17-Day Exploring East and North of Madagascar

When you arrive at the airport, we will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name on it. After picking you up at the airport, we will drive to our hotel in Antananarivo and give you a special briefing about your upcoming journey and answer any questions you may have about our upcoming adventure.

After breakfast, leave Antananarivo and begin your journey eastward along the famous RN2, one of Madagascar’s main roads. The route takes you through the green highlands, traditional villages, rice fields, and changing landscapes as you approach the rainforest region of Andasibe. Along the way, stop at a private reserve where you can discover Madagascar’s extraordinary variety of reptiles, including chameleons, crocodiles, frogs, butterflies, and other endemic species. Continue to Andasibe and settle into your hotel. After dinner, set out on a guided night walk around the forest to observe Madagascar’s nocturnal wildlife. With some luck, you may spot mouse lemurs, sleeping chameleons, frogs, geckos, and other fascinating creatures that become active after sunset.

After breakfast, set out for Analamazaotra National Park, one of Madagascar’s most famous rainforest areas and an excellent place to observe the Indri, the largest living lemur. Accompanied by a local guide, follow the forest trails through lush vegetation, giant trees, orchids, ferns, and endemic plants while listening for the distinctive call of the Indri. During the walk, you may also encounter other lemur species, birds, chameleons, frogs, and other rainforest wildlife. In the afternoon, continue to Vakona Private Reserve for a nature walk, a beautiful reserve surrounded by lush vegetation and waterways. Explore the reserve and its forest trails, with opportunities to observe several species of lemurs and other endemic wildlife. The reserve is particularly known for its lemur island, where different lemur species can be seen in a natural-looking environment. After the visit, return to your accommodation in Andasibe and enjoy a relaxing evening.

After breakfast, depart Andasibe and continue eastwards along the RN2 towards Manambato, a peaceful lakeside destination surrounded by forests and waterways. The journey offers opportunities to observe rural Malagasy life, with villages, rice fields, plantations, and local markets along the way. Upon reaching Manambato, board a boat for the transfer across the lake to your accommodation. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and tranquil atmosphere of this region, far from the busy cities. The remainder of the day is free to relax beside the water or enjoy the surroundings.

Today, enjoy a boat excursion towards Palmarium Reserve, a beautiful private reserve located in the eastern region. Accompanied by a local guide, explore the reserve’s forest trails and observe several species of lemurs living in a protected natural environment. The area is particularly interesting for its variety of wildlife and lush vegetation. After dinner, prepare for a special nocturnal experience. During a guided night walk, search for Madagascar’s nocturnal species, with the aye-aye being one of the most fascinating possibilities. This rare and elusive lemur is known for its unusual appearance and distinctive feeding behavior. Overnight in the Palmarium/Manambato area.

Enjoy a slower day in the beautiful surroundings of Manambato. After several days of travelling and wildlife exploration, today is dedicated to relaxation and enjoying the lakeside environment. You can spend time by the water, take a walk around the area, or participate in optional activities depending on local conditions and your interests. The peaceful landscape, waterways, and surrounding vegetation make this an ideal day to simply enjoy Madagascar’s eastern countryside at a relaxed pace.

After breakfast, begin your journey back towards Antananarivo. Travel west along the RN2, passing through the green landscapes and traditional settlements of eastern Madagascar before gradually returning to the highlands. Along the way, there will be opportunities to stop for photographs and short breaks. Upon arrival in Antananarivo, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Prepare for the next stage of your journey, which will take you to the far north of Madagascar.

After breakfast, transfer to Antananarivo airport for a flight to Diego-Suarez, in the far north of Madagascar. Upon arrival, meet your local driver and continue towards the spectacular Emerald Sea. Discover the turquoise waters towards the beautiful coastal area, surrounded by white-sand beaches and traditional fishing villages. Enjoy time on the beach, swim in the clear water, and admire the exceptional scenery. The Emerald Sea is one of northern Madagascar’s most impressive coastal landscapes. After the excursion, return to Diego-Suarez and settle into your hotel.

This morning, discover the famous Three Bays, one of the highlights of the Diego-Suarez region. Visit Sakalava Bay, Pigeon Bay, and Dunes Bay, each offering beautiful coastal scenery, sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and impressive views. Enjoy time for photographs and relaxation before continuing with the afternoon excursion to Montagne d’Ambre National Park. This lush volcanic mountain forest is home to a rich variety of endemic flora and fauna. During a guided walk, discover forest trails, waterfalls, streams, and viewpoints while looking for lemurs, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife. Return to Diego-Suarez in the evening.

Start the day with a visit to the lively Diego-Suarez market, where you can experience the local atmosphere and discover fresh produce, spices, handicrafts, and everyday Malagasy life. Afterwards, leave the city and continue towards the spectacular Red Tsingy. Unlike the limestone Tsingy found elsewhere in Madagascar, these formations are composed of striking red laterite and have been shaped by erosion into unusual landscapes. Take time to explore the area and enjoy a nature walk with a panoramic views before continuing towards the Ankarana region. Arrive at your accommodation and relax after the journey.

After breakfast, explore the spectacular Ankarana Special Reserve, renowned for its impressive limestone Tsingy formations, caves, canyons, underground rivers, and rich endemic wildlife. Accompanied by a local guide, follow the selected trail through this fascinating landscape while looking for lemurs, birds, reptiles, and other species. Depending on the chosen circuit and local conditions, the visit may include viewpoints, caves, suspension bridges, and other remarkable natural features. After the excursion, continue to Ambilobe, a lively town in the northern region. Arrive at your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

After breakfast, depart Ambilobe and begin your journey towards Ankify. Along the way, visit a local cocoa and vanilla plantation to discover two of northern Madagascar’s most famous agricultural products. Learn about traditional cultivation, harvesting, drying, and preparation methods while meeting local producers and discovering the importance of these crops to the region. Continue to Ankify and board a boat for the short crossing to Nosy Be, enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding islands and turquoise waters. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the tropical atmosphere of Nosy Be.

Today, set out by boat for a full-day island excursion to Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely. Begin with Nosy Komba, a beautiful volcanic island surrounded by clear waters and known for its traditional villages, handicrafts, tropical vegetation, and lemurs. Continue towards Nosy Tanikely, a protected marine area where you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in clear tropical waters. Discover the colorful underwater environment and enjoy time on the beach before returning to Nosy Be in the afternoon. The day combines island scenery, local culture, wildlife, and marine activities.

After breakfast, depart by boat for Nosy Sakatia, a peaceful tropical island located just off the coast of Nosy Be. Spend the day discovering its beautiful beaches, lush vegetation, and traditional way of life. Enjoy time to relax, swim, or snorkel in the clear turquoise waters surrounding the island. In the afternoon, return to Nosy Be and continue to Mont Passot, the highest point on the island. From the viewpoint, admire the panoramic scenery over the surrounding lakes, forests, and islands as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean. After sunset, return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Today, enjoy one of the most memorable excursions of your stay with a boat trip to Nosy Iranja, an exceptional island destination surrounded by turquoise waters. The island is famous for its spectacular white-sand beach and the narrow strip of sand connecting two islands. Upon arrival, enjoy time to walk along the beach, swim in the warm waters, take photographs, and admire the tropical scenery. You may also have the opportunity to discover the local village and lighthouse area. After a full day in this beautiful setting, return by boat to Nosy Be.

After breakfast, discover the cultural and natural highlights of Nosy Be. Begin with a guided city tour of Hell-Ville, the island’s main town, visiting the local market and discovering its lively atmosphere, traditional products, spices, handicrafts, and historic landmarks. Continue towards Lokobe National Park, the last remaining primary forest on Nosy Be. Reach the park by traditional pirogue and enjoy a nature walk with a local guide, looking for endemic wildlife such as lemurs, chameleons, birds, and other forest species. After the visit, return to Nosy Be and enjoy some free time to relax.

After breakfast, enjoy your final moments in Nosy Be and take some time to relax before your departure. At the appropriate time, your driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Nosy Be Airport for your flight. Assistance with the airport transfer and departure formalities. End of services.