The North and Nosy Be

Day 1 – Nosy Be

Arrival at Nosy Be International Airport and transfer to the coast around Madirokely or Hell-Ville. Madagascar’s best-known island blends volcanic hills, tropical vegetation, lively fishing villages, and long beaches washed by the warm waters of the Mozambique Channel.

Depending on arrival time, enjoy a relaxed afternoon beside the sea or wander through the colorful streets of Hell-Ville, where colonial façades, spice stalls, seafood restaurants, and market life create a distinctly tropical atmosphere.
Overnight at Blue Sky Resort or similar.

Day 2 – Nosy Be – Ankify – Ankarana | approx. 250 km – 5/6 h + boat crossing

Morning boat crossing to Ankify before continuing north through the fertile Sambirano Valley, one of Madagascar’s most productive agricultural regions. Around Ambanja, plantations of cacao, vanilla, coffee, pepper, and ylang-ylang perfume the humid air while roadside villages and tropical forests line the route.

As the road continues inland, the landscape slowly transforms into dry deciduous forest and savanna. Arrival at Ankarana National Park, an extraordinary limestone massif filled with caves, underground rivers, tsingy pinnacles, and endemic wildlife.
Overnight at Relais Ankarana or similar.

Day 3 – Ankarana – Red Tsingy – Antsiranana | approx. 180 km – 4/5 h

Morning exploration inside Ankarana National Park. Guided trails pass through deep canyons, hanging bridges, caves, and sharp limestone formations where crowned lemurs, geckos, bats, and colorful chameleons are frequently spotted among the dry forest vegetation.

Continue north to the spectacular Red Tsingy, dramatic laterite formations sculpted by erosion into surreal red pinnacles and ridges. By late afternoon, arrival in Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), a historic port city overlooking one of the largest natural bays in the world.
Overnight at Lakana Resort or similar.

Day 4 – Antsiranana – Amber Mountain – Ramena | approx. 90 km – 3 h

Drive into the cool highlands of Amber Mountain National Park, a volcanic rainforest massif covered with dense montane forest, waterfalls, giant ferns, orchids, and crater lakes. Guided walks offer excellent opportunities to observe endemic reptiles, tiny chameleons, lemurs, and numerous tropical bird species hidden within the humid forest canopy.

After visiting the old colonial village of Joffreville, descend once again toward the coast and the peaceful fishing village of Ramena, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
Overnight at Lakana Plage or similar.

Day 5 – Three Bays Trek

Full-day coastal trek through the magnificent Three Bays area north of Ramena. The trail crosses windswept dunes, dry coastal vegetation, cliffs, and isolated beaches including Baie des Dunes, Pigeons Bay, and Cap Miné.

This remote section of coastline remains remarkably untouched, with fishing pirogues resting on white sand beaches and turquoise water stretching endlessly toward the horizon. The combination of cliffs, dunes, and hidden coves makes this one of northern Madagascar’s most scenic walks.
Overnight at Lakana Plage or similar.

Day 6 – Emerald Sea

Boat excursion to the famous Emerald Sea, a shallow lagoon known for its brilliant turquoise waters, white sandbanks, and coral reefs. The calm lagoon offers excellent conditions for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing beside crystal-clear tropical water.

Fresh seafood is generally prepared directly on the beach before returning to the mainland in the afternoon.
Overnight at Lakana or similar.

Day 7 – Ramena – Ankify – Nosy Be | approx. 250 km – 5/6 h + boat crossing

Return south toward Ankify, once again passing dry northern landscapes, tropical plantations, and small roadside villages before boarding the boat back to Nosy Be.

Arrival in the late afternoon with time to relax beside the beach around Madirokely or stroll through the lively streets of Hell-Ville.
Overnight at Sky Blue Resort or similar.

Day 8 – Nosy Sakatia

Excursion to Nosy Sakatia, a lush volcanic island covered with tropical vegetation, vanilla plantations, and small fishing communities. Quiet footpaths lead through coconut groves and spice plantations while the surrounding lagoons remain calm and crystal clear.

The island is especially famous for snorkeling with green sea turtles, frequently seen feeding in the shallow seagrass beds near the shore.
Overnight at Sky Blue Resort or similar.

Day 9 – Nosy Komba & Nosy Tanikely

Boat excursion to Nosy Komba, a steep volcanic island known for its traditional fishing villages, handicraft markets, and habituated black lemurs living close to the forest edge.

Continue to Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve, one of northern Madagascar’s finest snorkeling destinations. Coral gardens, tropical fish, sea turtles, and clear warm water surround the small island and its historic lighthouse.
Overnight at Sky Blue Resort or similar.

Day 10 – Lokobe National Park

Transfer by traditional canoe from Ambatozavavy to Lokobe National Park, the last remaining primary forest on Nosy Be. Dense tropical vegetation, giant trees, and humid forest trails shelter a remarkable diversity of endemic wildlife.

Guided walks offer opportunities to observe black lemurs, chameleons, frogs, geckos, and medicinal plants still used by local communities.
Overnight at Sky Blue Resort or similar.

Day 11 – Nosy Iranja

Full-day excursion to Nosy Iranja, two tropical islands connected by a spectacular white sandbank emerging between turquoise lagoons. The surrounding reefs and crystal-clear waters make the island ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

The scenery here is among the most iconic in Madagascar, with long stretches of white sand bordered by coconut palms and the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
Overnight at Sky Blue Resort or similar.

Day 12 – Nosy Be

Free day at leisure on Nosy Be. Optional activities include diving, snorkeling, boat excursions, beach relaxation, or visiting local spice plantations and colorful markets around Hell-Ville.

Overnight at Sky Blue Resort or similar.

Day 13 – Nosy Be

Another free day at leisure to enjoy the relaxed rhythm of island life. Spend the day on the beaches of Madirokely or Andilana, enjoy optional water activities, or simply relax beside the Indian Ocean.

Overnight at Sky Blue Resort or similar.

Day 14 – Nosy Be

Final full day at leisure before departure. Time to enjoy the island atmosphere, tropical beaches, and warm waters of the Mozambique Channel one last time.

Overnight at Sky Blue Resort or similar.

Day 15 – Nosy Be – Departure

Transfer to Nosy Be International Airport according to flight schedule. End of services.