Détours MadagascarBy Nomadays
Wonders of the North from Diego Suarez to Nosy Be and Sailing in the Radama Islands
Kingdoms & Fady 11 days Charm & Character

Wonders of the North from Diego Suarez to Nosy Be and Sailing in the Radama Islands

Navigate in a traditional dhow in the heart of the Radama Islands, between spectacular tsingy and authentic Sakalava villages.

13 years of local expertise4.93/5 (125 reviews including 72 Google)

Duration

11 days

Ideal seasons

Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Style

Guided tour

Comfort

Charm & Character

Travelers

Couple, Solo, With friends

The spirit of travel

Dawn breaks over the Nosy Lonjo sugarloaf, sacred sentinel of the Antakarana watching over Diego Suarez Bay. This journey reveals Madagascar in its most preserved dimension, far from the beaten paths of mass tourism.

Diego Suarez leads the way with its three bays of turquoise waters and yellow 4x4s weaving between colonial houses. The tsingy of Ankarana rise their limestone cathedrals where crowned lemurs and microscopic chameleons live, while Amber Mountain unfolds its humid forests populated with rare orchids. Between Ambanja and the Sambirano valley, century-old cocoa and ylang-ylang plantations perfume the tropical air, witnesses to a colonial heritage transformed by Malagasy craftsmanship.

Then comes the boarding on the Sakalava dhow, cotton sail swollen by the trade winds. The Radama Islands emerge from the Mozambique Channel like forgotten jewels: Anjiabé and its endless beaches, Berafia with abandoned spice plantations, Antany Faly the island most advanced towards Africa. Here, Sakalava traditions resist time, nocturnal lemurs pilfer palm wine, and each sunset sets ablaze a limitless horizon. This hybrid circuit between land and sea reveals the deep soul of northern Madagascar, where adventure still tastes of discovery.

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The stages of your journey

D1–2
Antananarivo
D3
Joffre ville
D4
Tsingy Rouge
D5
Ankarana
D6
Ambanja
D7
Nosy Be
D8
Anjiabé
D9
Archipel des Radama
D10
Nosy Berafia
D11
Nosy Antany Faly

Highlights

Red Tsingy and Ankarana
Authentic dhow cruise
Millot Cocoa Plantations
Preserved Radama Islands
Living Sakalava Culture
Three bays of Diego

Day-by-day itinerary

Antananarivo
D1

Domestic flight to northern Madagascar: Diego Suarez

Antananarivo
Antananarivo - Diego Suarez I Antsiranana Meet at Ivato Antananarivo airport, you take off heading to Diego Suarez on board Tsaradia, the Malagasy airline that serves Antananarivo and the regions of Madagascar. Upon your arrival in Diego Suarez, you will be welcomed by our team on the ground. We discover the city of Diego Suarez, also known as Antsiranana, and walk through its narrow streets lined with columned houses. The city is also emblematic for the chick-yellow 4Ls that serve as taxis throughout the city, and for its large central market. Opportunity to stroll around Diego Suarez Bay and its beautiful sugarloaf Nosy Lonjo. Rest of the day free. Dinners are not included during your stay in Diego Suarez to allow you more freedom and to explore as you wish.
D2

The 3 Bays hike, sunset on the mountain of the French

Antananarivo
A beautiful day of discovery on foot on the East Coast of Diego Suarez, bordering the Indian Ocean. After a short car transfer not far from the village of Ramena, we set off on a hiking adventure to discover the 3 Bays: Dunes Bay, Pigeons Bay and Sakalava Bay. The walk is easy on fine white sand, in a splendid setting of jagged limestone, mini-tsingy. Swimming is possible at Pigeons Bay. At the end of the hike we arrive at Sakalava Bay, a renowned Kite and Wind Surf spot. Picnic lunch on the beach (included). This beautiful walk can be done in either direction without diminishing the beauty of the stage. In mid-afternoon, we head towards Montagne des Français. A circuit lasting approximately 2h30 (2.5 km distance) takes us to discover the protected area Ambohitr' Antsingy. 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 period, 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, Amber Mountain, Nosy Hara, the city of Diego and much more besides. This is where we go to enjoy a wonderful sunset. Difficulty level: Medium Dinners are not included during your stay in Diego Suarez to give you more freedom and the chance to explore as you wish.
D3

Visit to Amber Mountain National Park

Joffre ville
Diego Suarez I Antsiranana - Joffre Ville After breakfast, let's head towards Joffre Ville and Amber Mountain National Park. Quickly, we climb in altitude: the vegetation changes and it becomes cooler. Joffre Ville, or Ambohitra in Malagasy, is a small town of 5000 inhabitants located about thirty kilometers south of Diego Suarez / Antsiranana. Former stronghold of the colonial army, the town was built in 1903 by Colonel Joseph Joffre, on the slopes of Amber Mountain. His mission was to assist General Gallieni in defending Diego Suarez Port against Malagasy resistance. This is where the Foreign Legion military training center was located until 1973, when it was moved to French Guiana. This site was of great strategic importance, due to the highest point represented by Amber Mountain (1475 m altitude): ships entering Diego Bay could be seen arriving from afar, and preparations could be made for any potential attacks. Joffre Ville still preserves the remains of these colonial and Creole dwellings, mostly abandoned today, which give the town a phantasmagorical atmosphere. We dedicate a day to visiting Amber Mountain National Park. It is a quaternary volcanic complex covering an area of 300,000 hectares. The richness of its fauna and flora makes it one of the most visited parks in the North. Accompanied by a local guide, we will discover this major botanical interest site, via the Path of a Thousand Trees, ranging from lichens to orchids, from various species of palms to "strangler" ficus trees, passing through ramy, an endemic tree whose sap gives off a strong odor of turpentine. The animals will not be left out with the 11 species of lemurs that live in the park, including the crowned lemur, Sanford's lemur or the tuberculated Brookesia, one of the world's smallest chameleons (barely 3cm in size, tail included), so small that it takes the trained eye of our guide to spot it. We may also come across the uroplate, a flat gecko nicknamed the king of camouflage because it blends so well with the bark of the tree it clings to. Picnic lunch at the Roussettes Forest Station, and hotel check-in after the visit.
D4

On the way to Ankarana, a stop at the Red Tsingy

Tsingy Rouge
Joffre City - Tsingy Rouge Heading south. 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 disorienting. Tsingy Rouge - Ankarana We then rejoin National Road 6 to head towards Mahamasina, the gateway to the Tsingy of Ankarana.
Ankarana
D5

Hiking in the Tsingy of Ankarana

Ankarana
We're heading out for a day hike through Ankarana Tsingy National Park. Endemic fauna is everywhere: lemurs, mongooses, bats, owls... The flora allows us to discover both dense dry deciduous forest, as well as baobabs, pandanus, euphorbiaceae and rosewood. Several circuits are possible with different hiking times: the Tsingy Rary, the Perte des Rivières where three park rivers flow underground during the rainy season, the Tsingy Tower which offers us a superb viewpoint at the end of a hike in the middle of crevasses and sharp peaks. For the most avid hikers, the combination of these three short circuits with the Grand Tsingy circuit and the Benavony Loop, with its suspension bridges and small canyons, is also an option (total visit duration: approximately 8 hours). Picnic lunch during the hike.
D6

From Ankarana to the Sambirano Valley

Ambanja
Ankarana - Ambanja From Ankarana, we head back on the road towards the cocoa plantation and processing in Ambanja, the Millot Plantation where we will spend the night to fully enjoy the visit the next day. We take time to stop in the villages, to meet the villagers who will tell us about their coffee, ylang ylang and cocoa plantations located all along the road. Discovery of the town of Ambanja, its cathedral built in the early 1900s using the metal architecture of the former Strasbourg train station, transferred here piece by piece to lead a second life under the tropics.
Nosy Be
D7

Visit of a cocoa plantation and continuation to Nosy Be

Nosy Be
Ambanja - Ankify Visit of a cocoa plantation before departure for Ankify. We take you to the heart of one of the world's most renowned cocoa plantations, planted by settler Lucien Millot in the 20th century. You will discover how they grow a rare variety of cacao tree. Through cultivation, harvesting and preparation, these cocoa pods will become one of the world's finest chocolates, used among others by chocolatiers Valrhôna and François Pralus. The plantation also has numerous essences and spices, such as Ylang Ylang, vetiver, patchouli, vanilla and pepper. Essential oils are distilled on site. After the visit, drive to Ankify, a village located by the sea and the departure point for our boat to Nosy Be. The road is lined with coffee, ylang ylang and cocoa plantations, giving us a foretaste of the island of fragrances Nosy Be. Ankify - 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 Be and Hell-Ville Port. The crossing takes approximately 45 minutes. Nosy Be, or "the big island" is the most well-known of the Malagasy islands. Also called the island of fragrances, Nosy Be is home to cultures of ylang-ylang, sugar cane, coffee, cocoa, cinnamon, pepper and other spices. Arrival at Hell-Ville port, reception at the port by your hotel, and transfer to it. Rest of the day free.
D8

Beginning of dhow cruise in the Radama islands: first stop at Anjiabe

Anjiabé
Nosy Be - Anjiabé For the dhow cruise section, the following program is for indicative purposes only and should not be taken literally. The stopovers themselves can be modified at any time depending on wind direction, tides, or simply the group's capacity and wishes. An early morning transfer takes you to the boarding point for the dhow cruise where we arrive at 6:45 am for a nice breakfast. We board a Sakalava dhow to discover a region where the sea is the only means of access. We leave Nosy Bé to first reach a small lagoon on the mainland, Ankatafa (1h45 of smooth crossing). Swimming, snorkeling and our first discovery of a colorful, rich and varied underwater world. Then, after a short sail or motorized journey, we land at Anjiabé, a long 3km beach bordered by casuarina trees and a semi-abandoned coconut plantation. We are at a site with extraordinary low tides and this is where we set up camp. After an aperitif and a seafood meal, siesta, swimming and for those who wish, a walk to observe the many bird species, most of which are endemic to Madagascar. Sunset over the Mozambique Channel, aperitif, dinner... And good night!
Archipel des Radama
D9

Navigation to Ambatofotsy

Archipel des Radama
Anjiabé - Radama Archipelago 6:00 AM wake-up, and early departure for three hours of crossing, skirting a splendid coastline with varied and wooded relief. We dive en route on a site quite different from the previous day, at the water's edge. We are not seeking to systematically visit glittering and colorful dive spots, as we prefer to demonstrate marine diversity through all the biotope aspects that so characterize the region we are visiting. Then, under sail or motor, we continue our journey towards Ambatofotsy. The village of Ambatofotsy stretches out peacefully along a long golden beach. It is an important site concerning Sakalava traditions, still very much alive, of the local royal lineage. The inhabitants, as usual, are delightful. The village is charming, and the surroundings offer a splendid viewpoint. We stroll through a world where pinks and greens poetically highlight the grace of the vastness we can sense. Diurnal lemurs often cross this village in late afternoon until late at night, and another smaller nocturnal species often enjoys stealing the palm wine that flows from the flowers of coconut trees just above our heads. In the evening, aperitif, meal and excellent evening by the light of storm lamps.
D10

Discovering Berafia Island

Nosy Berafia
Archipel Radama - Nosy Berafia After an early morning start, we head to Nosy Berafia (45min), the largest island in the Radama archipelago (2500 ha). The southern half is covered with more or less abandoned plantations (coffee, pepper, ylang-ylang, chili), themselves dominated by large shade trees. Enormous fruit-eating bats by the dozens, green pigeons, intoxicating scents, the colonial house of the "commander" of this former concession and a large village. Everything to immerse us in an exotic and colonial charm of the 1920s. We dive on a site that is still different and very rich at the edge of the Nosy Bérafia lagoon. Depending on the swell and wind, we can also do a discovery dive on the "submerged coral bank" that has been taunting us since yesterday…. It's something to decide between us depending on circumstances. On land, we stroll on the red hills on the surface of which thousands of diamonds sparkle… We contemplate a splendid landscape over the entire Radama basin…exceptional beauty that very few witnesses have had the honor of contemplating. We are in a landscape of wooded valleys, red earth, coconut trees, forests, lushness, and zebu cattle… At night, we find ourselves for drinks under the coconut trees. The fishermen's pirogues form strange shadows on the sand, and a few children watch us shyly from a distance; they are ready to burst into laughter at the first opportunity, at the first glance! Discussions under the stars, laughter, tapas, caïpirinha, a meal from our catch, before going to bed with the sound of the surf in our heads. See you tomorrow!
D11

From Berafia to Antany Faly Island

Nosy Antany Faly
Nosy Berafia - Nosy Antany Faly We leave our island for approximately one hour's crossing to the island of Antanyfaly and we dive along the way. The choice of dive site at this stage of the journey depends greatly on the spirit of the group and each person's disposition. We can therefore dive in another part of the lagoon, revisit our "submerged coral bank" offshore or (and) dive at the edge of the lagoon of our new day's stop. The name of this island of the Radamas means "the easy land...". We cross a vast luminous lagoon bordered by a very long beach of white sand. Here, the low tides seem endless, nature is drier, more arid. The scent of the air is oceanic, the beach is wild, white and light dominate.... Curious little birds run along the tide line.... We are on the most advanced Madagascan island towards Africa. Nature seems more arid, and yet, we bathe in a crystal clear spring under the amused eye of a kingfisher (very rare) or a Paradise flycatcher (less rare). We walk in the afternoon through this curious oceanic atmosphere, along the casuarinas (tropical conifers) and we climb grassy slopes where scattered aloes and mango groves place our imagination bewildered between Africa and Mexico... the panorama is grandiose and troubling..... Once again!

Price per person

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

  • Internal flights Antananarivo>Diego Suarez and Nosy Be>Antananarivo,
  • The single supplement: 300 EUR / person
  • Dinners in Diego Suarez on D1 and D2,
  • Lunches,
  • Activities not mentioned,
  • Extras and personal expenses,
  • Tips,
  • Insurance (cancellation, repatriation, assistance, first aid...)
  • Visa fees.

Included

  • The services of an English-speaking driver guide from Day 1 to Day 7 in Diego Suarez,
  • 4x4 vehicle transport according to the number of participants, for the entire land portion from Day 1 to Day 7.
  • Accommodation in twin or double room,
  • The meals mentioned in the program,
  • The land transfer from the hotel to the boarding point in Nosy Be for the cruise, and to the hotel on return,
  • The dhow for the cruise in the Radama Islands, all-inclusive, The crew on board the dhow for the cruise,
  • Visits and activities as mentioned in the program,
  • Mandatory guiding fees in the national parks and sites mentioned,

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 partner

Travel 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 insurance

Frequently 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.

Noro, Ambassador of Malagasy fihavanana
13years of expertise

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

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