Discovery · Family or group
On the Trail of Northern Madagascar’s Treasures: Heritage, Culture, Biodiversity and Blissful Beaches
From the turquoise waters of the Three Bays to the pinnacles of the Red Tsingy, from the Andrafiamena forest to Amber Mountain and the caves of Ankarana, this journey reveals the treasures of northern Madagascar before winding down in the gentle tropical charm of Nosy Be.
- 15 days
- North
- Quote within 48 h
At a glance
Trip highlights
- A complete discovery of northern Madagascar, from Diego Suarez to Nosy Be by way of Andrafiamena, Amber Mountain and Ankarana
- The spectacular landscapes of Diego Suarez, from its vast bay to the beaches of the Three Bays
- Immersion in the heart of the Andrafiamena forest, and an exceptional after-dark experience
- Hiking along the Ampantsona River and swimming in its crystal-clear natural pools
- Remarkable biodiversity, from lemurs to chameleons and rare birds
- Discovering the cultural heritage of the Antakarana people
- The gentle tropical charm of Nosy Be to round off the journey
- A tour with ecotourism at its heart, striking the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation
Your route
- Antananarivo
- Diego Suarez
- Three Bays
- Red Tsingy
- Andrafiamena
- Amber Mountain
- Ankarana
- Nosy Be
- Antananarivo
Domestic flights (not included), a vehicle with a French-speaking driver-guide and a boat crossing from Ankify to Nosy Be.
Day by day
The itinerary
A 15-day itinerary that can be fully tailored: every stage can be adapted to your pace and wishes.
Day 01
Arrival in Antananarivo
Welcome to Madagascar! You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight at Maison Gallieni, bed and breakfast
Antananarivo
Day 02
Antananarivo – Diego Suarez
Domestic flight
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to Diego Suarez, the first stop on your journey through the north. You are met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight at the Allamanda hotel, half board
Diego Suarez
Day 03
Diego Suarez – Three Bays
Considered the second-largest bay in the world, the bay of Diego Suarez is a magnificent natural spectacle, with breathtaking panoramas.
Next, we head for the Three Bays, an unspoilt gem far from the crowds. Sakalava Bay, Dune Bay and Pigeon Bay follow one another in a picture-postcard setting of immaculate white sand, turquoise sea and a peaceful atmosphere. Each has its own charm, and all invite quiet contemplation and relaxation. We then return to Diego Suarez.
Overnight at the Allamanda hotel, half board
Day 04
Diego Suarez – Red Tsingy – Andrafiamena
The day begins with a private visit to the Red Tsingy, one of the most unusual sites in Madagascar. Here, erosion of the laterite deposits lining the Irodo River has gradually revealed fascinating sandstone needles in shades of red and pink: mineral drapes, slender pinnacles and sculpted forms create a landscape as astonishing as it is ephemeral.
After the visit, we drive on to Andrafiamena and settle in for two nights at a charming ecolodge, which has won an award from the British Guild of Travel Writers for its commitment and the quality of its welcome. Set on a hillside, its wooden bungalows have balconies with superb views over the dense forest of the protected area and the surrounding mountains.
Nature makes its presence strongly felt here, and the whole estate is run in a spirit of responsible tourism: the architecture and décor celebrate traditional craftsmanship and local materials, and craftspeople from the region played a large part in the project. Overlooking the estate and opening onto the landscape, the restaurant serves contemporary Malagasy cuisine made with local produce, in a sustainable and authentic spirit.
In the evening, with a private French-speaking guide, set out to explore the dry forest of Andrafiamena, whose atmosphere is transformed as night falls. This protected area is home to a remarkable diversity of endemic plants and exceptional wildlife: along the trails you may spot the shy fork-marked lemur, the tiny rufous mouse lemur, the grey bamboo lemur, the elusive aye-aye or even the crowned lemur, which, although mainly active by day, is sometimes out and about beneath the starry sky.
Overnight at Black Lemur Camp, all inclusive
Red Tsingy
Day 05
Andrafiamena
Today is given over to hiking and swimming in the heart of the reserve. With a naturalist guide, set off to explore the forest, following the peaceful course of the Ampantsona River. Along the way, the river has carved superb pools of crystal-clear water into the rock, and a stop beside one of these natural pools makes for a refreshing swim in beautifully serene surroundings.
The walk is also a great opportunity to observe the local wildlife. High in the canopy, a Sanford’s brown lemur or a crowned lemur may come into view. With a great deal of luck, you might even encounter the fossa, Madagascar’s top predator, as secretive as it is elusive. Easier to spot, the ring-tailed mongoose, another member of the Eupleridae family, often moves about in small groups. These encounters are just a glimpse of the reserve’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Birdwatchers will be in their element: the Souimanga sunbird, the Malagasy bulbul and the lesser vasa parrot are among the species most often seen. With a little patience, you may also spot the Malagasy turtle dove, the black heron or the impressive African openbill.
Overnight at Black Lemur Camp, all inclusive
Day 06
Andrafiamena – Joffreville
After a hearty breakfast, we set off for Joffreville. Some 40 km from Diego Suarez, Amber Mountain National Park opens the door to a completely different world: ranging from 850 to 1,475 m in altitude, this volcanic massif shelters one of the last tropical rainforests in northern Madagascar, a haven of exceptional biodiversity where lemurs, chameleons and rare birds live amid lush vegetation.
Lunch along the way is at your own expense. We arrive in mid-afternoon and check in at the hotel.
Overnight at Letchi Tree, half board
Amber Mountain
Day 07
Amber Mountain National Park
Time to explore Amber Mountain National Park. Established in 1958 in the DIANA region, it covers 30,538 hectares of mid-altitude rainforest. A true water tower for the north, this forest supplies the neighbouring communities and plays a key role in regulating the local climate. Its isolation has fostered exceptional endemism: more than 80% of its plants and animals are found only in Madagascar.
A leading centre for ecotourism, conservation and research, the park offers a variety of trails through unspoilt nature, taking in viewpoints, craters and shady valleys. Lunch is at your own expense, then it’s back to the hotel to relax after the day’s exploring.
Overnight at Letchi Tree, half board
Day 08
Joffreville – Ankarana
120 km, about 4 hours by road, including stops
We leave Joffreville to discover the Ankarana massif, whose tsingy, caves and canyons await us over the next two days.
Days 09 – 10
Ankarana National Park
Two days are devoted to Ankarana National Park. After a hearty breakfast, we set off for the park: the drive takes 2.5 hours and we need to be there by 7 am, so it’s an early start.
Beginner, keen walker or trail runner: whatever your fitness level, a range of hikes and trails is on offer at the park entrance.
- Tsingy: Tsingy Meva, Tsingy Rary, the Tsingy turrets and the Grand Tsingy de Benavony
- Caves: Bat Cave, Skeleton Cave, Antsironandoha Cave, and the Milaintety and Potamochères caves
- Andrafiabe Cave and the Cathedral
- Caves and lakes: Crocodile Cave and Lake Ampandriamborona, Pigeon Cave and Lake Mangily
- Rivers, lake and canyon: Perte des Rivières, Lac Vert, Rivière Verte and the first canyon
- Ambohimalaza viewpoint
Nights at Iharana Bush Camp, half board
Day 11
Ankarana – Ankify – Nosy Be
By road to Ankify, then by boat
After a restful night, we take the road towards Ambanja to reach Ankify. We board the boat for the crossing to Nosy Be, where you are met and transferred to your hotel: time to savour the island’s gentle tropical charm.
Overnight at the Ravintsara Wellness Hotel, half board
Nosy Be
Days 12 – 13
Nosy Be
After the adventure, it’s time to relax: two free days to enjoy Nosy Be as you please. Activities can be arranged directly with the hotel.
Nights at Mangasoa Lodge, bed and breakfast
Nosy Be
Day 14
Nosy Be – Antananarivo
Domestic flight
A final morning by the sea, then, depending on your flight time, transfer to the airport and fly to Antananarivo, the City of the Thousand. You are met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Time permitting, a vehicle is at your disposal for an orientation tour of the city.
Overnight at Maison Gallieni, bed and breakfast
Antananarivo
Day 15
Antananarivo – Departure
Before the transfer, there is time for some last-minute souvenir shopping. Transfer to the airport and assistance with your return flight. End of our services.
Clear and simple
What the price includes
The price includes
- The vehicle
- Fuel
- French-speaking driver-guide
- Driver-guide’s allowances
- Driver-guide’s accommodation
- Transfers as mentioned in the programme
- Sea transfers
- Sightseeing as mentioned in the programme
- Meals as mentioned in the programme
- Park and reserve entrance fees
- Local guides in parks and reserves
The price does not include
- Activities marked “possibility of”
- Lunches and dinners at your own expense or not mentioned in the programme
- Activities not mentioned in the programme
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Domestic and international flights
- Insurance
Good to know BEMIRAY Tours’ insurance does not cover clients for repatriation or illness.
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On the Trail of the North’s Treasures
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