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

The Malagasy capital is full of artisanal and cultural treasures. This is where the country’s best artists and artisans gather, whether in ironwork, leather goods, marquetry, basketry, and many other fields.

Some examples of places to visit include Violette and Dieudonné’s ironwork workshop, the Izaho leather goods workshop which works with zebu leather, and the many artisanal galleries of the capital. L’Is’Art Galerie is also a major cultural venue, offering concerts, exhibitions, workshops, a bar and restaurant, as well as an artisan shop.

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.

We begin our visit by weaving through the district of Independence Square, a key landmark in the country’s history with the Presidential Palace as a backdrop—formerly the residence of successive colonial governors. We then climb up to the Queen’s Palace: the Rova of Manjakamiadana, at the very top of Analamanga hill, the city’s former name. Along the way, we pass through Andohalo Square, a historic stronghold of the Merina aristocracy where kings and queens addressed the people and discussed government decisions.

Next, we pass by the Jean Laborde House, the Prime Minister’s Palace, the Palace of Justice, and finally reach the Queen’s Palace. At the end of our journey through the Upper Town, the Ambohimitsimbina viewpoint offers us a sweeping panorama of the city. Then, through narrow alleys and a maze of staircases crossing neighborhoods where we meet a welcoming population, we make our way down to Mahamasina.

Finally, our steps lead us to the Anosy flower market, where flowers create colorful mosaics all year round. And, still strolling, we reach the end of our hike at the Analakely market and the Avenue of Independence, right in the vibrant and colorful city center.

Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Diego Suarez.

Welcome at Diego Suarez airport by the Détours Madagascar team and visit of the city with its colonnaded houses, market, and port. Lunch at leisure, then drive to Sakalava Bay.

Day dedicated to discovering the 3 Bays.

We start from Baie de Sakalava and make our way to the village of Ramena, hiking to explore the 3 Bays: Baie des Dunes, Baie des Pigeons, and Baie de Sakalava.

An easy walk on fine white sand, in a splendid setting, discovering this eastern part of Diego Suarez. Swimming is possible at Baie des 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 for the return to our hotel on Baie de Sakalava.

This circuit, lasting about 2h30 (2.5 km in distance), takes you to discover the Ambohitr' Antsingy protected area, on the site of the Montagne des Français. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to observe limestone tsingy, numerous endemic animal and plant species such as baobabs, chameleons, and lemurs, as well as remnants from the colonial era, tunnels, and caves… A 600-step staircase takes you to the summit, offering a superb 360° view over the entire Bay of Diego, 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

A full day visiting the Amber Mountain National Park. This volcanic Quaternary structure is 300 000 ha wide. The diversity of its fauna and flora makes it one of the most visited natural parks in the Northern part of Madagascar.
Accompanied by a local guide, we will discover this very interesting botanical site, by the Thousand Trees Way, going from lichen to orchids, from various species of palm trees to "strangling" ficus, and passing by the ramy, an endemic tree whose sap has a strong turpentine smell.
Animals are not left aside, with 11 species of lemurs living inside the park : among them the crowned lemur, the Sanford Lemur, and also one of the smallest chameleons in the world, Brookesia tuberculata (barely 3 cm long, including the tail). We will need the trained eye of our local guide to spot this one.

We might also spot the uroplatus, a flat gecko whose nickname is the King of Camouflage, because he covers up perfectly with the trees' bark on which he sits.

Picnic lunch at the Roussettes Forest station, and back to the hotel at the end of the day.

We drive south toward the Tsingy de l’Ankarana Park. In 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 them their red color), the Red Tsingy are the result of erosion on soil with different strata exposed by deforestation. This surreal site is explored on foot and offers a truly unique change of scenery.

We then return to National Road 6 to head toward Mahamasina, the gateway to the Tsingy of Ankarana. Arrival in the afternoon and check-in at a beautiful lodge, set in the heart of a surreal landscape.

Day of hiking to discover the western part of Ankarana. Picnic lunch during the visit.

We will follow well-maintained, accessible, and enjoyable trails leading to a dreamlike setting: the vast limestone massif contrasting with the surrounding greenery. Viewpoints set on the roof of the Tsingy offer stunning views over the lake and the camp, and even as far as the Mitsio Archipelago. The visit also includes the so-called "chameleon" cave. Fully equipped for access, this cavern is filled with stalactites and stalagmites.

Early morning departure and drive to Ankify, a village located by the sea and our departure point for the boat to Nosy Be. The road is lined with coffee, ylang-ylang, and cocoa plantations, giving us a foretaste of Nosy Be, the island of perfumes.

Departure from Ankify by boat before noon (crossings are not possible in the afternoon), and transfer by speedboat from the port of Ankify to Nosy Komba Island. After about a 30-minute crossing, arrival in Nosy Komba and check-in at a beautiful lodge by the beach. Rest of the day at leisure.

Crossing the island on foot: An exceptional view over the entire bay awaits you during this 4-hour hike with a local guide. Good physical condition is required to make the ascent to the island’s summit, as the slope is steep and can be slippery depending on the season.

Along the way, you will visit vanilla, coffee, and pepper plantations, and discover the island’s flora and fauna. You will meet the inhabitants of small hamlets in the mountains, who will introduce you to their local crafts. Visit the village of Ampangorina and the lemur reserve, and enjoy a traditional 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 skills of local inhabitants specialized in pirogue making.

Lunch included, excluding drinks

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

Lunch included, excluding drinks