Northern Madagascar Safari & Beach Escape

Your adventure begins in Antananarivo, the bustling capital city affectionately known as ‘Tana.’ Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel overlooking the peaceful waterfront. After a long journey, unwind at your hotel, enjoy a delicious dinner, and prepare for the wild wonders to come.

After breakfast, take a scenic domestic flight to Diego-Suarez, the vibrant gateway to Madagascar’s north. Depending on flight timing, explore the colonial charm of Antananarivo’s upper town or dive straight into a city tour of Diego. Wander colorful markets, visit Place Joffre, and take in the coastal breeze from Rue Colbert before settling into your hotel.

Choose your coastal adventure today—either explore the stunning trio of bays (Baie des Dunes, Baie des Sakalava, and Baie des Pigeons) with a 4×4 journey through wind-swept dunes and turquoise waters, or venture out to the surreal beauty of the Emerald Sea, a shimmering lagoon perfect for swimming and relaxation. Along the way, visit the historic Orangea Military post and enjoy a day immersed in Madagascar’s coastal magic.

Step into a cool, misty rainforest at Montagne d’Ambre National Park. This ancient volcanic massif is bursting with biodiversity—spot colorful chameleons, mischievous lemurs, and rare birds hidden in the foliage. Walk beneath towering trees to sacred waterfalls once used for royal rituals, and connect with Madagascar’s spiritual and ecological richness.

Leave Diego-Suarez behind and travel toward Ankarana, stopping at the vibrant Tsingy Rouge en route. These unique red rock formations offer a surreal photo op, shaped by centuries of erosion. After a picnic lunch, continue to Ankarana Lodge, surrounded by dry forest and the striking karst formations of the national park.

Venture into Ankarana National Park to explore its iconic grey Tsingy—a labyrinth of razor-sharp limestone spires. With your guide, traverse bridges, caves, and canyons as you search for crowned lemurs, curious reptiles, and rare endemic birds. The landscape is unlike anything else in Madagascar, blending adventure with awe-inspiring scenery.

Today, begin with a scenic drive past spice plantations full of vanilla, cocoa, and pepper. Arrive in the port town of Ankify and board a boat bound for the island of Nosy Be. Once ashore, check into your beachfront resort and take the afternoon to relax by the ocean. A fresh seafood dinner by the sea ends the day in true island style.

Nosy Be is yours to explore. Choose from optional excursions like visiting Nosy Komba to meet friendly lemurs, snorkeling in the coral gardens of Nosy Tanikely, or venturing to Nosy Iranja’s remote sandbanks. Alternatively, enjoy a lazy beach day with your toes in the sand, or take in sweeping views from Mont Passot at sunset.

Another day in paradise awaits. Depending on the season, set out to spot humpback whales (June–September) or swim with gentle whale sharks (October–November). Dive or snorkel among vibrant coral reefs and encounter turtles, tropical fish, and other marine life before unwinding with a final sunset on the shore.

After a final island breakfast, transfer to Nosy Be Airport for your flight home. As your Northern Madagascar Safari comes to an end, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories, new stories to share, and a deep appreciation for one of Africa’s most extraordinary destinations.