Northern Madagascar Discovery Tour – Ankarana, Nosy Hara, Marojejy & Nosy Be Islands
Overview
This exceptional 15-day tour explores the wild and diverse northern corridor of Madagascar, starting in the historic port city of Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) and concluding in the fragrant vanilla capital of Sambava. The journey traces a remarkable arc through contrasting ecosystems: from the lush volcanic rainforests of Amber Mountain National Park and the pristine coastal bays of Ramena, to an extended two-night immersion in the remote marine sanctuary of Nosy Hara National Park, where untouched coral reefs and dramatic limestone tsingy rise from crystal waters. The route continues to the vast karst labyrinth of Ankarana National Park, before pushing into the exclusive Daraina Forest (Loky Manambato Protected Area), the only habitat of the critically endangered golden-crowned sifaka. The expedition culminates with a challenging ascent of UNESCO-listed Marojejy National Park, a biodiversity hotspot and sanctuary of the rare silky sifaka. Designed for adventurous travelers seeking authentic wildlife encounters and untouched landscapes, this one-way itinerary balances guided trekking, coastal exploration, and immersive cultural moments, seamlessly connecting the dry northern coast to the humid eastern rainforests. Starting in Diego Suarez and ending in Sambava, this journey offers an uninterrupted, in-depth exploration of Madagascar‘s most ecologically rich and visually stunning northern region.
Highlights
- ✓ Guided 4-hour hike in Amber Mountain National Park: crowned lemurs, Sanford's brown lemurs, Brookesia chameleon
- ✓ Discover sacred waterfalls and crater lakes within volcanic rainforest
- ✓ Trek to the Three Bays (Pigeon, Dune, Sakalava): pristine white sands and turquoise waters
- ✓ Climb Montagne des Français: dry forest, baobabs, and panoramic ocean views
- ✓ Private boat excursion to Suarez Island in the Emerald Sea: swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear lagoons
- ✓ 2-night camping at Nosy Hara National Park for island hopping
- ✓ Island hiking, coastal reef snorkeling, and marine tsingy observation at Nosy Hara
- ✓ Explore the Tsingy Rouge Reserve: striking red laterite towers sculpted by erosion
- ✓ Full-day trek in Ankarana National Park: grey limestone pinnacles, cave systems, sunken forests, and underground rivers
- ✓ Track crowned lemurs, Sanford's brown lemurs, and northern sportive lemurs in Ankarana
- ✓ Journey to the Daraina Forest (Loky Manambato Protected Area): the only habitat of the critically endangered golden-crowned sifaka
- ✓ Traditional pirogue excursion along the Bemarivo River: vanilla plantations and riverside village life
- ✓ Enter Marojejy National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site): biodiversity hotspot with 12 lemur species
- ✓ Guided night walk at Mantella Camp: spot nocturnal frogs, chameleons, and mouse lemurs
- ✓ Challenging 7-hour ascent to Camp Simpona: traverse lowland rainforest to mossy cloud forest
- ✓ Summit trek to 2,132m Marojejy Peak: high-altitude vegetation and panoramic mountain views
- ✓ Search for the rare silky sifaka ("Angel of the Forest") and helmet vanga in Marojejy
Itinerary
Day 1: Diego Suarez → Joffreville (70 km / ~1.5 hrs drive)
Meet at Diego Suarez Airport and transfer to Joffreville, nestled at the base of Amber Mountain National Park. Begin with a guided 4-hour hike through this lush volcanic rainforest, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. Track crowned lemurs and Sanford's brown lemurs through the canopy, and search for the minute Brookesia chameleon, one of the world's smallest reptiles. The park also shelters endemic birds like the Amber Mountain rock thrush. Discover sacred waterfalls and serene crater lakes hidden within the dense foliage. Overnight at Hotel Nature Lodge or similar.
Day 2: Joffreville → Ramena (100 km / ~2 hrs drive)
Depart for the coast and trek to the Three Bays (Pigeon Bay, Dune Bay, and Sakalava Bay), celebrated for their powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. In the afternoon, explore Montagne des Français (French Mountain). Climb through dry deciduous forest dotted with ancient baobabs to reach panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Indian Ocean. Overnight at Hotel Lakana Resort or similar.
Day 3: Ramena → Emerald Sea → Ramena
Board a private fishing boat from Ramena to Suarez Island in the stunning Emerald Sea. Spend the day immersed in this aquatic paradise, swimming and snorkeling in shallow, emerald-green lagoons teeming with marine life. Return to Ramena by 4 PM for a relaxed evening. Overnight at Hotel Lakana Resort or similar.
Day 4: Ramena → Ampasindava → Nosy Hara (100 km + boat transfer)
Drive to Ampasindava and transfer to a motorized boat for Nosy Hara National Park. Arrive at this remote island sanctuary in the afternoon. Check into your accommodation and enjoy a guided introductory walk along the shoreline, observing the unique marine limestone tsingy formations rising directly from the water. Sunset over the Indian Ocean. Overnight: Camping or Basic Bungalow at Nosy Hara (Night 1).
Day 5: Nosy Hara (Full Day Exploration)
Dedicate the day to deeper exploration of Nosy Hara. Hike the island's interior trails through dry coastal forest, track endemic reptiles, and relax on secluded white-sand beaches. Afternoon snorkeling session along the untouched coral reefs, home to vibrant tropical fish, sea turtles, and occasional reef sharks. Evening beach walk to spot nocturnal crabs and geckos. Overnight: Camping or Basic Bungalow at Nosy Hara (Night 2).
Day 6: Nosy Hara → Ampasindava → Ankarana (boat + ~280 km / ~6 hrs drive)
Early boat return to Ampasindava, followed by a southward drive toward Ankarana. En route, explore the Tsingy Rouge Reserve, where centuries of erosion have sculpted striking red laterite and sand formations into ephemeral towers. The vivid ochre and crimson landscape contrasts dramatically with the grey limestone tsingy found elsewhere. Arrive in Mahamasina, eastern gateway to Ankarana, in the late afternoon. Overnight at Hotel Relais Ankarana or similar.
Day 7: Ankarana National Park
Dedicated to exploring Ankarana National Park, a vast karst landscape of towering grey limestone pinnacles, extensive cave networks, and sunken forests. Trek through dramatic canyons and natural stone bridges while tracking crowned lemurs, Sanford's brown lemurs, and the acrobatic northern sportive lemur. Cave systems shelter massive bat colonies, while underground rivers are home to resident crocodiles. Overnight at Hotel Relais Ankarana or similar.
Day 8: Ankarana → Ambilobe → Daraina (~150 km / ~3 hrs drive)
Depart south to Ambilobe, then transition to the RN6 toward the Sava Region. Enter the Daraina Forest (Loky Manambato Protected Area), a critical transitional ecosystem blending dry and humid habitats. This is the only place on Earth to observe the critically endangered golden-crowned sifaka (Tattersall's sifaka). Overnight camping in Daraina.
Day 9: Daraina → Sambava
Morning reserve visit for additional wildlife tracking, focusing on the golden-crowned sifaka. Continue eastward to Sambava, Madagascar's vanilla capital. Arrive in the late afternoon and settle into the lush, fragrant atmosphere of the east coast. Overnight at Hotel Identic or similar.
Day 10: Sambava → Bemarivo River → Sambava (~40 km / ~1 hr drive)
Board a traditional pirogue for a tranquil excursion along the Bemarivo River. Drift past vanilla and coffee plantations, observing daily riverside life and the vibrant green landscapes of the Sava region. Return to Sambava for a leisurely evening. Overnight at Hotel Identic or similar.
Day 11: Sambava → Marojejy National Park (~90 km / ~2 hrs drive)
Transfer to Manantenina, gateway to Marojejy National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and global biodiversity hotspot. Home to 12 lemur species, including the rare and majestic silky sifaka ("Angel of the Forest"). The park also shelters exceptional bird, reptile, and amphibian diversity. Evening guided night walk around Mantella Camp to track nocturnal species. Full-board camping at Mantella Camp.
Day 12: Marojejy → Camp Simpona
Begin a challenging 7-hour ascent (~800m elevation gain) through distinct ecological zones: lowland rainforest, mid-altitude forest, and high-elevation mossy cloud forest. Lunch at Camp Marojejya, then continue upward to Camp Simpona. Watch for the silky sifaka and the striking helmet vanga. Optional evening night walk. Full-board camping at Camp Simpona.
Day 13: Marojejy Summit
Early start for the 4-hour trek to the 2,132m summit of Marojejy. Ascend through high-altitude vegetation: ericoid shrubs, ancient lichens, and wind-sculpted stunted trees. Enjoy panoramic views over the rugged mountain terrain (weather permitting). Return to Camp Marojejya for lunch and overnight stay, immersed in the sounds of the pristine rainforest. Full-board camping at Camp Marojejya.
Day 14: Marojejy → Sambava (~90 km / ~2 hrs drive)
Descend approximately 5 hours to the park entrance at Manantenina. Vehicle transfer back to Sambava for rest and reflection after the mountain expedition. Overnight at Hotel Identic.
Day 15: Sambava → Departure
Transfer to Sambava Airport for your onward flight. End of our dedicated services.
Tour Map
Click a pin for location details.
Hotels
- Hotel Nature Lodge, Joffreville
- Hotel Lakana Resort, Ramena
- Camping, Nosy Hara National Park
- Hotel Relais Ankarana, Mahamasina / Ankarana
- Camping, Daraina Forest (Loky Manambato)
- Hotel Identic, Sambava
- Full-board Camping, Mantella Camp (Marojejy)
You may also like
