Wonders of the North: Diego Bays, Tsingy de l'Ankarana and the volcanic island of Nosy Komba

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

The rest of the day is free for you 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 of the country are gathered, whether for ironwork, leather goods, marquetry, basketry 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 numerous 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 boutique.

We begin our visit by exploring the Independence Square district, an unmissable square in the country's history with the presidential palace as a backdrop, former residence of successive colonial governors who ruled the country. Then we climb towards 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 major hub of Merina aristocracy where kings and queens gave their speeches and discussed government decisions with the population.

Then past 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 neighbourhoods where we encounter a welcoming people, we will go to Mahamasina.

Finally, our steps lead us towards the flower market of Anosy, where flowers paint their colour mosaics year-round. And, still wandering, we end our hike at the Analakely market and Independence Avenue, in the heart of the city, very lively and colourful.

Discovery day of the 3 Bays.

We depart from Sakalava Bay to reach the village of Ramena, discovering through hiking the 3 Bays: Dunes Bay, Pigeons Bay 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 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.

This circuit lasting approximately 2h30 (2.5 km distance) takes you to discover the Ambohitr' Antsingy protected area, at the Montagne des Français site. 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 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 besides.

Difficulty level: Medium

Route south towards 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 colour), the red Tsingy are the result of erosion on soil of different strata laid bare by deforestation. This surreal site is visited on foot and is particularly exotic.

We set off on a hiking expedition into the spectacular heart of the Ankarana National Park, a true geological jewel in northern Madagascar. This unique site, famous for its sharp karst formations called tsingy, offers a striking landscape of canyons, caves and suspended bridges. Along the way, we discover exceptional biodiversity: leaping lemurs, stealthy mongooses, bats nestled in rocky cavities, silent owls perched in trees… Each step reveals a new surprise, in a preserved ecosystem where endemic wildlife roams freely.

We continue our exploration towards the park's most emblematic areas, notably the Tsingy Rary and the impressive Tsingy towers, veritable 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 opens up to you over the entire bay, during this 4-hour hike with a local guide.

During the walk you will visit vanilla, coffee, pepper plantations, and discover the island's fauna and flora. Meet with inhabitants of small hamlets located in the mountains, who will introduce you to their local crafts. Visit to the village of Ampangorina and the lemur reserve, typical meal taken in the village, by the water with a very beautiful 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 the manufacture of pirogues.

Lunch included, drinks excluded

From Nosy Komba, we take the boat to reach Tanikely Island. During a swim you will be able to observe magnificent coral reefs while 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

Transfer to Fascene-Nosy Be international airport. Flight to Paris. Dinner and overnight on board. Have a good trip!

End of service at Nosy Be airport. If returning to Tana, you must arrange a second domestic flight Nosy Be > Antananarivo.