated to untouched nature and marine life. Full-board camping.
Day 10 – Nosy Hara – Ampasindava – Ambilobe
Early departure by boat back to Ampasindava, followed by a scenic drive inland to Ambilobe through fertile valleys and rural villages. Arrival late morning. Overnight at Kozobe Hotel or similar.
Day 11 – Ambilobe – Daraina (Loky–Manambato Reserve)
Drive toward the Daraina region, part of the Loky–Manambato Reserve, one of Madagascar’s most important biodiversity hotspots. The area shelters the golden-crowned sifaka, Sanford’s brown lemur, bamboo lemur, fossa, chameleons, and rare endemic birds. Visit nearby villages and observe traditional gold-mining activities. Guided night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife. Camping overnight.
Day 12 – Daraina – Sambava
Morning forest walk to further explore the reserve, then continue toward Sambava, passing lush hills and agricultural landscapes. Arrival in Sambava, the heart of Madagascar’s vanilla region. Overnight at Hotel Identic or similar.
Day 13 – Sambava – Marojejy National Park
Drive to Manantenina, gateway to Marojejy National Park. After settling into camp, explore the surrounding rainforest. Marojejy hosts exceptional biodiversity, including the rare silky sifaka, along with numerous bird, reptile, and amphibian species. Guided night walk around Mantella Camp. Full-board camping.
Day 14 – Marojejy – Camp Simpona
Begin a challenging ascent through lowland rainforest, mid-altitude forest, and mossy mountain forest. Lunch en route before continuing uphill to Camp Simpona. Spectacular scenery and rich biodiversity throughout the hike. Optional night walk. Full-board camping.
Day 15 – Marojejy summit adventure
Early departure for the ascent to the Marojejy summit. Enjoy sweeping views over northeastern Madagascar and discover unique high-altitude vegetation such as ericoid shrubs, lichens, and stunted trees. Descend back to Camp Marojejya for lunch and overnight. Full-board camping.
Day 16 – Marojejy – Sambava
Descend on foot back to Manantenina, then transfer by road to Sambava. Time to relax after the expedition. Overnight at Hotel Carrefour or similar.
Day 17 – Sambava – Departure
Transfer to Sambava Airport for your departure flight. End of services.
Price per person:
1 traveler: €3,500 – single room
2 travelers: €1,900 – double/twin room
3 travelers: €1,750 – triple room
4 travelers: €1,600 – two double/twin rooms
5 travelers: €1,500 – double + triple room
6 travelers: €1,380 – three twin/double rooms
Included:
Airport transfers · Private vehicle · Private speedboat Nosy Be–Ankify–Nosy Be ·
English-speaking guide · Entrance fees · Group excursions in Nosy Be ·
Hotels on half-board basis
Not included:
Visa (€35) · Lunches not mentioned · Drinks · Personal expenses
Ankarana National Park – Spectacular tsingy formations and caves.
Amber Mountain – Rainforest, waterfalls, and endemic wildlife.
Red Tsingy – Unique erosion-shaped limestone pinnacles.
Nosy Be Islands – Lagoons, snorkeling, turtles, and white-sand beaches.
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