Tour · Group tours · North
This tour of northern Madagascar begins and ends on the paradise island of Nosy Be, nicknamed "the scented island." You will enjoy its superb beaches and enchanting atmosphere before setting off to discover the wonders of the Malagasy North: Diego Suarez bay, the playful lemurs of Montagne d'Ambre, the waterfalls in the rainforest, the impressive Tsingy de l'Iharana and the astonishing Red Tsingy. Your adventure comes to a gentle close on the beautiful beach of Nosy Be.
Arrival in Nosy Be (international flight) → Visit to the Millot plantation → Visit to the Tsingy de l'Iharana → Visit to the Red Tsingy → Visit to the Three Bays → Visit to Eastern Ankarana → Visit to Nosy Tanikely → Visit to Nosy Iranja → Free day → Transfer to Nosy Be airport
Welcome at Nosy Be airport, timed to your flight, by our local team. You will then be transferred to your hotel to drop off your luggage before setting off to discover Mont Passot. Lunch on site. In the late afternoon, admire a breathtaking sunset from the summit of Mont Passot, which offers a sweeping view over the surrounding area. Mont Passot, also known by its Malagasy name Bongo Pisa, is a volcanic hill at the center of the island. It was named in honor of Captain Pierre Passot of the French Navy, who annexed the island of Nosy Be to France in 1841. Enjoy a sunset aperitif at the top of Mont Passot to round off the day. At the end of the visit, transfer to your hotel. Overnight on half board at the Exora Beach hotel
Overnight: Exora Beach — Half board
After breakfast, pick-up at your hotel at 7:30 a.m. for a transfer to Nosy Be harbor, where a private boat will be waiting to take you across to Ankify. From there, head to the Millot plantation. Once on site, take the time to soak up the atmosphere of the place, then set off to discover the plantation's fascinating history. You will be guided around one of the most renowned cocoa plantations in the world, prized for producing some of the finest chocolate, sought after by expert artisans such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs and confectioners. You will also have the chance to explore the plantation's various aromatic plants, such as ylang-ylang, vanilla, combava and vetiver. After the visit, lunch will be served on site at the planter's eco-lodge. After a short break to digest, transfer to our eco-lodge at Iharana Bush Camp, in the Western Ankarana reserve. Allow around 3 hours to get there. On arrival, take the time to settle in and take in the surroundings, facing the majestic Iharana massif and Lake Anjavy. In the afternoon, after a short break, set off to discover Ambatomiloloha. Under the soft light of the setting sun, your walk will take you to the Ambatomiloloha viewpoint, along the trails of the massif. As you climb, you will be amazed by the view over the lake bordering the camp. To mark your arrival at the belvedere, a carefully prepared aperitif will be waiting for you at sunset. You will then spend the night on half board at Iharana.
Overnight: Iharana Bush Camp — Half board
Pick-up at your eco-lodge after breakfast at 8:00 a.m., heading off to visit Western Ankarana. You will first visit the Tsingy de l'Iharana, one of the most beautiful sites in the North of Madagascar, located just a few meters from Iharana Bush Camp. Access to the massif is across a lake. Glide across it aboard a traditional dugout canoe for 20 minutes, then continue with a short climb up to the belvedere. Along the trail, admire various plants with astonishing shapes — Pachypodium — and you may also encounter crowned lemurs. Lunch at Iharana Bush Camp. In the afternoon, after a short break, you will set off to discover the Mandresy cave. Before reaching the cave entrance, take a short 20-minute walk between the various villages of Ankarana. Once there, your guide will provide you with a headlamp, essential for exploring this enormous cavity filled with stalagmites and stalactites. The visit lasts 2 hours; bring sturdy walking shoes, light clothing with shorts, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat and a camera. Overnight on half board at Iharana.
Overnight: Iharana Bush Camp — Half board
Early morning pick-up for a visit to the Red Tsingy, lasting around two hours through the Tsingy forest and the Grand Canyon. Located not far from the Analamera reserve, the Red Tsingy are spectacular geological formations, often compared to fairy chimneys. These fleeting, fantastical structures are shaped by the whims of wind and rain, carving the ground into striking forms. The Red Tsingy form over a relatively short geological time, creating a unique and captivating landscape to discover at the heart of the Malagasy wilderness. After a short break, transfer to Joffre to visit Montagne d'Ambre. Lunch at Mary's. Established in 1958, Montagne d'Ambre National Park lies at the heart of a volcanic region. Altitude ranges from 850 to 1,475 meters, at the Montagne d'Ambre peak. Rightly considered a "biological treasure," it is home to a magnificent protected rainforest, untouched by human impact, where rich and complex nature thrives. A true water tower for the region, you will set off to discover various waterfalls such as the Antomboka waterfall, the Sacred waterfall, the Antakarana waterfall, as well as Lake Mahasarika. You will also enjoy beautiful panoramic views over the far north of the island. After a well-earned break, head to Diego Suarez to reach your hotel. Overnight on half board at the Grand Hôtel
Day 5: 60 km (round trip), around 1h00 of driving depending on stops. At 8:00 a.m., pick-up at your hotel to explore the Three Bays. These bays, with their white sands and turquoise sea, offer exceptional underwater richness while remaining little visited. Head first to the beach of the former military camp at Orangea, before reaching the captivating Cap Miné, where cannons inherited from the colonial era, an old lighthouse and a breathtaking view over the Diego Suarez pass await you. Next, discover the refreshing Dune Bay, followed by the charming Pigeons Bay and finally Sakalava Bay, popular with fun-board enthusiasts. Savor this memorable day with lunch at the Royal Sakalava. After a short break, set off to discover French Mountain. At this unique pilgrimage site, follow the Way of the Cross, which leads you to the panoramic terrace, offering a view over one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Let our guides show you the baobabs — two of which are endemic to the region — as well as the spiny plants and aloes. Continue your walk into the Ambohitr'Antsingy Protected Area. Along the way, explore the remains of the colonial era, such as the mines of the French Foreign Legion fort, with its tunnels, caves and optical telegraph buildings, before finishing with a climb of 656 steps to reach the 360° panoramic view. Overnight on half board at the Grand Hôtel. Day 6: Emerald Sea – Lunch – Dinner at Kaza – Overnight on bed & breakfast at the Grand Hôtel. 40 km, around 30 minutes of driving depending on stops. Pick-up according to the tide schedule for the visit to the jewel of the Indian Ocean. Just a few meters from your hotel, a boat will be waiting for a one-hour crossing. Located at the entrance to Diego Suarez bay, at the very north of the country, the Emerald Sea is a vast, shallow lagoon, with a turquoise hue resulting from its shallow water over a sandy bottom. It is thus separated from the Indian Ocean by a coral barrier and a string of islets. Its shallow water forms a natural aquarium where colorful fish abound. You will also see corals, colorful fish, golden sand and friendly fishermen, among other things. At midday, lunch will be served on site, where you will enjoy a famous Northern dish: coconut rice with grilled fish (fish you caught that very day), served with Malagasy-style vegetables and grilled bananas. After a short break, you will board a boat to reach Ramena beach, then return to your hotel in Diego Suarez. Dinner will be held at the Kaza restaurant. Overnight on bed & breakfast at the Grand Hôtel
Overnight: Grand Hôtel Diego — Half board
Very early pick-up, after breakfast, for a visit to Eastern Ankarana park. Allow around 2 hours of driving and 4 hours for the loop visit. Ankarana is a massif of sharp limestone peaks with canyons sheltering a range of animal and plant species endemic to Madagascar. In this eastern part of the park, you will hike the "Benavony" circuit, where you will discover the legendary suspension bridge. Through the dry, arid forest, you will encounter Pachypodium, crowned lemurs and baobabs. You will also cross a canyon offering a breathtaking view over the whole of the Eastern Ankarana region. Lunch at Aurélien's. Overnight on half board at Kozobe.
Overnight: Relais de l’Ankarana — Half board
Pick-up at your hotel after breakfast at 6:00 a.m., taking the road towards Ankify, where the jetty for Nosy Be is located. Allow around 5 hours of driving. A private boat will be waiting to take you to Nosy Tanikely. Discover the marine reserve of "the small-land island." Enjoy this natural aquarium to try your hand at snorkeling. During an unforgettable aquatic outing, you will swim alongside rays, barracudas and other colorful fish. Then continue on to Nosy Komba for a hike to discover a dense forest canopy where red-brown and black lemurs roam free. Wander through the small fishing village and discover local craftwork: the island is renowned for its Richelieu lace and its wood carvings. Lunch at Zozo's in Nosy Komba. At the end of the visit, transfer to your hotel. Overnight on half board at the Exora Beach hotel.
Overnight: Exora Beach — Half board
Departure from the hotel at 8:00 a.m. for a transfer to the harbor, then boarding for the Turtle Island. The crossing takes around 1h30. Nosy Iranja is made up of two small islands joined at low tide by a sandbank. The setting is enchanting, with a stunning picture of white sand, turquoise sea and lush forest. Nosy Iranja is a favorite nesting site for turtles. You will have lunch on site at Elodie's. After a short break, you will continue the walk towards the lighthouse, then visit the fishing village of Nosy Iranja Be, known for its traditional huts. A unique experience awaits you: swimming with the turtles! On the way back, you can admire the unspoiled beaches of the Great Island, the Sugarloaf, as well as the wild and unspoiled island of Nosy Antsoha and its lemurs. At the end of the visit, return to your hotel. Overnight on half board at the Exora Beach hotel
Overnight: Exora Beach — Half board
This day is dedicated to relaxing and exploring freely. Enjoy your time as you please: lazing on the beach, exploring the surrounding area, immersing yourself in local culture, or optional activities (hiking, etc.). Whether you wish to rest in an idyllic setting or set off on an adventure, this break will let you fully savor the unique atmosphere of your destination. Lunch not included. Overnight on half board at the Exora Beach hotel
Overnight: Exora Beach — Half board
Pick-up at your hotel will be timed according to your return flight schedule, followed by a transfer to Fascène airport. We wish you a safe journey home and hope to see you again soon for further extraordinary adventures! Lunch not included. For this tour, don't forget to bring the following: light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, a hat, sandals and sturdy walking shoes.
| Departure | Return | Spots |
|---|---|---|
| May 5, 2027 | May 16, 2027 | 12 spots |
| June 9, 2027 | June 20, 2027 | 12 spots |
| July 21, 2027 | August 1, 2027 | 12 spots |
| August 4, 2027 | August 15, 2027 | 12 spots |
| August 18, 2027 | August 29, 2027 | 12 spots |
| September 1, 2027 | September 12, 2027 | 12 spots |
| October 13, 2027 | October 24, 2027 | 12 spots |
| November 3, 2027 | November 14, 2027 | 12 spots |