Wonders of the North: Diego Bays, Tsingy de l'Ankarana and the Volcanic Island of Nosy Komba
Among giant baobabs and limestone tsingy, dive into the heart of the kingdom of the northern lemurs.
Duration
12 days
From
€2,200/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
This trip takes you to discover the North of Madagascar, the regions of Antsiranana (known as Diego Suarez) and the archipelagos around the island of Nosy Be.
Explore these paradisiacal corners in a different way, meet its inhabitants and the endemic species harbored by its parks, breathe in the fragrant scents of spice and cocoa plantations, dive into the clear waters of bays with fine sandy beaches, stay in charming accommodations throughout your journey… A rejuvenating stay, with family, as a couple or among friends.
Starting from Antananarivo, discover the secret corners of the Malagasy capital, which are full of artisanal gems of all kinds. Fly to the North and Diego Suarez, before fully enjoying the 3 Bays zone, which is also a renowned Kitesurfing and Windsurfing spot.
Then, head to the top of the Montagne des Français where, surrounded by baobabs, chameleons and lemurs, you can admire the view over the entire Diego Bay and its famous sugarloaf, Nosy Lonjo.
Explore the Amber Mountain National Park, hike among the curious limestone formations of the Tsingy de l'Ankarana in dreamlike settings, before embarking towards the paradise island of Nosy Komba for a seaside stay. Here too, hikes, discovery of local culture and sea excursions await you, allowing you to experience a real immersion in Sakalava country.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Antananarivo, relaxation or discovery of Madagascar's craft gems
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 rest, or start exploring the Malagasy capital with your driver-guide.
The Malagasy capital is full of artisanal and cultural gems. This is where the best artists and craftspeople from the country gather, whether in ironwork, leather goods, marquetry, wickerwork and many other fields.
A few examples of places to visit are Violette and Dieudonné's ironwork studio, Izaho leather goods studio which works with zebu leather, and the multiple artisanal galleries of the capital. Is'Art Galerie is also a leading cultural venue, offering concerts, exhibitions, workshops, a bar and restaurant, as well as an artisanal shop.
Urban hiking through Madagascar's capital
We begin our visit by exploring the Independence Square, an essential square in the country's history with the presidential palace as backdrop, former residence of successive colonial governors who ruled the country. Then we ascend towards the Queen's Palace: the Rova of Manjakamiadana, at the very top of the Analamanga hill, the former name of the city. We will successively pass by Andohalo square, a major seat of Merina aristocracy where kings and queens delivered their speeches and discussed government decisions with the population.
Then we pass by 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 town, the Ambohimitsimbina viewpoint 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 as far as Mahamasina.
Finally, our steps lead us towards the Anosy flower market, where flowers create their colorful mosaics year-round. And, still wandering, we conclude our hike at the Analakely market and the Independence Avenue, in the heart of the city, very lively and colorful.
Heading North to Madagascar, visiting Diego Suarez and the road to Sakalava Bay
Antananarivo → Diego Suarez I Antsiranana
Airport transfer to take the flight to Diego Suarez.
test
Diego Suarez I Antsiranana → Baie de Sakalava
Airport pickup at Diego Suarez by the Détours Madagascar team and city tour featuring its columned houses, market and port. Lunch on your own, then transfer to Sakalava Bay.
Discovery of the 3 Bays
Baie de Sakalava → 3 Baies
Ramena → Baie de Sakalava
Discovery day of the 3 Bays.
We leave from Sakalava Bay to reach the village of Ramena, discovering by hiking the 3 Bays: Dunes Bay, Pigeons Bay and Sakalava Bay.
Easy walk on fine white sand, in a splendid setting discovering this eastern part of Diégo Suarez. Swimming is possible at Pigeons Bay.
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 to take us back to our hotel on Sakalava Bay.
Walk to the Top of the Montagne des Français, Surrounded by Baobabs
This circuit lasting approximately 2h30 (2.5 km distance) takes you to discover the Ambohitr' Antsingy protected area, on 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, remains 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 Diego Bay, its sugar loaf 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
Baie de Sakalava → Montagne des français
Montagne des français → Joffre ville
Discovery of Amber Mountain National Park and its Chameleons
Joffre ville → Montagne d'Ambre
Montagne d'Ambre → Montagne d'Ambre
Day visit to the Amber Mountain National Park. It is a quaternary volcanic complex with an area of 300,000 hectares. The wealth of fauna and flora makes it one of the most visited parks in the North.
In the company of a local guide, we will discover this major botanical site of interest via the Path of a Thousand Trees, ranging from lichens to orchids, from different species of palms to strangler figs passing through the ramy, an endemic tree whose sap gives off a strong turpentine smell.
The animals will not be left out with 11 species of lemurs living in the park, including the crowned lemur, Sanford's lemur or the tuberculate Brookesia, one of the smallest chameleons in the world (barely 3cm in size, tail included), so small that it takes the trained eye of our guide to spot it.
We may also encounter the leaf-tailed gecko, a flat gecko nicknamed the king of camouflage as it blends in so well with the tree bark it clings to.
Picnic lunch at the Bat Station forest station, return to the hotel at the end of the day.
Montagne d'Ambre → Joffre ville
From Joffre City to the Tsingy of West Ankarana, passing through the Red Tsingy
Road south towards the Tsingy de l'Ankarana Park. At the village of Sadjoavato, we will make a small detour towards the village of Irodo to visit the red Tsingy. Made up 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 with different strata exposed by deforestation. This surreal site is visited on foot and is particularly exotic.
We then take National Road 6 heading towards Mahamasina, gateway to the Ankarana Tsingy. Arrival in the afternoon and check-in at a superb lodge, set in the heart of a surreal setting.
Hiking through the Tsingy of West Ankarana
We set off on a hiking adventure into the spectacular heart of the Ankarana National Park, a true geological gem in northern Madagascar. This unique site, famous for its sharp karst formations called tsingy, offers a striking landscape between canyons, caves and suspended bridges. Along the way, we discover exceptional biodiversity: leaping lemurs, sneaky mongooses, bats nestled in rocky cavities, silent owls perched in the trees… Each step reveals a new surprise, in a preserved ecosystem where endemic fauna evolve freely.
We continue our exploration towards the park's most emblematic areas, 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
Route to Ankify, transfer to Nosy Komba and free afternoon
Early departure and drive to Ankify, a village located by the sea and starting point of our boat towards Nosy Be. The road is lined with coffee, ylang ylang and cocoa plantations, giving us a foretaste of the island of perfumes Nosy Be.
Departure from Ankify by boat before noon (crossings are not possible in the afternoon), and transfer by speedboat from Ankify port to Nosy Komba island. After approximately 30 minutes of crossing, arrival at Nosy Komba and check-in at a magnificent beachfront lodge. Rest of the day free.
Excursion to Nosy Komba, Black Lemur Sanctuary
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 the walk you will visit vanilla, coffee and pepper plantations, and discover the island's fauna and flora. Meet with the inhabitants of small mountain hamlets, who will show you their local craftsmanship. Visit the village of Ampangorina and the lemur reserve, enjoy a typical meal in the village, by the water with a lovely view of the surroundings.
Return by pirogue with a stop in a small village where you can admire the skills of the inhabitants who specialize in pirogue manufacturing.
Lunch included, drinks not included
Excursion in the Nosy Tanikely Reserve
From Nosy Komba, we take the boat to reach Tanikely Island. During a swim you will be able to observe magnificent coral reefs by snorkeling (fins, mask, snorkel) or scuba diving as well as a wide range of fish species. This small island which you can quickly tour by boat or cross quickly on foot holds far more surprises underwater than above water…
Lunch included, drinks not included
Free morning, Transfer to Nosy Be airport
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- The domestic flight Antananarivo > Diego Suarez (Day 3)
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the programme
- Activities not mentioned in the programme
- The single room supplement 760 EUR / person
- Beverages (mineral water, soft drinks, beers...), during and outside meals
- Tips and your personal expenses
- Cancellation insurance, repatriation and first aid expenses
- Visa fees
Included
- The services of an English-speaking driver guide(s), according to the group size, during the trip except in Nosy Komba (from Day 3 to Day 9)
- Transportation in 4x4 vehicle(s) (fuel included) during the trip except in Nosy Komba (from D3 to D9), (maximum 4 travelers per 4x4)
- Accommodation in double/twin room in the hotels mentioned in the program (or similar, depending on availability at the time of booking)
- Breakfasts (continental), from D2 to D12
- Lunches in picnics or in local restaurants on D2, D4 to D7 and D10 to D11
- Half-board (dinners included) in accommodations from Day 3 to Day 11
- Visits and activities as described in the program
- The entrance fees in parks and reserves, mandatory local guide fees
- All transfers mentioned in the program
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
More than 60 days before departure: 30% of the total price (deposit retained)
Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Your Passport:
Important: your passport must be valid. It must be mandatory and obligatorily valid for 6 months after the end of your stay in Madagascar.
Your travel documents
Your valid passport,
Your international and/or domestic flight tickets,
Your repatriation insurance/first aid expenses contract, -
Your vaccination record, not mandatory,
Your blood group card if possible.
Obtaining a visa to enter Malagasy territory
Upon arrival in the territory:
The visa cost is €35 for a stay of less than 30 days.
It is easily obtained upon your arrival in Malagasy territory.
This applies to all airports in Madagascar that receive international flights.
Upon arrival in the terminal, upon exiting the plane, a corridor for passengers is dedicated to issuing tourist visas.
This procedure is the simplest. We recommend it to you.
From the embassies and consulates of your countries of origin:
For information, download the document explaining the procedure and the constitution of the file for obtaining a visa from the Madagascar embassy.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and procedures for claiming any loss are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for declaring any loss. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Ivato Airport (Antananarivo) or online (e-visa). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Before booking your trip, check with Madagascar's consular authorities for the conditions applicable to your nationality, including visa fees and authorized lengths of stay.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 160 and 270 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (900-1400 euros return) are additional. Long transfers and domestic flights represent a significant portion of the budget.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) protection, which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — High Plateaus
Ambassador of Malagasy fihavanana, based in Antananarivo
For me, traveling to Madagascar is stepping into the spirit of fihavanana: sharing, helping one another, meeting people, and taking time to understand what connects them to their land.
— Noro
