The journey continues to the remote shores of Ampasindava and the untouched paradise of Nosy Hara National Park. Returning to the mainland, you will witness the surreal landscapes of the Tsingy Rouge Reserve and the iconic grey pinnacles of Ankarana National Park near Mahamasina. Traveling south through Ambilobe, you will discover the rare wildlife of Daraina Forest before arriving in the vanilla capital, Sambava. Your trip culminates with a cultural excursion on the River Bemarivo and an unforgettable multi-day trek deep into the UNESCO World Heritage site of Marojejy National Park, ascending from Manantenina through Mantella Camp, Camp Marojejya, and Camp Simpona to the summit.
Meet and greet at Diego Suarez Airport and transfer to Joffreville. We begin with a visit to the spectacular Amber Mountain National Park. During a 4-hour hike, you will explore a lush volcanic massif known for its rich biodiversity. Keep your eyes peeled for the crowned lemur and Sanford’s brown lemur, as well as the tiny Brookesia chameleon, one of the smallest reptiles in the world. The park is also home to endemic birds like the Amber Mountain rock thrush. You will discover sacred waterfalls and crater lakes nestled within the rainforest. Overnight at Hotel Nature Lodge or similar.
Day 2: Joffreville – Ramena (100 km / approx. 2 hours’ drive)
We depart Joffreville and head toward the coast for a trek to the Three Bays (Pigeon Bay, Dune Bay, and Sakalava Bay), famous for their pristine white sands and turquoise waters. In the afternoon, we visit the French Mountain (Montagne des Français). This protected area offers a climb through dry deciduous forest and baobabs, rewarding you with panoramic views of the bay. Overnight at Hotel Lakana Resort or similar.
Day 3: Ramena – Emerald Sea – Ramena
From Ramena, we board a small private fishing boat to reach Suarez Island located in the stunning Emerald Sea. This lagoon is famous for its shallow, crystal-clear green waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Enjoy a relaxing day in this aquatic paradise. By 4 pm, we will return to Ramena. Overnight at Hotel Lakana Resort or similar.
Day 4: Ramena – Ampasindava (100 km / approx. 3 hours’ drive)
We drive to Ampasindava where we board a motorized boat to reach Nosy Hara National Park. We will spend one night in this isolated paradise, known for its unique marine limestone formations (Tsingy) rising out of the water and its untouched coral reefs. It is a true sanctuary for nature lovers. Camping or Basic Bungalow at Nosy Hara.
Day 5: Nosy Hara – Ampasindava – Ankarana (280 km / approx. 6 hours’ drive)
We make an early departure to return to the main island by boat. We then drive south towards Ankarana. En route, we visit the mesmerizing Tsingy Rouge Reserve. These “Red Tsingy” are ephemeral geological formations made of red laterite and sand, created by erosion. They offer a striking contrast of red and ochre against the blue sky, quite different from the grey limestone Tsingy found elsewhere. We arrive in Mahamasina, the eastern entry to Ankarana, in the late afternoon. Overnight at Hotel Relais Ankarana or similar.
Day 6: Visit Ankarana National Park
Today is dedicated to exploring Ankarana National Park. This park is famous for its vast network of grey limestone pinnacles known as “Tsingy,” as well as its extensive underground cave systems and sunken forests. During your hike, look out for the crowned lemur, Sanford’s brown lemur, and the northern sportive lemur. The caves often host huge colonies of bats and crocodiles can be seen in the underground rivers. Overnight at Hotel Relais Ankarana or similar.
Day 7: Ankarana – Ambilobe – Daraina (150 km / approx. 3 hours’ drive)
After breakfast, we drive south to Ambilobe and turn onto the RN6 heading toward the Sava Region. We will visit the Daraina Forest (Loky Manambato Protected Area). This transitional forest is crucial as it is the only place in the world where you can spot the critically endangered golden-crowned sifaka (Tattersall’s sifaka). The landscape here is a unique mix of dry and humid forest ecosystems. Camping in Daraina.
Day 8: Daraina – Sambava
We enjoy a morning visit of the reserve to observe more wildlife, particularly the golden-crowned sifaka. Afterward, we continue our journey, driving to the vanilla capital of the world, Sambava. We arrive in the late afternoon, settling into the lush atmosphere of the east coast. Overnight at Hotel Identic or similar.
Day 9: Sambava – Bemarivo – Sambava (40 km / approx. 1 hour drive)
Today features a visit to the River Bemarivo via traditional pirogue (dugout canoe). This excursion offers a peaceful way to observe the daily life of villagers along the riverbanks and the verdant landscapes of the vanilla region. You will float past coffee and vanilla plantations, enjoying the calm waters before returning to town. Overnight at Hotel Identic or similar.
Day 10: Sambava – Marojejy (90 km / approx. 2 hours’ drive)
We drive to Manantenina, the entrance to Marojejy National Park. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a biodiversity hotspot. It hosts 12 lemur species, including the magnificent and rare silky sifaka (the “Angel of the Forest”). The park also boasts a rich diversity of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. We will enjoy a night walk around Mantella Camp to spot nocturnal species. Full-board camping at Mantella Camp.
Day 11: Marojejy – Camp Simpona
Prepare for a seven-hour ascent with approximately 800 m altitude gain. The trail takes you through distinct vegetation zones: lowland rainforest, mid-altitude forest, and high-elevation mossy forest. We will stop for lunch at Camp Marojejya, then continue our trek up to Camp Simpona. Keep watching for the silky sifaka and the helmet vanga. An optional night walk is available this evening. Full-board camping at Camp Simpona.
Day 12: Marojejy Summit
We make an early departure to reach the 2,132 m summit of Marojejy (approx. 4 hours). As you climb, you will discover high-altitude vegetation such as ericoid shrubs, lichens, and stunted trees. The summit offers breathtaking views over the rugged terrain (weather permitting). We return to Camp Marojejya for lunch and spend the night surrounded by the sounds of the forest. Full-board camping at Camp Marojejya.
Day 13: Marojejy – Sambava (90 km / approx. 2 hours’ drive)
We descend for approximately 5 hours back to the park entrance at Manantenina. From there, our vehicle will transfer you back to Sambava for a well-deserved rest. Overnight at Hotel Identic.
Day 14: Transfer to Sambava Airport
Transfer to the airport of Sambava for your flight. End of our service.
1 traveler: €5 000 – single room
2 travelers: €2 650 – double/twin room
3 travelers: €2 450 – triple room
4 travelers: €2 240 – two double/twin rooms
5 travelers: €2 050 – double + triple room
6 travelers: €1 950 – three twin/double rooms
Included
Airport-hotel-airport transfers | Private vehicle for the entire circuit | Accompanying guide | Entrance fees for the mentioned excursions | Camping equipment for Nosy Hara, Daraina, and Marojejy | Full board on camping days | Hotels on a half-board basis
Not Included
Entry visa (€35 per person) | Lunches not mentioned | Drinks | Personal expenses | Anything not mentioned in the included costs
Diego Suarez
At the northern tip of Madagascar is Diego-Suarez (Antsiranana). It is the 3rd port of Madagascar. Former French garrison, the city has lost its grandeur but still retains a feeling of nostalgia and great atmosphere. The marks of colonization haunt her like ghosts. There is an amazing cultural diversity in the city, always ready to party. Great place for nature lovers, natural and marine parks are a stone throw away.
Amber Mountain National Park
A lush volcanic massif near Joffreville, is a jewel of northern Madagascar. This rich rainforest ecosystem is teeming with unique biodiversity, including the crowned lemur and Sanford’s brown lemur, as well as the tiny Brookesia chameleon. Visitors can hike amidst its sacred waterfalls, tranquil crater lakes, and ancient trees. The park offers an immersive experience into a vibrant natural world, showcasing endemic flora and fauna, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Ramena
Twenty kilometers from Diégo-Suarez, Ramena a small authentic fishing village with a great choice of shacks that serve the most amazing seafood at great prices. The beach is also great with great warm clear water. A great destination for beach lovers.
Nosy Hara National Park
An isolated marine sanctuary, a true paradise off the coast near Ampasindava. It’s renowned for its extraordinary marine “Tsingy” – sharp limestone formations rising dramatically from the sea, creating a unique coastal landscape. Below the surface, untouched coral reefs teem with diverse marine life, making it excellent for snorkeling. This protected area offers unparalleled natural beauty and a sense of remote wilderness, providing a pristine habitat for both terrestrial and aquatic species, including a recently discovered dwarf chameleon.
The Red Tsingy of Irodo Valley
50 km south of Diego-Suarez is a group of beautiful red tsingy, to visit in the afternoon before sunset to profit from the great colors. These tsingy are the result of an erosion also called limestone pavement. The mixture of different oxides and the work of time gave birth to a set of a few hundred small fairy chimneys.
The National Park of Ankarana
The Ankàrana Special Reserve (National Park) allows you to see tsingy, these karst formations offering the rather breathtaking vision of hundreds of sharp limestone needles and peaks, erect towards the sky. In addition, water erosion has caused the creation of more than 100 caves which were inhabited during inter-ethnic conflicts. Some even house royal tombs. A dream place for hikers.
Loky Manambato (Daraina)
The Loky Manambato Protected Area, which is accessible from Daraina, about 53 km from Vohemar, is one of the best destinations for ecotourism on the Big Island. Indeed, this protected area shelters an astonishing biodiversity whose rate of endemism can reach 80%. It is best known as the natural refuge of the famous lemur propithecus tattersalli.
Vohemar
Coastal city in the northeast of Madagascar, the city of Vohémar is located in a bay that benefits from natural protection against bad weather and other natural phenomena of Indian Ocean. Green city, with the sweet scent of vanilla never too far, Vohémar, is a municipality of spice producers and also a fishing town. Vohemar is the only port of the northeast area of Madagascar.
Sambava
The “Vanilla Capital of the World,” is a bustling town on Madagascar’s lush northeastern coast. It’s the heart of the country’s vanilla, coffee, and spice production, surrounded by verdant plantations. The town serves as a gateway to the region’s rich agricultural landscapes and wild eastern forests, offering a glimpse into the economic and natural vibrancy of the SAVA region.
Marojejy National Park
Situated 60 km from Sambava, Marojery is arguably the most beautiful park in Madagascar. This “wonder of nature” has the unique property on the island of being traversed by a primary forest over 2000 meters above sea level. Consequently, the park presents a rare diversity in humid tropical environment.
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