Explore Northern Madagascar’s Highlights
Uncover the rare biodiversity of Northern Madagascar on this 15-day bespoke journey. From the haunting calls of the Indri-Indri in the Andasibe rainforests to the surreal, razor-sharp Red Tsingy of Diego Suarez, this itinerary is designed for those seeking a deep connection with nature. We go beyond the standard tourist path, combining the volcanic landscapes of Amber Mountain with a secluded, eco-luxury retreat at Eden Lodge on the Ampasindava Peninsula.
“I have personally explored the hidden trails of Ankarana and the limestone caves of the North to ensure this route offers the perfect balance of rugged adventure and coastal serenity. My favorite moment on this trip is the quiet paddle through Lokobe Reserve—it’s the most authentic way to see the Black Lemurs. We’ve hand-selected Eden Lodge not just for its luxury, but for its commitment to the local Sakalava communities and its ‘off-the-grid’ feel that is becoming rare in Madagascar.” — Aleem Raheem, Director of Earth Trip
The Best Time To Visit
April to November
The best time to visit Madagascar is from April to November, during the dry season, when wildlife viewing and outdoor activities are at their peak.
Enquire TodayRegions You’ll Visit
View mapThis 15-day “Northern Madagascar Wildlife & Beach” tour offers a balanced mix of rainforest exploration, unique geological formations, and tropical island relaxation. It focuses on the biodiversity of the north before concluding in the “perfumed isles” of the Nosy Be archipelago.
Itinerary Highlights
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Amber Mountain National Park: A montane rainforest set on a volcanic massif. It is home to seven lemur species, including the Crowned Lemur, and the world’s smallest chameleon (Brookesia micra).
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Ankarana Special Reserve: Renowned for its sharp “Grey Tsingy” limestone pinnacles, vast underground cave systems (home to cave-dwelling crocodiles), and dense populations of Sanford’s Brown Lemur.
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The Red Tsingy: Unlike the limestone of Ankarana, these are vibrant, fragile sand and laterite formations sculpted by erosion, providing a stark visual contrast.
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Andasibe-Mantadia: This route often includes the eastern rainforests to observe the Indri (the largest lemur) and enjoy nocturnal walks for mouse lemurs and chameleons.
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Nosy Be & Surrounding Islets: Relaxation in the archipelago, with opportunities for snorkeling at Nosy Tanikely (a marine park) and visiting Nosy Komba, the “Island of Lemurs.”
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Sambirano Valley: A journey through spice and cocoa plantations en route to the coast, where the scent of Ylang-Ylang fills the air.
Practical Details
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Price: From £4,370 per person (based on two sharing).
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Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights.
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Transport: Private 4×4 with a dedicated driver-guide and domestic flights to Diego Suarez and from Nosy Be back to the capital.
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Best Time to Visit: The dry season from April to November. September and October are particularly good for seeing baby lemurs and active wildlife.
Route Overview
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Antananarivo: Arrival and stay in the historic “Upper Town.”
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Andasibe-Mantadia: 4-hour drive east for primary rainforest treks.
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Diego Suarez (Antsiranana): Flight to the far north for the volcanic Amber Mountain.
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Ankarana: Exploring the limestone massifs and the Red Tsingy.
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Ankify & Nosy Komba: Crossing the Sambirano Valley to reach the islands by boat.
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Nosy Be: Coastal stay at a beach lodge, with optional marine excursions.
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Antananarivo: Return flight for souvenir shopping at local markets and final departure.
Our Suggested Day By Day Itinerary
This tour can be fully-personalised and upgrades are available.
Day 1: Journey Begins – Fly to Antananarivo
Today you will start your adventure, you will fly to Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital city.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 2: Welcome to Madagascar – Exploring the High Altitude Capital
Manao ahoana & Salama Welcome to tropical paradise. You will be welcomed & greeted by your guide or representative on arrival Antananarivo Ivato International Airport. You will travel to your hotel. Travel time is approximately 10 minutes, depending on road traffic.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 3: Rainforest Bound – Night Walk in Analamazaotra Park
After breakfast, transfer to Andasibe National Park (3–4 hours), passing through winding roads, remote villages, terrace rice fields, and roadside stalls with tropical fruits.
In the evening, around 6 pm, join a guided Night Walk in Analamazaotra Park to spot nocturnal wildlife like the Goodman Mouse lemur, along with chameleons, geckos, frogs, and fireflies. The walk lasts 1½ – 2 hours.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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Day 4: Tracking the Indri-Indri – The Sounds of Andasibe-Mantadia
After breakfast, visit the Analamazaotra Special Reserve in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, home to 110+ bird species and the iconic Indri lemur.
Explore waterfalls, landscapes, and a natural swimming pool (bring your swimsuit). Choose from various hiking circuits, with the easiest taking 2-3 hours.
In the evening, join another night walk in a different part of the park. Dinner & overnight at lodge.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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Day 5: Royal History – Queen’s Palace & Antananarivo City Tour
After a morning in Andasibe, return to Antananarivo (3-4 hours drive).
Enjoy a city tour of Antananarivo, known as the “City of Thousand Warriors.” Explore the upper town, where you’ll find historical sites like the Queen’s Palace, the Prime Minister’s Palace, and the ancient Justice Palace. The area offers panoramic views of the city and is a great spot for souvenirs.
In the evening, enjoy sundowner drinks with a stunning view of the city, reflecting on your memorable trip around Madagascar. Overnight at hotel.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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Day 6: Heading North – Rainforests of Amber Mountain National Park
After breakfast, take a flight to Diego Suarez at 11:40 am (1:45 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Amber Mountain National Park, Joffreville (approx. 1-hour drive).
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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Day 7: Biodiversity Spotting – Waterfalls & Chameleons of Joffreville
Explore Amber Mountain National Park with a specialist guide. This montane rainforest, covering 18,200 hectares, is home to 25 mammal species, including the fossa, ring-tailed mongoose, and 8 lemur species, such as Sanford’s brown lemur and crowned lemur. The park also hosts 75 bird species, 60 reptiles, 35 frogs, and over 40 butterfly species.
Enjoy a guided walk through this biodiversity hotspot, featuring lush vegetation, waterfalls, volcanic lakes, and unique ecosystems. The park’s cool climate provides a refreshing contrast to the heat of the lowlands. Picnic lunch included.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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Day 8: The Red Tsingy – Remarkable Sandstone Pinnacles & Erosion
In the morning, enjoy a two-hour walk through Amber Mountain’s lush landscapes before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Then, travel to Ankarana National Park, stopping to visit the remarkable Red Tsingy.
The Red Tsingy, formed by rain, wind, and erosion, are made of red laterite and feature striking sand pinnacles overlaid with clay, resembling Bryce Canyon. These fragile formations are a rare natural wonder, so please avoid touching them. Afterward, continue your journey to Ankarana (approx. 3.5 hour drive). Dinner & overnight at hotel.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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Day 9: Limestone Fortress – Exploring Caves & Tsingy of Ankarana
Explore Ankarana National Park on a half-day or full-day adventure, depending on your fitness level. This limestone fortress features sharp Tsingy ridges, deep caves, deciduous forests, and lush canyons, home to Africa’s largest underground river networks.
The park spans 182.5 km² and is rich in biodiversity, with crowned lemurs, Sanford’s brown lemurs, the elusive fossa, over 100 bird species, and unique reptiles. Inside the vast cave system, encounter bats, blind shrimp, and the world’s only cave-dwelling crocodiles. Dinner & overnight at the lodge.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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Day 10: Spice & Speedboats – Vanilla Plantations to Nosy Be Island
In the morning, travel to Ankify (approx. 4 hours), stopping at a spice plantation to explore Madagascar’s renowned spices, including vanilla, which has been cultivated on the island for nearly a century.
You may choose to purchase some vanilla as a souvenir. From Ankify, a 40-minute speedboat transfer will take you to Nosy Be Island.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day 11: Primitive Wilderness – Traditional Canoeing in Lokobe Reserve
After breakfast, travel to Lokobe Reserve, paddling by traditional canoe for about an hour to reach this last protected primitive forest on Nosy Be. The reserve is a biodiversity haven, home to endemic plants, ancient trees, lemurs (Macaco and Lepilemur), reptiles, chameleons, birds, and unique insects.
Explore the 740-hectare reserve and stop at Ampasipohy village for lunch. Afterward, return to Nosy Be by kayak, enjoying the tranquil surroundings along the way.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day 12: Private Paradise – Speedboat Transfer to Eco-Luxury Eden Lodge
After breakfast, take a 30-minute speedboat to Eden Lodge, where you’ll have three days to relax or enjoy optional activities. Explore the Ampasindava Peninsula by boat, visit Sakalava villages, canoe through rivers, swim in natural pools, and spot lemurs and tortoises. Other options include visiting a local school, PADI diving, traditional fishing, or eco-friendly deep-sea fishing. Eden Lodge offers the perfect mix of leisure and adventure in a stunning natural setting.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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Day 13: Tropical Relaxation – Beachfront Leisure & Lemur Spotting
Enjoy two full days at your leisure to relax or explore. Choose from activities such as boat excursions, village visits, wildlife spotting, canoeing, diving, or simply unwinding in the serene surroundings of Eden Lodge.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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Day 14: Island Exploration – Snorkeling & Sailing on Ampasindava
After breakfast, board a traditional Malagasy dhow or speedboat to explore the hidden gems of the Ampasindava Peninsula. This region is one of the few places in the world where ancient, hundred-year-old Baobab trees grow right on the edge of the white sand beaches.
Spend the morning snorkeling in the crystal-clear ‘house reef’ directly in front of the lodge, where you are likely to swim alongside Green Sea Turtles and schools of tropical fish. In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle sail along the coast to visit a remote Sakalava fishing village, or simply relax on the butter-soft sands of Baobab Beach. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins dancing in the Mozambique Channel and lemurs peering out from the jungle canopy as the sun sets on your final full day in paradise.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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Day 15: Farewell Madagascar – Assist to Nosy Be Airport
After a final breakfast at your lodge, your private boat and driver will coordinate your transfer to Nosy Be Fascene Airport (NOS). Your driver will assist with your luggage and guide you to the check-in desk to ensure a smooth departure.
Most travelers will connect through Antananarivo (TNR) for international connections or take the popular direct route via Addis Ababa (ADD) with Ethiopian Airlines. Depending on your flight schedule, you may also have options to connect through La Réunion or Johannesburg. As you fly over the turquoise waters of the Mozambique Channel, look back on 15 days of lemur sightings, ‘Tsingy’ adventures, and the aromatic spice air of Northern Madagascar.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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End of Tour
Included:
- Private transportation in fully air conditioned vehicle
- Accommodation for 14 nights
- Admission fees to all National Parks and Nature Reserves
- English-speaking guide
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport meet & greet in all airports
Not Included:
- Gratuities for services and guides
- Expenses on personal nature
- Anything else not listed in the itinerary
- Optional excursions
- Personal & medical insurances
FAQ
1. When is the best time to visit Northern Madagascar for wildlife and snorkeling?
The optimal window is the dry season from May to October. During these months, the trails in Amber Mountain and Ankarana are firm, and the sea conditions around Nosy Be are calm for boat crossings. If you want to see Whale Sharks or Omura’s Whales, aim for October through December. For Humpback whales, visit between August and September.
2. How physically demanding are the hikes in the North?
The difficulty varies by park. Amber Mountain offers relatively gentle walks on forested paths. However, the Ankarana Tsingy involves navigating razor-sharp limestone rocks, which may require some scrambling and steady balance. As this is a private tour, your guide can tailor the route to your comfort level—ranging from short, 2-hour loops to more strenuous full-day expeditions.
3. What should I pack for both the rainforest and the beach?
Since you’ll transition from humid montane forests to tropical islands, layering is key. Essential items include:
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Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots for the sharp Tsingy rocks.
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A lightweight, breathable raincoat (rainforest mists are common even in the dry season).
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Long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect against mosquitoes and vegetation.
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High-SPF sunscreen and polarized sunglasses for the intense reflection off the white sandbars at Nosy Iranja.
4. Do I need a visa to enter Madagascar in 2026?
For stays of 15 days or less, travelers currently pay a small administrative fee (approximately €10/£10) upon arrival at the airport. For stays between 16 and 30 days, a tourist visa is required, which can be obtained on arrival at Ivato International Airport for approximately €35. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your departure date and has at least two blank pages.
5. Why are there domestic flights included in this itinerary?
Madagascar is the world’s fourth-largest island, and road travel can be slow due to the rugged terrain. This itinerary uses domestic flights between Antananarivo and Diego Suarez to bypass several days of difficult driving. This ensures you spend more time observing lemurs and relaxing on the beach rather than in a vehicle. Earth Trip builds in a “buffer day” in the capital at the end of the trip to account for any local flight schedule shifts.
Tailor Your Tour - Potential Highlights
- Upgrade or change your hotels
- Add or remove attractions
- Stay longer in some locations
- Let us make it perfect for you.
If you love this tour but want to change some details our team will tailor this tour to match your interests. With our in-depth knowledge we will provide you with the best advice on every detail of the tour.
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Request A Video MeetingTailor Your Tour - Potential Highlights
- Upgrade or change your hotels
- Add or remove attractions
- Stay longer in some locations
- Let us make it perfect for you.
If you love this tour but want to change some details our team will tailor this tour to match your interests. With our in-depth knowledge we will provide you with the best advice on every detail of the tour.
Northern Madagascar Wildlife & Beach Holiday 2026 – 2027 | Earth Trip
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© 2026 Earth Trip