Northern Madagascar Discovery Escape is a 12-day private journey for travelers who want the best of Madagascar's far north: dramatic bays, rainforest, limestone landscapes and tropical island excursions.
This northern escape begins in Antananarivo before flying to Diego Suarez. From there, the route explores the Three Bays, Amber Mountain, the Red Tsingy and Ankarana National Park with private road services and local guides.
The discovery continues by road to Ankify and by boat or ferry to Nosy Be. The final island section includes Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Sakatia and Nosy Iranja, giving the tour a relaxed beach and marine finish before returning to Antananarivo.
Travel character: This Northern Madagascar Discovery Escape includes a national accompanying guide, private road transfers, local park guides, boat or ferry connection to Nosy Be and included Nosy Be excursions. Timing may be adjusted according to flights, weather and sea conditions.
Route
From arrival to departure, this is the complete road and destination sequence for the 12-day journey.
Antananarivo → Diego Suarez → Three Bays → Amber Mountain → Red Tsingy → Ankarana → Ankify → Nosy Be → Nosy Komba → Nosy Tanikely → Nosy Sakatia → Nosy Iranja → Antananarivo
Tour Highlights
Diego Suarez colonial atmosphere and bay viewsThree Bays excursion: Sakalava Bay, Pigeon Bay and Dune BayAmber Mountain rainforest, waterfalls and chameleonsRed Tsingy colorful laterite pinnaclesAnkarana limestone tsingy, caves and dry forestLemurs, bats, birds, reptiles and northern wildlifeBoat or ferry transfer from Ankify to Nosy BeNosy Komba island village, crafts and lemursNosy Tanikely Marine Reserve snorkelingNosy Sakatia quiet beaches and possible sea turtle encounterNosy Iranja white sandbank and turquoise lagoon sceneryNosy Be beach stay and sunset atmosphere
12-Day Detailed Itinerary
This itinerary can be adapted to your travel dates, comfort level, hotel category, and personal interests. Contact us to confirm availability and receive a tailored quotation.
After breakfast, transfer to Ivato International Airport for the domestic flight to Diego Suarez, also known as Antsiranana.
On arrival, meet the local team and transfer to the hotel. Depending on flight timing, enjoy a short city orientation, a viewpoint over the bay, a market stop or a relaxed evening in this historic northern coastal city.
Accommodation: Relais des Plateaux, Palissandre Hotel, or similar
After breakfast, transfer to Ivato International Airport for the domestic flight to Diego Suarez, also known as Antsiranana.
On arrival, meet the local team and transfer to the hotel. Depending on flight timing, enjoy a short city orientation, a viewpoint over the bay, a market stop or a relaxed evening in this historic northern coastal city.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Diego, Allamanda Hotel, or similar
After breakfast, depart for a full-day excursion to the Three Bays: Sakalava Bay, Pigeon Bay and Dune Bay. This coastal area is known for white sand, turquoise water, dunes, wind-shaped landscapes and wide ocean views.
The day can include beach walking, photography, swimming where conditions allow and quiet time to enjoy the wild northern coast before returning to Diego Suarez in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Diego, Allamanda Hotel, or similar
After breakfast, drive toward Joffreville and Amber Mountain National Park. The scenery changes from dry coastal landscapes to a cooler volcanic rainforest environment.
With a local guide, explore trails with waterfalls, crater lakes, giant ferns, orchids, birds, chameleons and possible lemurs. The cool mountain climate makes this one of the most pleasant forest visits in northern Madagascar.
Accommodation: Nature Lodge, Domaine de Fontenay, or similar
After breakfast, continue south through northern villages, dry hills, plantations and savanna scenery. On the way, visit the Red Tsingy, a colorful formation of red laterite pinnacles shaped by erosion.
After the visit, continue to the Ankarana area. On arrival, check in at the lodge and enjoy the peaceful dry-forest atmosphere before the next day's park discovery.
Accommodation: Iharana Bush Camp, Ankarana Lodge, or similar
Today is dedicated to Ankarana National Park, one of northern Madagascar's most impressive protected areas. The park combines limestone tsingy, dry forest, caves, underground rivers, baobabs and viewpoints.
With a local guide, follow the best accessible circuit of the day. The visit may include tsingy formations, forest trails, caves, bats, lemurs, birds, reptiles and cultural stories linked to the Antakarana people.
Accommodation: Iharana Bush Camp, Ankarana Lodge, or similar
After breakfast, leave Ankarana and drive southwest toward Ankify, passing villages, plantations and tropical coastal scenery.
On arrival in Ankify, take the boat or ferry transfer across the channel to Nosy Be. After arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy free time by the beach, the hotel facilities or a sunset atmosphere on Madagascar's most famous island.
Accommodation: Ravintsara Wellness Hotel, Vanila Hotel & Spa, Royal Beach Hotel, or similar
Today is dedicated to two classic island excursions from Nosy Be. Begin with Nosy Komba, known for its village atmosphere, local crafts, forest paths and lemurs.
Continue to Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve, one of the best-known snorkeling areas near Nosy Be. The visit can include beach time, clear water, coral scenery, colorful fish and a relaxed island atmosphere before returning to Nosy Be.
Accommodation: Ravintsara Wellness Hotel, Vanila Hotel & Spa, Royal Beach Hotel, or similar
After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Nosy Sakatia, a quieter island near Nosy Be. The island is known for peaceful beaches, village paths, tropical vegetation and a calm coastal mood.
Depending on local conditions, the day can include swimming, snorkeling, beach relaxation and the possibility of seeing sea turtles in their natural environment. Return to Nosy Be in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Ravintsara Wellness Hotel, Vanila Hotel & Spa, Royal Beach Hotel, or similar
Today, enjoy an excursion to Nosy Iranja, one of the most beautiful island experiences around Nosy Be. The island is famous for its white sandbank, turquoise lagoon, clear water and postcard-style scenery.
The day can include boat travel, beach time, swimming, photography and relaxed exploration of the island atmosphere. Return to Nosy Be later in the day.
Accommodation: Ravintsara Wellness Hotel, Vanila Hotel & Spa, Royal Beach Hotel, or similar
After breakfast, enjoy the last morning on Nosy Be depending on the flight schedule. Transfer to Nosy Be Airport for the domestic flight back to Antananarivo.
On arrival in the capital, meet the team and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day can be used for rest, souvenir shopping, a short city visit or a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Relais des Plateaux, Palissandre Hotel, or similar
After breakfast, transfer to Ivato International Airport for your international departure flight.
Depending on your flight schedule, a final city stop, craft market visit, restaurant stop or day-use arrangement can be organized. The tour ends after the Northern Madagascar Discovery Escape through Diego Suarez, the Three Bays, Amber Mountain, Red Tsingy, Ankarana, Nosy Be, Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Sakatia and Nosy Iranja.
Accommodation: Not included unless an extra night is requested
Included & Excluded
Included
Private vehicle with professional driver for the road sections
Fuel covering the planned northern road itinerary
Airport transfers in Antananarivo and regional destinations
Domestic flights Antananarivo to Diego Suarez and Nosy Be to Antananarivo, if included in the final quotation
Boat or ferry transfer from Ankify to Nosy Be
Accommodation in listed hotels or similar category
Daily breakfast
Local guides for reserves and protected sites
National accompanying guide during the full tour
All national parks and reserve entrance fees
Nosy Be excursions included in the itinerary
Boat transfers to Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Sakatia and Nosy Iranja
Local assistance and organization throughout the tour
All taxes
Not Included
International flights
Domestic flights Antananarivo to Diego Suarez and Nosy Be to Antananarivo, unless clearly included in the final quotation
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Lunches and dinners unless stated otherwise
Drinks and bottled water outside included meals
Personal expenses
Tips for guides, drivers, boat crew, hotel staff and local assistants
Optional activities not mentioned as included
Laundry, minibar and personal hotel extras
Extra costs caused by weather, road delay, flight delay, boat delay, sea conditions, site closure or force majeure
Private Tour Pricing
Private Tour Price
On Request — final quotation required. Prepared according to travel dates, hotel category, domestic flight choice, park visits, boat transfers and Nosy Be excursion arrangements.
Number of Travelers
Unlimited — private tour basis. Designed for couples, families, friends and private groups, with vehicle, room and boat arrangements adapted to the final group size.
Main Cost Factors
Variable. Final pricing depends on domestic flights, accommodation, private transport, park access, local guides, boat transfers and island excursions.
Availability Calendar
Best season: April to November, with the most reliable access and road conditions during the dry season. Past dates are unavailable, future dates remain available, and guaranteed departures are highlighted through the current guaranteed-departure window.
Available Guaranteed departure Unavailable
Calendar
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Send us your travel dates and group size. We will confirm availability, recommend the right vehicle, and prepare your private quotation for the Northern Madagascar Discovery Escape route.
