Madagascar's Northern Highlights

From Antananarivo to Antananarivo
  • Madagascar
  • Wildlife and Nature
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Tour Description

Embark on an extraordinary journey that combines the mesmerizing wonders of Montagne d'Ambre, Ankarana, and the idyllic island of Nosy Be. This carefully curated tour allows you to explore the diverse landscapes and captivating attractions of northern Madagascar.

The adventure begins with a visit to Montagne d'Ambre National Park, where you'll immerse yourself in the lush tropical forest, encounter endemic wildlife like the crowned lemur, and discover enchanting waterfalls hidden within the park's scenic trails.

From there, you'll venture to Ankarana National Park, where the surreal Tsingy formations will leave you awe-inspired. Traverse the unique limestone landscape, marvel at the towering pinnacles, and delve into hidden caves as you uncover the secrets of this geological wonder. Along the way, keep an eye out for lemurs, reptiles, and the incredible bird species that call this park home.

After exploring the captivating national parks, it's time to unwind and relax on the pristine shores of Nosy Be. This tropical paradise offers a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure. Bask in the sunshine on white sandy beaches, swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters, and snorkel among vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.  Discover the local culture and charm of Nosy Be with visits to traditional villages, where you can interact with friendly locals and learn about their way of life. Indulge in the island's culinary delights, sample exotic fruits, and savor delicious seafood dishes that showcase the fresh flavors of the Indian Ocean.

Whether you choose to embark on optional activities like dolphin watching, scuba diving, or simply unwind in a hammock, Nosy Be provides a serene and rejuvenating escape.

Want to see more of Madagascar?  These tours combine perfectly - Best of the West - Baobabs and Tsingy and Signature Madagascar to create the ultimate Madagascar trip!

Viva's Best Bits...

Montagne d'Ambre showcases a remarkable tapestry of landscapes, from dense forests to cascading waterfalls, and is home to a rich array of unique and endemic wildlife species.

Nosy Be is a true tropical paradise, with pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters teeming with an abundance of marine life, and lush green landscapes home to a variety of lemurs.

Ankarana is renowned for its captivating limestone formations known as "Tsingy" and home to the mysterious "Perte de Rivière" (River Sinkhole), where streams mysteriously disappear underground.

Tour Itinerary

Customisable ? This tour can be customised to suit your tastes and timing. Enquire here for more information.
Day 1
Antananarivo

On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 2
Antananarivo Amber Mountain

Fly to Diego Suarez and transfer to the vibrant city of Antsiranana. From there, drive to Joffreville, a charming town founded by the French Foreign Legion.

Since the mid-1990s, it has become a vibrant hub, serving as the perfect launching point for exploring the breathtaking Montagne d'Ambre National Park. This expansive park spans an impressive 18,200 hectares and is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including seven species of lemurs, over 70 bird species, and 24 amphibian species.

Discover the captivating wonders of Montagne d'Ambre as you immerse yourself in its lush landscapes. Marvel at the majestic waterfalls, tranquil rivers, and serene crater lakes that adorn the park. Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch amidst the breathtaking scenery, savoring the flavors while surrounded by nature's beauty.

Day 3
Amber Mountain Ankarana National Park

Embark on an unforgettable journey south after breakfast. If weather permits, you'll have the chance to visit the mesmerizing Tsingy Rouge, an awe-inspiring site boasting stunning red laterite earth and breathtaking crystal formations.

Next, you'll arrive at the extraordinary Ankarana, a protected nature reserve renowned for its captivating limestone formations known as "Tsingy" in Malagasy. Explore the reserve's captivating caves adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and occasional bat colonies. Immerse yourself in a three to four-hour hike and discover the unique beauty of the landscape.

Some valleys are secluded, creating enclosed pockets that intersect with streams, often disappearing into underground cave systems. Notably, the "Perte de rivière" features a captivating hole where streams vanish into the depths. These streams may dry up during the dry season, transforming into rushing rivers during the rainy season.

Indulge in a picnic lunch amidst this extraordinary scenery before retiring for the night at a comfortable hotel located on the outskirts of the National Park.

Day 4
Ankarana National Park Nosy Be

After enjoying breakfast, embark on your journey to Ankify, a charming coastal village.

From there, you'll transfer by boat to the enchanting Nosy Be Island. Along the way, you'll pass by the picturesque town of Ambilobe, nestled on the banks of the Mahavavy River. The surrounding fields are dedicated to cultivating and processing a significant portion of Madagascar's sugar cane harvest, which is transformed into rum in a nearby factory. The region is also renowned for its cocoa and spice plantations.

Upon reaching Ankify, you'll board the ferries bound for Nosy Be. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for overnight.

Day 5-6
Nosy Be

During your leisure days in Nosy Be, you'll have the freedom to relax and explore at your own pace. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel, taking in the serene surroundings.

As an optional activity for an additional charge, you can embark on a captivating "mini-cruise" to Nosy Komba, a neighboring island known for its unique features. Here, you'll have the opportunity to encounter black lemurs, with the females displaying a brown coat and the males adorned in deep black fur. The island is also renowned for its vanilla cultivation. For those seeking adventure, you can embark on a climb up the 622-meter-high volcano, immersing yourself in its awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Continuing your exploration, visit the charming island of Nosy Tany Kely, which boasts an underwater reserve covering 200 hectares and established as a national marine park in 2011. Snorkeling enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of fish species, starfish, crabs, corals, and various types of algae present in the crystal-clear and calm waters surrounding the island. Upon request, a delightful beach picnic can be arranged, allowing you to savor the coastal ambiance.

For an additional charge, you can partake in other exciting excursions, such as a journey to the Lokobe Reserve, where you can immerse yourself in a lush rainforest during a several-hour jungle hike, encountering lemurs and other fascinating wildlife. Alternatively, you can visit Mount Passot, the highest peak on the island, standing at 329 meters, and admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes, islands, and the mesmerizing sunset. Another option is to explore Lemuria Land, an animal and plant park established in 2010, where you can observe a variety of bird, reptile, and lemur species, as well as a plethora of beautiful orchids.

Day 7
Nosy Be Antananarivo

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the capital. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for overnight.

Day 8
Antananarivo

Depending on the departure time of your flight you may have time to embark on a captivating morning excursion to Ambohimanga, a historical gem located just 21 kilometers north of the city.

This remarkable site holds the significance of being a King's palace and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the rich history and cultural heritage of Ambohimanga as you wander through the palace grounds, taking in the architectural splendor and learning about the fascinating stories embedded within its walls.

Afterwards visit a market with Malagasy handicrafts and, if your flight is late in the evening, you have use of a day-use room in the hotel. Afterwards, transfer to the airport and check-in for departure for the flight home.

* Additional nights can be added in Nosy Be, please enquire.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 7 nights accommodation in standard hotels including breakfast
Food
  • Included Copy 20 Picnic on day 2 and 3
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Return airport transfers
  • Included Copy 20 Local guides in the parks, including park and reserve fees
  • Included Copy 20 4WD car rental from Diego to Ankify including driver and fuel
  • Included Copy 20 Motor boat transfer from Ankify to Nosy Be
  • Included Copy 20 Economy flight from Antananarivo-Diégo and Nosy Be-Antananarivo (airfares subject to change)
  • Included Copy 7 Visa, other meals and drinks, excursions on Nosy Be, insurance or items of personal nature
  • Included Copy 7 English speaking guide escort for full duration (please enquire for the supplement)

Activities

  • Included Explore Ambohimanga, a UNESCO site known for its impressive architecture and rich cultural heritage
  • Included Discover cascading waterfalls, tranquil streams, & unique wildlife of Montagne d`Ambre National Park
  • Included Explore the rugged trails as you hike Ankarana National Park, home to fascinating wildlife
  • Included Discover a wide array of unique artisanal products at Ambohimanga handcrafts market
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

8 days

Price from

$2,763 USD

Per person, sharing

based on low season

Daily, on request