Ethiopia, Madagascar · National Parks

10-Day Northern Madagascar Tour with Diego Suarez and Ankarana

10 Days Round trip from NOSY BE Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Discover the scenic bays, beaches, and islands of northern Madagascar
02 Experience the historic coastal city of Diego Suarez and its pirate legacy
03 Explore the landscapes of Montagne d'Ambre and Ankarana National Park
04 Enjoy cultural encounters with diverse coastal communities

Discover northern Madagascar through its stunning bays, beaches, and island-dotted coastline. Travel to Diego Suarez, a historic port city linked to pirate legends and rich cultural diversity, then explore the lush trails and waterfalls of Montagne d'Ambre National Park. Admire the dramatic limestone formations of the Ankarana Massif before ending with relaxing time on Nosy Sakatia. This journey blends natural beauty, wildlife, adventure, and cultural encounters across one of Madagascar's most unique and diverse regions.

Discover northern Madagascar through its stunning bays, beaches, and island-dotted coastline.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Addis Ababa, Antsiranana, Nosy Be, Montagne d'Ambre National Park, Ankarana Reserve

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Nosy Be

Arrive in Nosy Be by Ethiopian Airlines.
Meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Settle into your room and enjoy views over the Mozambique Channel.
Dinner and overnight at Loharano.

Day 02

Nosy Be to Diego Suarez via Ankify and the Red Tsingy

Boat transfer from Nosy Be to Ankify.
Drive north towards Diego Suarez.
Visit the Red Tsingy, known for its unique laterite formations and canyons.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route.
Arrive in Diego Suarez and check in at the hotel.
Dinner and overnight at Grand Hôtel.

Day 03

Diego Suarez City Tour and the Three Bays

City tour of Diego Suarez.
Visit Sakalava Bay, Bay of Pigeons, and Bay of Dunes.
Swim at Orangea Beach and visit Ramena fishing village.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Dinner at Tsara Be restaurant and overnight at Grand Hôtel.

Day 04

Montagne d'Ambre National Park to Ankarana

Drive to Joffreville and visit Montagne d'Ambre National Park.
See waterfalls, crater lakes, and rainforest wildlife.
Enjoy a walk and an optional swim in natural pools.
Continue to Ankarana.
Dinner and overnight at Ankarana Lodge.

Day 05

Ankarana National Park Exploration and Transfer to Ambilobe

Explore Ankarana's limestone formations and caves.
Walk through forests, canyons, and underground rivers.
Packed lunch during the visit.
Continue to Ambilobe.
Dinner and overnight at Kozobe Hotel.

Day 06

Millot Plantation and Transfer to Nosy Sakatia

Visit Millot Plantation and discover cocoa, vanilla, spices, and essential oils.
Continue to Ankify and take the boat transfer to Nosy Be.
Transfer to Nosy Sakatia island.
Dinner and overnight at Sakatia Lodge.

Day 07

Leisure Day on Nosy Sakatia

Full day at leisure on a half-board basis.
Enjoy beaches, swimming, and island activities.
Overnight at Sakatia Lodge.

Day 08

Beach Leisure on Nosy Sakatia

Leisure day at the beach.
Overnight at Sakatia Lodge.

Day 09

Relaxation and Ocean Views on Nosy Sakatia

Free day for relaxation.
Enjoy the island atmosphere and ocean views.
Overnight at Sakatia Lodge.

Day 10

Departure from Nosy Sakatia via Nosy Be to Addis Ababa

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel.
After that, you will be transferred to the airport for check-in for your international flight.
This marks the end of your beautiful adventure in the Malagasy land.
15:35 Depart from Nosy Be by ET 836 to Addis Ababa.

Where this trip takes you

Red Tsingy laterite canyons, Montagne d'Ambre National Park rainforest, Bay of Pigeons, Nosy Sakatia beaches

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from NOSY BE 5 cities · 10 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Accommodation on a half-board basis in Nosy Be on Day 1.
Accommodation on a full-board basis during the tour from Day 2 to Day 5, plus lunch on Day 6.
Accommodation on a half-board basis during the sea stay at Sakatia Lodge from Day 6 to Day 9.
Breakfast only on Day 10.
Road and boat transfers as mentioned in the program.
Private tour in an air-conditioned 4WD with a French-speaking driver: 4 clients per vehicle.
Fuel charge.
Assistance by an English-speaking tour guide.
All entrance and local guide fees in parks and tourist sites highlighted in the program.
1 TOUR LEADER free of charge in a single room from 10 paying guests. He or she will be treated under the same conditions as the clients. This excludes all domestic and international flights.
1 bottle of mineral water per day during excursions and the tour by car.
Civil and professional liability insurance.
Transport insurance covering passengers and driver.
Local bed taxes.
VAT.

What's Not Included

International flights.
All lunches not mentioned in the program.
Eventual Christmas dinner and New Year's Eve dinner.
All drinks.
Services not mentioned in the program.
Personal expenses: tips, laundry, phone calls, etc.
VISA fee: around EUR 35 per person for any stay of less than 1 month (30 days). It can be obtained only at the airport upon arrival.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: It is important that all travellers have their own insurance covering accidents, repatriation, cancellations, and loss of bags.

What to bring

Warm clothing (April-October)
Sunscreen
Flashlight
Insect repellent
Raincoat
Trekking shoes
Hat
Sunglasses

Know before you go

This coast is known for its stunning beaches and bays, along a sea dotted with islets in a truly remote and beautiful setting.
At the end of one of the most beautiful bays in the world, the city of Diego Suarez thrives with its shipyards and carries the legend of Libertalia linked to the golden age of piracy.
The region is a mosaic of cultures, where the white "djellaba" blends with the colourful clothing of women who often wear their traditional mask of beauty.
Montagne d'Ambre National Park and the Ankarana Massif (Tsingy) are among the main natural attractions of the area.
Taking photographs of tombs is not forbidden, but the local population considers it intrusive, as it touches their sacred traditions and privacy. In some cases, with a small compensation, permission may be granted.
Useful information
Best period: April to October.
Climate (November to March): Very hot, with heavy rainfall possible.
Road conditions: Paved national roads with some sandy tracks.
Difficulty: The route is not difficult, but good physical fitness is required for park visits involving 3-4 hours of walking on uneven terrain.
Ankarana (Tsingy) visit: Requires a spirit of adventure and adaptability.
Accommodation: Good-quality hotels selected in the region.
Health precautions: No mandatory vaccination, but antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended.
Essentials to carry: Warm clothing (April-October), sunscreen, flashlight, insect repellent, raincoat, trekking shoes, hat, and sunglasses.
Southern summer (November to March): Average 27°C - 35°C, coinciding with the rainy season.
Southern winter (April to October): Average 18°C - 25°C.