Discovery of the North with Nosy Be and Sainte-Marie

Day 1: TANA – Diego Suarez

  • Distance: 1200 km
  • Description: Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) is the flagship city of northern Madagascar. A true dream destination, it offers a variety of activities both on water and land, in a breathtaking and stunning setting. From idyllic beaches to majestic mountain ranges, each step of your journey will unveil a new fascinating landscape. You will experience an unforgettable adventure filled with lasting memories.
  • Lodging: Victoria Hotel in half-board – Allamanda Hotel

Day 2: Exploration of the Red Tsingy

  • Description: The Red Tsingy are true natural masterpieces, formed from sandstone, marl, and limestone. This community-managed site is located 16 km off-road from the village of Saharegnana and 60 km south of Diego Suarez. Along the route, you will pass through traditional villages, baobab forests, and pachypodiums, as well as mountain chains and rice fields.
  • Lodging: Victoria Hotel – Allamanda Hotel (half-board)

Day 3: Diego – Montagne des Français – 3 Bays – Ramena

  • Description: This historically rich site is an integral part of the local landscape and is also Madagascar’s oldest archaeological site. Rising to an altitude of 450 meters, its summit is composed of limestone covering marl—a natural mix of clay and limestone—forming the lower slopes. This site, both historical and touristic, is ideally located near Diego Suarez and serves as a gateway to other renowned attractions in the region, such as the Emerald Sea, Ramena, and the Three Bays.
  • Lodging: Victoria Hotel – Allamanda Hotel (half-board)
  • Activities:
    – Baobab Valley Trail: Discover two species of baobabs, including the famous Adansonia suarenzensis, an endemic species found only in northern Madagascar.“360° Tour” Hike: Reach the summit and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Diego Bay, the second-largest bay in the world after Rio de Janeiro. It is also part of the exclusive club of the “Most Beautiful Bays in the World.”

    The final trail offered is the “Parrot Valley” circuit, designed for trekking enthusiasts and adventure seekers. This hike combines sport and exploration, taking you through a limestone rock forest, also known as the Tsingy, which is part of a newly designated protected area.

Day 4: On the way to AMBANJA

  • Distance: 250 Km
  • Description: In the morning, we depart for the town of Ambanja, which literally means “Where there is powder.” Located in northwestern Madagascar, it lies 18 km from the port of Ankify and about 500 km from Antananarivo as the crow flies. Built along the Sambirano River, Ambanja is particularly known for its vast cocoa plantations. The town serves as the commercial and cultural center of a highly agricultural region with over 200,000 inhabitants. It is a key location for the cultivation of export crops such as pepper, coffee, ylang-ylang, and, most notably, cocoa plantations.
  • Lodging: Hôtel Hermitage / Antoremba (Half-board)

Day 5: Journey to Ankify, Boat Crossing to Nosy Be – Sunset at Mont Passot

  • Distance: 25 km
  • Description: A peninsula in the Diana region at the heart of Madagascar, Ankify is a delightful town to visit during your stay. You will be enchanted by its small port, which shelters an incredible coral massif that you can admire while scuba diving. You can also embark on an excursion to this beautiful island, which boasts an incredible natural heritage. Flowers, plants, trees, and turquoise waters make Ankify an ideal destination to unwind and enjoy a rich and lush environment. Later, we will admire a magnificent sunset in an idyllic setting at “Mont Passot.”
  • Activities:
    • Scuba diving
    • Sunset at Mont Passot
  • Lodging: Panoramic Lodge Ankify (half-board)

Day 6: NOSY BE – Excursion to NOSY IRANJA

  • Distance: 46 km
  • Description: Nosy Be, a paradise island rich in flora and fauna, is a diver’s haven with its vast coral reef forest. Spanning 321 km², it is Madagascar’s top tourist destination, featuring stunning white sandy beaches. Surrounded by beautiful small islands, Nosy Be offers an unparalleled dreamland of adventure. The breathtaking Nosy Iranja is located southwest of Nosy Be, beyond the Bay of the Russians. It actually consists of two islands connected by a white sandbank. The second island (inhabited) is accessible at low tide and houses an old hotel now closed to the public. It is one of the most beautiful islands in Madagascar.
  • Activities:
    • Swimming with turtles
    • 360° panoramic view from the lighthouse
    • Witnessing turtle hatchings
  • Lodging: Le Zahir Hotel (half-board

Day 07: NOSY BE – ANTANANARIVO

  • Distance: 650 km
  • Description: Antananarivo, the historic capital of Madagascar, is a vibrant city where a mosaic of people from all regions come together.
  • Lodging: La Maison de Lovasoa Hotel (half-board)

Day 08: ANTANANARIVO

  • Activity: City tour
  • Lodging: La Maison de Lovasoa Hotel (half-board)

Day 09: TANA – SAINTE MARIE

  • Distance: 480 km
  • Description: Sainte-Marie, also known as Nosy Boraha, is a tropical destination off the east coast of Madagascar. This small island, 49 km long and 5 km wide, offers an idyllic landscape with fishing villages and pristine beaches. Authentic and well-preserved, it promises a true escape.
  • Activities: Pirate Cemetery – Eiffel Lighthouse – Îlot Madame
  • Lodging: Les Villas de Vohilava Hotel (half-board)

Day 10: SAINTE MARIE

  • Activities: Îles aux Nattes / Natural Pools / Ampanihy Paradise / Relaxing at the Beach
  • Lodging: Les Villas de Vohilava Hotel (half-board)

Day 11: SAINTE MARIE – MAHAMBO – FOULPOINTE

  • Distance: Sainte Marie – Foulpointe: 215 Km
  • Description: A simple yet charming town, Foulpointe is known for its beautiful beach, protected by coral reefs, making it a safe and pleasant spot for swimming. With its stunning landscapes and pristine beaches, it has become a must-visit destination.
  • Activities: Swimming / Surfing / Visit to Manda Fort
  • Lodging: Manda Beach Hotel (half-board)

Day 12: FOULPOINTE – TAMATAVE – ANDASIBE

  • Distance: 289 Km
  • Description: Andasibe is a charming little village with a Wild West feel, featuring a single cobblestone street, picturesque houses, and lush rice fields. The village has an undeniable charm but is best known for the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. This park is home to an exceptional variety of flora and fauna, making it a must-visit destination.
  • Activities: Night visit to the park
  • Lodging: Feon’ny Ala (half-board)

Day 13: ANDASIBE – ANTANANARIVO

  • Distance: 160 Km
  • Activity: Daytime visit