The most beautiful trekking sites in Northeast Madagascar: from Diego Suarez to Marojejy National Park

The road from Ankarana to Ambilobe offers a fascinating adventure through northern Madagascar. Leaving the spectacular karst formations of the Ankarana Tsingys, we head south on National Route 6. The landscape gradually evolves, shifting from abrupt rock formations to vast green plains.

Ambilobe, located in the heart of the Mahavavy valley, is a major cultural and economic center of the region. The city is renowned for its bustling market, where local products, such as tropical fruits and spices, abound.

From Ambilobe, we continue on the road towards the city of Vohemar on a beautiful paved road.

We are on RN5A which, once upon a time, for more than fifty years, was only accessible to large trucks that would churn up the track in its pitiful state. Today, smoother and finally paved, this road is considered lifesaving for the people of the Northeast, allowing them to complete the journey in less than a day, whereas before it took them 3 grueling days.

Vohemar has a rich history, dating back to the precolonial era when it was an important trading center. This history is visible in the architecture and urban fabric of the city. The local culture is a blend of Malagasy traditions, with influences from the many ethnic groups that populate the region.

Continuing to reach the northeastern part of the big island, heading towards Sambava. We take a legendary road through a magnificent landscape, offering breathtaking views. Along the way, we traverse the foothills of the Tsaratanàna massif, which is home to Madagascar's highest peak. The spectacular panoramas and the diversity of flora and fauna make this journey unforgettable. We pass through picturesque villages where we can observe the daily life of the inhabitants and discover their unique culture. As we approach Sambava, we are welcomed by vast vanilla plantations, for which the region is famous. Sambava, known as the world capital of vanilla, offers us a fascinating insight into the production of this precious spice. We arrive in Sambava in the afternoon, ready to explore this dynamic city and its surroundings.

Marojejy National Park is located in the Sava region, in the North-East of Madagascar, between the towns of Sambava and Andapa. It covers 55,000 hectares, on the Marojejy massif which culminates at 2,132 m altitude. Classified as an Integral Nature Reserve in 1952, Marojejy was long accessible only to researchers and scientists, as its biodiversity, among the richest in Madagascar, makes it a site of great scientific and scenic interest. The park has been open to tourism since 1998, and is listed on the World Heritage List.

The massif is composed of many different types of habitats and ecosystems, specific to the different altitudes and geographical orientations of the steep slopes and reliefs that create various microclimates. There are cloud forests, mountainous thickets with low and sparse vegetation, humid tropical forests of high and low altitude, which are home to rare endemic species of rosewood and palisander, as well as palm trees.

You can also observe 118 bird species (including the emblematic and colorful Prevost's Sifaka), 148 species of reptiles (Brookesia chameleon, Uroplate…) and amphibians, as well as 11 species of lemurs, including the famous Silky Sifaka, the rarest species here in Madagascar.

Many hiking and trekking routes are available within the park, lasting from 1 to 5 days.

After a stop at the guide office in the village of Manantenina, located on the Andapa road, we drive to the village of Mandena. This is where we leave our vehicles and begin our hike in Marojejy National Park. A walk of approximately 3 hours 30 minutes takes us to the first base camp where we spend the night, Camp Mantella, located at 450 m altitude. Depending on our timing and current desires, it is possible to visit Humbert waterfall and the natural pool, 800 m from the camp.

Marojejy National Park is open year-round, and the best periods to visit are April/May and September to December, when rainfall is lower. There are 3 base camps, located at different altitudes: Mantella at 450 m, Marojejya at 775 m, and Simpona at 1,250 m. All are equipped with basic wooden bungalows with simple comfort, outdoor sanitary facilities, a shelter for meals and cooking.

We are heading off for 02 days of trekking through Marojejy National Park, departing from Camp 1 Mantella.

On the first day, we reach Camp 2 Marojejya, approximately 01 hour of hiking (325m elevation gain). The location is ideal for observing the Silky Sifaka lemur (or Simpona), the rarest of Madagascar's lemurs. This camp is situated at the junction of low altitude and mountain rainforests, clinging to a mountainside and offering a splendid view of the Ambatotsondrona peak.

In the afternoon we continue our ascent to Camp 3 Simpona, at 1250 m altitude (approximately 03 hours of hiking, 475m elevation gain), where we spend the night with our heads in the clouds. A viewpoint located near the camp offers us a fabulous panoramic view of the National Park and its mountain range.

On the second day, we tackle the ascent of Marojejy's summit: culminating at 2132 m altitude, it is the fourth highest peak of the Big Island. The ascent, through thick high altitude humid forests and cloud forests, takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, with an elevation gain of 880 m. The 360° panorama offered from the summit is breathtaking.

If weather conditions permit, we picnic at the summit before beginning our descent to Camp 3 and then Camp 2 Marojejya, where we spend the night surrounded by Silky Sifakas.

We are leaving for 02 days of trekking through Marojejy National Park, departing from Camp 1 Mantella.

On the first day, we reach Camp 2 Marojejya, approximately 01 hour of hiking (325m elevation gain). The location is ideal for observing the Silky Sifaka lemur (or Simpona), the rarest of Madagascar's lemurs. This camp is situated at the junction of low-altitude and mountain rainforests, clinging to the mountainside and offering a splendid view of the Ambatotsondrona peak.

We continue our ascent in the afternoon to Camp 3 Simpona, at 1250 m altitude (approximately 03 hours of hiking, 475m elevation gain), where we spend the night, our heads in the clouds. A viewpoint located near the camp offers us a fabulous panoramic view of the National Park and its mountain range.

On the second day, we tackle the ascent of Marojejy summit: reaching 2132 m altitude, it is the fourth highest peak on the Big Island. The ascent, through thick high-altitude humid forests and cloud forests, lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, with an elevation gain of 880 m. The 360° panorama offered from the summit is breathtaking.

If weather conditions permit, we have a picnic at the summit before beginning our descent to Camp 3 then Camp 2 Marojejya, where we spend the night surrounded by Silky Sifakas.

It is the last day of our exploration in the heart of Marojejy National Park. We leave our base camp No. 2 Marojejya to descend towards Camp 1 Mantella, then to the village of Mandena where we meet our vehicles. The descent takes approximately 03h00. Arrival late in the morning at Mandena.

Continuation to the village of Manantenina where the road crosses varied and picturesque landscapes of southeastern Madagascar. Leaving Mandena, we take the temporary national road RNT12A, which winds through dense forests and sparkling rivers. The 106-kilometer journey takes us through traditional villages where you can observe the daily life of the inhabitants.

As we approach Manantenina, we are welcomed by spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and vast agricultural plantations.

The landscape changes gradually, from dense forests to open plains, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Along the way, we can spot vanilla, coffee and cocoa plantations, which add touches of color and fragrance to our journey.

As we approach Sambava, we are welcomed by vast vanilla plantations, for which the region is famous. Sambava, known as the world capital of vanilla, offers us a fascinating insight into the production of this precious spice. The vibrant city of Sambava, located on the northeast coast of Madagascar, is also an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding national parks.

Rest of the day free

Transfer to the airport for the return flight to the capital.

Welcome by a Détours team and transfer to your hotel. The Malagasy capital is full of artisanal and cultural gems. It is here that the best artists and craftsmen in the country are gathered, whether for ironwork, leather goods, marquetry, basketry and many other fields.

The city tour can be done without accompaniment and at your own pace.

Departure for Andasibe, due East, on the National Route 2 which connects the capital to Tamatave, the main port of Madagascar. Several possible stops along the way to walk around, visit villages or discover the local fauna and flora, lush and exuberant in this region of the Big Island. Arrival in early afternoon at Andasibe and check-in at the hotel. Walks in the village are possible, near the National Park which we will visit tomorrow morning.

Night visits to private or village reserves in the surrounding area are also possible (not included).

Visit to Andasibe National Park, a conservation site for the Indri-Indri, the largest of the lemurs.

We approach the primary forest of Andasibe through the Analamazaotra Special Reserve crossed by the Amboasary river.

This reserve is the natural habitat of a large population of lemurs including 11 other lemur species besides the Indri Indri such as bamboo lemurs, sifakas… Other animal species may be visible: chameleons, birds… The flora is equally impressive with several varieties of orchids such as eulophiella, rosewood, palm trees and medicinal plants.

Visit to the Analamazaotra Forest Station, located near Andasibe - Mantadia Park, already explored the previous day, and very complementary to it. More focused on ecotourism as it is managed by the local association Mistinjo. The association, created in 1999 by villagers, was able to establish this forest station in 2005, as part of responsible tourism: the profits generated by tourist activities go back to local populations, and support local development and nature conservation in the Andasibe region. It is also possible to visit the nursery and the association's craft shop.

Stop at Mandraka Park to discover Mandraka forest. The site features exceptional biodiversity: about sixty bird species, including rare specimens, reptiles, lemurs such as Eulemur fulvus and Avahi laniger, as well as small mammals.

Arrival in Antananarivo in late afternoon

We meet up with our historian guide for an urban hike through the narrow streets of the Malagasy capital.

The Upper Town of Antananarivo is notably in the process of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The itinerary below is proposed as indicative and as an example. It is subject to modification on the spot, depending on the guide's inspiration: We begin our visit by exploring the Independence Square district, an essential place in the country's history with the presidential palace as a backdrop, former residence of the colonial governors who succeeded one another in the country.

Then we ascend towards the Queen's Palace: the Rova of Manjakamiadana, at the very top of Analamanga hill, the former name of the city. We will successively pass by Andohalo Square, a high place of Merina aristocracy where kings and queens made their speeches and discussed government decisions with the population.

Then we pass in front of Jean Laborde's 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 Ambohimitsimbina viewpoint offers us a panorama of the city.

After lunch (at your leisure) at the Café du Musée, we propose you visit the Photography Museum of Madagascar: Four projection rooms display thematic films, created from photographs from the Museum's database. A large exhibition hall and the Museum's garden welcome temporary exhibitions, all with an unobstructed view of the Malagasy capital. A very beautiful place, located in a traditional house, to discover the history of Madagascar through old photographs taken between 1860 and 1960.

Open every day except Monday, from 10:00 to 17:00.

Possibility of dining on site at the excellent Café du Musée (reservation recommended).

Evening transfer to the airport, assistance with boarding on the flight to Paris, night flight.