Wonders of the North: Diego Bays, Tsingy of Ankarana and the Volcanic Island of Nosy Komba

Arrival at Ivato Antananarivo airport. The Détours Madagascar team welcomes you at the airport for a transfer to your hotel in the city center.

Rest of the day free to relax, or start exploring the Malagasy capital with your driver-guide.

Madagascar's capital is full of craft and cultural gems. This is where the country's best artists and craftspeople gather, whether for ironwork, leather goods, marquetry, basketry and many other fields.

Some examples of places to visit are Violette and Dieudonné's ironwork studio, Izaho leather goods studio which works with zebu leather, and the capital's numerous craft galleries. Is'Art Galerie is also a leading cultural venue, offering concerts, exhibitions, workshops, a bar and restaurant, as well as a craft shop.

We start our visit by exploring the Independence Square, an essential place in the country's history with the presidential palace in the background, former residence of successive colonial governors who ruled the country. Then we ascend to the Queen's Palace: the Rova of Manjakamiadana, at the top of the Analamanga hill, the former name of the city. We will successively pass through Andohalo Square, a high place of Merina aristocracy where kings and queens gave their speeches and discussed government decisions with the population.

Then we pass by the Jean Laborde house, the Prime Minister's palace, the palace of justice and finally the Queen's Palace. At the end of our journey through the upper city, the viewpoint of Ambohimitsimbina offers us a panorama of the city. Then through narrow streets and a maze of stairs crossing neighborhoods where we encounter welcoming people, we will go to Mahamasina.

Finally, our steps lead us to the flower market of Anosy, where flowers paint their colorful mosaics throughout the year. And, still strolling, we end our hike at the Analakely market and Independence Avenue, in the heart of the city, very lively and colorful.

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Day of discovery of the 3 Bays.

We depart from Sakalava Bay to reach the village of Ramena, discovering on foot the 3 Bays: the Bay of Dunes, the Bay of Pigeons and Sakalava Bay.

Easy walk on fine white sand, in a splendid setting to discover this eastern part of Diégo Suarez. Swimming is possible at the Bay of Pigeons.

At the end of the hike we arrive at the village of Ramena. Picnic lunch on the beach. In the afternoon, our vehicle will pick us up and take us back to our hotel on Sakalava Bay.

This circuit lasting approximately 2h30 (2.5 km distance) takes you to discover the Ambohitr' Antsingy protected area, at the site of the Montagne des Français. Throughout the route, you will have the opportunity to observe limestone tsingy, many endemic animal and plant species such as baobabs, chameleons and lemurs, remnants from the colonial era, tunnels and caves… A staircase of 600 steps takes you up to the summit, for a superb 360° view over the entire Bay of Diego, its sugarloaf Nosy Lonjo, the 3 bays and the Emerald Sea, the Montagne d'Ambre, Nosy Hara, the city of Diego and much more.

Difficulty level: Medium

Road heading South toward Ankarana Tsingy Park. At the village of Sadjoavato, we will make a short detour toward the village of Irodo to visit the Red Tsingy. Composed of sandstone, limestone, marl and laterite rich in iron oxide (which gives the red color), the Red Tsingy are the result of erosion on soil of different strata laid bare by deforestation. This surreal site is explored on foot and is particularly exotic.

We are heading out on a hiking expedition into the spectacular heart of the Ankarana National Park of Tsingy, a true geological gem in northern Madagascar. This unique site, famous for its sharp karstic formations called tsingy, offers a striking landscape of canyons, caves and suspended bridges. Along the way, we discover exceptional biodiversity: bounding lemurs, stealthy mongooses, bats nested in rock cavities, silent owls perched in trees… Each step reveals a new surprise, in a preserved ecosystem where endemic wildlife evolves freely.

We continue our exploration toward the park's most emblematic zones, notably the Tsingy Rary and the impressive Tsingy towers, true natural sculptures shaped by time.
Picnic lunch in the heart of nature, then return to the hotel in the afternoon.

Evening at Iharana Bush Camp

Nosy Komba & Lemur Sanctuary & 5 islands. Boat excursion with other participants

Crossing the island on foot: An exceptional view of the entire bay awaits you during this 4-hour hike with a local guide.

During your walk, you will visit vanilla, coffee, and pepper plantations, and discover the island's fauna and flora. Meet the inhabitants of small mountain hamlets who will introduce you to their local craftsmanship. Visit the village of Ampangorina and the lemur reserve, enjoy a typical meal in the village by the water with a beautiful view of the surroundings.
Return by pirogue with a stop in a small village where you can admire the expertise of the locals who specialize in pirogue-making.

Lunch included, beverages excluded

From Nosy Komba, we take the boat to reach Tanikely Island. During a swim you will be able to observe magnificent coral reefs and a wide range of fish species while snorkeling (fins, mask, snorkel) or scuba diving. This small island, which can be quickly toured by boat or crossed quickly on foot, holds far more surprises underwater than above water…

Lunch included, excluding beverages

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