Ankarana tsingy, Amber Mountain, Diego-Suarez, Emerald Sea, Nosy Komba and Nosy Iranja
This 13-day, 12-night tour from Nosy Be is our two-week journey through northwest Madagascar. It links the landscapes of the far north (the grey tsingy of Ankarana, the Red Tsingy, Amber Mountain, Diego-Suarez bay) with the islands of the archipelago: swimming and snorkelling at the Emerald Sea, Nosy Komba, Nosy Iranja and Nosy Sakatia. It is the right choice if you want a Madagascar itinerary that mixes discovery and beach time.
Every day is planned to avoid needless travel: private 4x4 and driver on the mainland, speedboats for the islands, a traditional sailboat for the Emerald Sea and an accompanying guide throughout. You meet lemurs, green turtles and, depending on the season, whale sharks, dolphins or whales.
The price per person depends on group size and hotel category, as shown in the price table. A group of five? Request a quote. This programme is indicative: we can shorten, extend or tailor it to your pace and interests.
Day 1
Your driver and guide meet you at Nosy Be airport and take you to your hotel (20 km, about 40 minutes). Welcome cocktail and briefing on your stay. In the afternoon you choose: Andilana beach (turquoise lagoon, seafood lunch) followed by a 360-degree sunset at Mont Passot with a local aperitif, or a free afternoon at the hotel to recover from your flight.
Day 2
Departure at 7:30, fast-boat crossing to Ankify (35 to 40 minutes), then National Road 6 by 4x4 towards Ambilobe (about 140 km, 3.5 to 4 hours) through plantations and villages. Local lunch in Mahamasina, then a guided visit of the Ankarana tsingy: Tsingy Rary, the suspension bridge, the river loss and the bat cave. The massif is home to 11 lemur species. Overnight at Ankarana Lodge or Kozobe Hotel, or similar.
Day 3
Drive to Anivorano Nord and visit the sacred lake Antagnavo: Sakalava and Antakarana legends, sacred crocodiles, and local customs and fady (taboos). Track to the Red Tsingy canyon (about 1.5 hours) and lunch at a local restaurant, then a guided walk at the foot of the ochre and red fairy chimneys. Climb to Joffreville, a cool little town at the foot of Amber Mountain. Overnight at Nature Lodge or similar.
Day 4
Walk through the colonial village of Joffreville, then hike in Amber Mountain National Park: the great waterfall, crater lakes, crowned lemurs, birds, orchids and giant fig trees. Lunch in the park or the village. In the afternoon, descend to Diego-Suarez (about 35 km) with views over the bay and the Sugar Loaf. Overnight at Meva Plage or Hotel Allamanda, or similar.
Day 5
Early start to climb the Montagne des Français, among baobabs, with a 360-degree view over the bay and the Sugar Loaf. Tour of the three bays (Dunes Bay, Pigeon Bay and Sakalava Bay) and the Cap Miné lighthouse. Lunch with your feet in the sand in Ramena (seafood, grilled lobster). In the afternoon, downtown Diego-Suarez: Rue Colbert, Place Joffre and the spice market.
Day 6
Board a traditional sailboat in Ramena for the Emerald Sea: swimming, snorkelling in a natural aquarium and a picnic on the islet (grilled fish, seafood, coconut rice). Back in Ramena around 2:30 pm, then drive south on RN6 (about 135 km, 2.5 hours) to the overnight stop in Ambilobe. Overnight at Hotel Kozobe.
Day 7
Drive to Ankify port (about 2.5 hours), then a fast-boat crossing to Nosy Komba (25 minutes). Settle in at the hotel, then stroll through Ampangorina village, known for its embroidery and wood carving. Lunch facing the ocean. In the afternoon, your choice: meet the macaco lemurs, walk the heights, snorkel or relax in a quiet cove. Sunset aperitif and a romantic dinner. Overnight at Floralies Nosy Komba or Hôtel de Rêve, or similar.
Day 8
Leave Ampangorina for a guided climb (about 9 km round trip, 4.5 to 5 hours of walking) through tropical forest and ylang-ylang, vanilla and cocoa plantations. Reach the island's highest point (622 m) and enjoy lunch with a 360-degree view of the archipelago. Descend through Ankimba village with a stop at the local school. Late afternoon free to relax or swim.
Day 9
Depart by private fast boat for a marine safari: supervised observation and swimming with whale sharks, dolphins or whales, depending on the season. Arrive at Nosy Iranja around 11:30 and have lunch with your feet in the sand at Chez Olivia. In the afternoon, climb to the Eiffel lighthouse to see the sandbank that links the two islands at low tide, then watch the sunset on the white sandbank. Dinner under the stars and, depending on the season, a quiet walk along the beach hoping to see a sea turtle laying eggs or hatchlings emerging. Overnight in the bivouac at Chez Olivia.
Day 10
Wake up to the sound of the waves, then swim and relax in the clear waters of Nosy Iranja. Last lunch at Chez Olivia. In the afternoon, stop on Antsoha islet to see three lemur species up close: the macaco, the fulvus and Verreaux's sifaka, known as the dancing lemur. Crossing back to Nosy Be and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at Villa Bako or Nosy Lodge, or similar.
Day 11
Leave the hotel by tuk-tuk, then cross by boat (about 20 minutes) to Nosy Sakatia. A botanical walk of about an hour through aromatic plants, vanilla fields and orchards, passing through the traditional village of Tanam-be. Malagasy lunch with your feet in the water. In the afternoon, guided snorkelling to swim with green turtles in their seagrass meadow. Return to Nosy Be and transfer to the hotel.
Day 12
Guided visit of central Hell-Ville by private vehicle: the large covered market (vanilla, green pepper, pink peppercorns, tropical fruit), crafts (carvings, embroidery, ylang-ylang essential oils), colonial buildings and the traditional port. Lunch on your own in town. Afternoon at the hotel to relax and pack.
Day 13
Breakfast at the hotel and a last relaxing moment depending on your flight time. Private transfer to Nosy Be International Airport (Fascene) with help at check-in. End of services.
Mid-range or superior hotels of your choice, or similar (for example Ankarana Lodge or Kozobe near Ankarana, Meva Plage or Allamanda in Diego-Suarez, Floralies Nosy Komba or Hôtel de Rêve on Nosy Komba). One night is spent in a simple beach bivouac on Nosy Iranja. Lunch on day 12 is free, and day 13 is limited to breakfast and the airport transfer. Drinks, tips and the local park guide, where mandatory, are paid separately. Bring walking shoes, light cotton clothing, swimwear, a dry bag and some cash in ariary. The programme may be adjusted to weather, sea conditions and the marine wildlife season.
The price is per person and depends on group size and hotel category: from €1,450 (6 or more people, mid-range hotels) to €2,190 (2 people, superior hotels). The price table shows each case.
Hotel or bungalow, full board (except lunch on day 12, with day 13 limited to breakfast), park entrance fees, private 4x4 with driver, speedboats and traditional sailboat, marine safari, airport transfer and an accompanying guide. Not included: flights, tourist visa, drinks, tips, the local park guide where mandatory, and personal expenses.
The dry season, from April to November, is the most pleasant. Whale sharks, dolphins and whales are seasonal, as is turtle nesting: ask us for advice based on your dates.
The tour is done by 4x4 with a driver and an accompanying guide, with hotels chosen in advance, which limits surprises. As with any trip, check your government's travel advice before departure and contact us with any question about the itinerary.
The table covers groups of 2, 3, 4 and 6 or more. For 5 people, request a quote and we will reply with a suitable price.
Yes. The tour combines the far north and the islands: swimming and snorkelling at the Emerald Sea, Nosy Komba, Nosy Iranja with a night in a beach bivouac, and Nosy Sakatia to swim with green turtles.
Yes, it is indicative. We can shorten, extend or adapt it to your pace. For a shorter version, see our 5-day and 7-day northern tours.
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