Northern Madagascar Discovery Tour – Ankarana, Nosy Hara, Marojejy & Nosy Be Islands
This 15-day safari covers Madagascar’s varied northern route, from the colonial port of Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) to the vanilla capital Sambava. Across two weeks, the journey takes in contrasting ecosystems: the volcanic rainforests of Amber Mountain National Park, the citrus-coloured bays of Ramena, and an extended two-night immersion in Nosy Hara National Park (limestone tsingy towering above clear waters and untouched coral reefs). Heading north, visit the karst labyrinth of Ankarana National Park, then the Daraina Forest (Loky Manambato Protected Area), home to the rare golden-crowned sifaka. The journey finishes with a climb of UNESCO-listed Marojejy National Park, a biodiversity hotspot and home to the endangered silky sifaka. Designed for travellers seeking wildlife immersion and remote, undeveloped landscapes away from the beaten trail, this one-way itinerary combines guided trekking, coastal experiences, and the transition from the dry north coast to the humid eastern rainforests.
- ✦ 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
Day 1: Diego Suarez → Joffreville (70 km, ~1.5 h drive)
Arrive at Diego Suarez Airport and transfer to Joffreville, at the foot of Amber Mountain National Park. Guided 4-hour hike in this equatorial rainforest, one of the richest biodiversity hotspots on Earth. Look for crowned lemurs, Sanford's brown lemurs, the tiny Brookesia chameleon (one of the smallest reptiles in the world), and endemic birds like the Amber Mountain rock thrush. Explore sacred waterfalls and crater lakes hidden in the forest. Overnight at Nature Lodge or similar.
Day 2: Joffreville → Ramena (100 km, ~2 h drive)
Head to the coast and walk the Three Bays — Pigeon Bay, Dune Bay, Sakalava Bay — known for white powdery sand and clear turquoise water. In the afternoon, visit Montagne des Français (French Mountain), ascending through dry deciduous forest with ancient baobabs to viewpoints overlooking the Indian Ocean. Overnight at Lakana Resort or similar.
Day 3: Ramena → Emerald Sea → Ramena
Take a private boat from Ramena to the stunning Emerald Sea and Suarez Island. Spend the day swimming and snorkelling in calm, emerald-green waters rich with marine life. Return to Ramena by 4 PM. Overnight at Lakana Resort or similar.
Day 4: Ramena → Ampasindava → Nosy Hara (100 km + boat transfer)
Morning drive to Ampasindava, then board a motorised boat to Nosy Hara National Park, a remote island sanctuary. Arrive in the afternoon, check in, and take a guided introductory walk along the shore, watching marine limestone columns (tsingy) rise straight out of the sea. Sunset over the Indian Ocean. Overnight camping or basic bungalow in Nosy Hara.
Day 5: Nosy Hara – Full Day
Explore Nosy Hara further. Hike interior trails through dry coastal forest, spot endemic reptiles, and relax on remote white-sand beaches. In the afternoon, snorkel among coral gardens with tropical fish, sea turtles, and small reef sharks. After dark, a beach walk to look for crabs and geckos. Overnight camping or basic bungalow in Nosy Hara.
Day 6: Nosy Hara → Ampasindava → Ankarana (boat + 280 km, ~6 h drive)
Morning boat back to Ampasindava, then drive south towards Ankarana. En route, stop at the Tsingy Rouge Reserve, with its impressive red earth towers eroded over millennia into unique laterite and sand sculptures. The ochre and crimson landforms contrast with the grey limestone tsingy elsewhere. Late afternoon arrival at Mahamasina, the eastern entrance to Ankarana National Park. Overnight at Relais Ankarana or similar.
Day 7: Ankarana National Park
Full day in Ankarana National Park, a vast karst landscape of grey limestone pinnacles, extensive cave systems and sunken forests. Hike through riverside canyons and cross natural stone bridges, tracking crowned lemurs, Sanford's brown lemurs, and the northern sportive lemur. Large bat colonies occupy the caves, and crocodiles inhabit underground rivers. Overnight at Relais Ankarana or similar.
Day 8: Ankarana → Ambilobe → Daraina (150 km, ~3 h drive)
Continue south to Ambilobe and transfer to the RN6 towards the Sava Region. Reach the Daraina Forest (Loky Manambato Protected Area), a significant transition zone between dry and humid ecosystems. This is the only place in the world to see the critically endangered golden-crowned sifaka (Tattersall's sifaka). Overnight camping in Daraina.
Day 9: Daraina → Sambava
Morning wildlife tracking in the reserve, focusing on the golden-crowned sifaka. Continue to Sambava, the vanilla capital of the world. Arrive late afternoon and soak up the green, fragrant air of the east coast. Overnight at Hotel Identic or similar.
Day 10: Sambava → Bemarivo River (40 km, ~1 h drive) → Sambava
Hop on a traditional pirogue for a relaxing ride along the Bemarivo River. Cruise past cacao and coffee farms, watch local river life, and take in the lush green scenery of Sava province. Return to Sambava for the evening. Overnight at Hotel Identic or similar.
Day 11: Sambava → Marojejy National Park (90 km, ~2 h drive)
Transfer to Manantenina to begin your adventure in Marojejy National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and global biodiversity hotspot. The park is home to 12 lemur species, including the rare silky sifaka, as well as excellent bird, reptile and amphibian diversity. Light supper and a guided night walk around Mantella Camp. Full-board camping at Mantella Camp.
Day 12: Marojejy → Camp Simpona
A long day of trekking (about 7 hours, ~800 m elevation gain) through distinct ecological zones: lowland rainforest, mid-altitude forest, and high-moss forest near the summit. After lunch at Camp Marojejya, continue to Camp Simpona. Look 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 hike to the 2,132 m summit of Marojejy. Climb through high-altitude vegetation: ericoid shrubs, ancient lichens, and gnarled trees bent by harsh winds. When weather permits, panoramic views over the rugged mountain landscape. Return to Camp Marojejya for lunch and overnight, surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest. Full-board camping at Camp Marojejya.
Day 14: Marojejy → Sambava (90 km, ~2 h drive)
Descend for about 5 hours to the park entrance at Manantenina, then transfer back to Sambava for rest and reflection after the climb. Overnight at Hotel Identic or similar.
Day 15: Sambava → Departure
Transfer to Sambava Airport for your onward flight. End of our services.
- 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)