Diego Suarez

The Largest City of the North

Diego Suarez is named after the two Portuguese explorers who discovered Madagascar. Diego Suarez is also known as Antsiranana and it is situated in the north of Madagascar. It has one of the world’s most beautiful deep-water harbours, complete with a photographic sugarloaf mountain. This is one of the most French cities in Madagascar. It has a colonial feel with colonial style architecture such as the former Governance Residence, Colbert Street and the regional office. This is the largest city of the north with a huge cosy market, selling an abundance of fine local produce and hand-made crafts with a wide range of restaurants.

Diego Suarez, officially known as Antsiranana, is the stunning capital of northern Madagascar and a gateway to some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes and unique biodiversity. It is affectionately known by its old French name, Diego, and is famed for its spectacular natural deep-water bay.

Here are the key highlights and attractions in and around Diego Suarez:

1. The Magnificent Bay and Coastal Wonders

The Bay of Antsiranana is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, often compared to the Bay of Rio de Janeiro due to its central rock formation:

• Sugarloaf Mountain (Nosy Lonja): A conical island in the middle of the bay that is a sacred site to the local Antakarana people. It is a stunning, iconic landmark.
• The Three Bays (Les Trois Baies): A scenic coastal route (best done by 4×4 or hiking) near the village of Ramena that features three distinct, beautiful beaches:
  • Baie des Sakalava: Famous for its consistent winds, making it a top spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
  • Baie des Pigeons (Pigeon Bay): A quieter, more intimate bay.
  • Baie des Dunes (Dune Bay): A vast, wild beach framed by coastal dunes and cliffs.
• The Emerald Sea (Mer d’Émeraude): A shallow lagoon known for its breathtaking turquoise colour, which comes from the light-coloured sandy bottom. It’s an ideal spot for snorkelling, swimming, and enjoying a fresh seafood picnic, usually reached by traditional sailing boat from Ramena.
• Ramena Beach: A charming fishing village and long white-sand beach about 20 km from the city, serving as the main launch point for the Emerald Sea excursions.

2. Nature and National Parks

The Diego Suarez region is a hub for exploring incredible protected areas:

• Amber Mountain National Park (Montagne d’Ambre): Madagascar’s first and oldest national park, located less than an hour’s drive from Antsiranana.
  • It is a rainforest oasis on a volcanic massif, famous for its high biodiversity.
  • It’s the best place to find numerous species of chameleons (including the tiny Brookesia leaf chameleons), lemurs (like the Crowned and Sanford’s Brown Lemur), and spectacular waterfalls and crater lakes.
• Montagne des Français Reserve (French Mountain): A limestone massif dominating the eastern side of the city.
  • The hike to the summit offers panoramic views over the entire bay and the surrounding coast.
  • The reserve’s dry deciduous forest is home to unique flora, including the Adansonia suarezensis baobab, which is endemic to the region.
• Tsingy Rouge (Red Tsingy): A geological wonder of soft, eroded laterite spires, located about two hours’ drive southeast of Diego Suarez. The unique red, alien-like formations make for an incredible sight, particularly at sunset.
• Ankarana National Park: (Often combined with the Amber Mountain trip) Known for its dramatic limestone karst pinnacles, deep canyons, subterranean caves, and dense forest, where you can spot lemurs and diverse wildlife.

3. City Charm and History

Antsiranana itself offers a glimpse into Madagascar’s colonial past:

• Colonial Architecture: The city centre retains a faded but charming colonial feel, with old French-style buildings and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Place de la Musique: A central area to soak up the local vibe, enjoy a coffee, and observe daily life.
• History: The city played a strategic role during the colonial era, and remnants of French military fortifications can still be seen in areas like the Montagne des Français.

Diego Suarez’s combination of stunning bays, unique wildlife parks, and adventurous coastal treks makes it a truly unmissable destination in Northern Madagascar.