15‑day private tour starting from Nosy Be to discover the secrets of northern Madagascar. Explore the limestone formations of Ankarana National Park, trek through the rainforest of Amber Mountain and admire the Red Tsingy. Discover Diego Suárez and the Three Bays of sweeping coastal splendour.
Back in Nosy Be, sail away to the paradise islands of Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Sakatia and Nosy Iranja surrounded by turquoise lagoons and virgin sandy beaches. An unmissable wildlife, local culture and total relaxation experience in the heart of Madagascar.
⭐ Highlights
- Ankarana tsingy pinnacles and cave systems
- Red Tsingy (Irodo) striking red laterite formations
- Amber Mountain rainforest, crater lakes and waterfalls
- Montagne des Français panoramic sunset over Antsiranana Bay
- Three Bays coastal trek with secluded beaches and cliffs
- Emerald Sea turquoise lagoon and sandbanks
- Nosy Sakatia snorkeling with sea turtles
- Nosy Komba black lemurs and artisan villages
- Nosy Tanikely marine park coral reefs and vibrant fishlife
- Lokobe primary lowland forest and endemic wildlife
- Nosy Iranja iconic sandbank and pristine beaches
📅 Full Itinerary — Day by Day
Day 1 – Nosy Be
Arrival at Nosy Be International Airport and transfer to the coast in Madirokely or Hell‑Ville. Madagascar's best‑known island combines volcanic hills, tropical vegetation, fishing villages and beaches washed by the Mozambique Channel. Free afternoon to relax by the sea or explore the colourful streets of Hell‑Ville with colonial buildings, spice stalls and seafood markets. Overnight at Blue Sky Resort or similar.
Day 2 – Nosy Be → Ankify → Ankarana | approx. 250 km – 5/6 h + boat crossing
Morning boat to Ankify, then drive through the fertile Sambirano Valley, where plantations of cacao, vanilla, coffee, pepper and ylang‑ylang surround Ambanja. As the road moves inland, the vegetation turns to dry deciduous forest and savanna. Arrive at Ankarana National Park, a vast karst massif with caves, underground rivers, sharp tsingy pinnacles and endemic wildlife. Overnight at Relais Ankarana or similar.
Day 3 – Ankarana → Red Tsingy → Antsiranana | approx. 180 km – 4/5 h
Morning exploration of Ankarana National Park on guided trails through deep canyons, hanging bridges and pointed limestone formations. Look for crowned lemurs, geckos, bats and bright chameleons. Continue north to the surreal Red Tsingy, laterite formations sculpted into red peaks and ridges. Late afternoon arrival in Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), a historic port on one of the world's largest natural bays. Overnight at Lakana Resort or similar.
Day 4 – Antsiranana → Amber Mountain → Ramena | approx. 90 km – 3 h
Drive into the cool highlands of Amber Mountain National Park, a volcanic massif covered with montane rainforest, waterfalls, giant ferns, orchids and crater lakes. Guided walks reveal endemic reptiles, tiny chameleons, lemurs and tropical birds. Afterwards, descend to the fishing village of Ramena, facing the turquoise Indian Ocean, with a stop in the old colonial settlement of Joffreville. Overnight at Lakana Plage or similar.
Day 5 – Three Bays Trek
Full‑day coastal hike around the Three Bays north of Ramena. The trail crosses dry coastal scrub, dunes, cliffs and isolated beaches such as Baie des Dunes, Pigeons Bay and Cap Miné. The coastline remains remarkably unspoilt, with blue pirogues on white sand and turquoise water stretching to the horizon. One of the most scenic walks in northern Madagascar, combining cliffs, dunes and hidden coves. Overnight at Lakana Plage or similar.
Day 6 – Emerald Sea
Boat tour to the famous Emerald Sea, a shallow lagoon with white sandbanks and coral reefs in brilliant turquoise water. Ideal for snorkelling, swimming and relaxing by the shore. A fresh seafood lunch is prepared on the beach before returning in the afternoon. Overnight at Lakana or similar.
Day 7 – Ramena → Ankify → Nosy Be | approx. 250 km – 5/6 h + boat crossing
Drive south again through dry northern landscapes, tropical plantations and roadside villages, then a boat crossing back to Nosy Be. Late afternoon arrival, with time to relax on Madirokely beach or stroll the streets of Hell‑Ville. Overnight at Sky Blue Resort or similar.
Day 8 – Nosy Sakatia
Excursion to Nosy Sakatia, a green volcanic island with tropical vegetation, vanilla plantations and small fishing villages. Quiet paths wind through coconut and spice estates, while the clear lagoons stay calm. The island is well known for snorkelling with green sea turtles often seen in shallow seagrass beds. Overnight at Sky Blue Resort or similar.
Day 9 – Nosy Komba & Nosy Tanikely
Boat to Nosy Komba, a steep‑sided volcanic island with traditional fishing villages, craft markets and habituated black lemurs near the forest edge. Then continue to Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve, one of the best snorkelling spots in northern Madagascar. The tiny islet and its lighthouse are surrounded by coral gardens, tropical fish and sea turtles. Overnight at Sky Blue Resort or similar.
Day 10 – Lokobe National Park
Traditional canoe transfer from Ambatozavavy to Lokobe National Park, the last primary forest on Nosy Be. Dense tropical vegetation, tall trees and forest trails shelter an extraordinary range of endemic wildlife. Guided walks offer sightings of black lemurs, chameleons, frogs, geckos and medicinal plants still used by local communities. Overnight at Sky Blue Resort or similar.
Day 11 – Nosy Iranja
Full‑day boat excursion to Nosy Iranja, two tropical islands connected by a white sandbank that emerges between azure lagoons. Clear waters and beaches invite swimming and snorkelling. The long stretches of white sand, coconut palms and deep blue Indian Ocean create one of Madagascar's most recognisable landscapes. Overnight at Sky Blue Resort or similar.
Day 12 – Nosy Be
Free day to enjoy Nosy Be at your own pace. Optional diving, snorkelling, boat rides, beach time or visits to local spice plantations and the colourful market near Hell‑Ville. Overnight at Sky Blue Resort or similar.
Day 13 – Nosy Be
Another day at leisure to soak up the island lifestyle. Relax on the beaches of Madirokely or Andilana, take optional water activities, or simply unwind by the Indian Ocean. Overnight at Sky Blue Resort or similar.
Day 14 – Nosy Be
Last full day at leisure before departure. Enjoy the tropical beaches and warm waters of the Mozambique Channel. Overnight at Sky Blue Resort or similar.
Day 15 – Nosy Be – Departure
Transfer to Nosy Be International Airport according to your flight schedule. End of services.