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North Madagascar Explorer

Take in the stunning scenery of the North of Madagascar starting with the baobabs and bays of Joffreville. The tropical forests of Amber Mountain National Park are one of the most scenically beautiful spots in the country. Hike amongst the extinct volcanoes, lakes, winding rivers and forests.

Traverse rope bridges and climb ladders to explore the dramatic Tsingy, home to lemurs, chameleons, butterflies and birds. The final portion of your trip takes you to the paradise island of Nosy Komba where you’ll have five nights to drink in the spectacular views, float above the vibrant coral reefs, and dine under the stars. If you still haven’t had your fill of spotting Madagascar’s unique wildlife, then take a trek into the heart of the forest in search of mischievous Macaco lemurs peeking from between the trees.

Why You’ll Love This Trip: 

Diverse Accommodation: You’ll experience former a colonial homestead, stay in cabanas made in the traditional Malagasy method and relax in a luxury barefoot beach retreat.
Exceptional Scenery: You’ll travel to the serene waters of Diego Suarez bay, hike the botanists paradise of Amber Mountain National Park and traverse through the unique formations of tsingy and finish on a tropical paradise island.

Example day-by-day-itinerary:

This Northern Madagascar itinerary will take you from bays to beaches, dry deciduous and tropical forests, through dark caves and floating over calm lakes. Search for lemurs & chameleons amongst the Tsingy - a labyrinth of sharp rocks formed by millions of years of erosion.

Day 1, Arrive in Antananarivo

Upon arrival in Antananarivo you’ll be taken to your boutique accommodation close to the airport, convenient for your flight to the north the next morning.

Accommodation: Relais des Plateaux

Where to go

Antananarivo

Vibrant, alive and chaotic, Antananarivo, usually termed by its colloquial short hand Tana, is the capital city of Madagascar and its political and economical powerhouse. Located in Antananarivo Province, this commanding city is usually the first stop for visitors to Madagascar, being home to the International Airport. However, to pass through Tana without stopping to explore would be to miss out on understanding the core of Madagascar’s psyche. With a population of about 1.4 million, Tana is divided into two distinct regions; Lower Town and Upper Town. Upper Town is shrouded with purple jacaranda trees in the summer, and here you will find arts and crafts markets and intimate jewellers.

Discover Antananarivo

Day 2, Antananarivo – Joffreville

Today you’ll be picked up and head back to the airport for your flight to Diego Suarez. On arrival your driver guide will take you the French Mountain, where you can view a rare species of baobab and explore the three bays. After checking into your boutique hotel, you’ll head out for a night walk on the outskirts of the national park.

Accommodation: The Litchi Tree Hotel

Andasibe National Park

Probably one of the best lemur experiences in the world, Andasibe National Park is the best place to spot the Indri, the largest living lemur! The park is separated into two distinct areas, Speciale d’Analamazaotra (usually known as Perinet - the old name of a French nearby town and rail station) to the south, and Park National de Mantidia to the north. Created in 1989, it encompasses the same humid lush forest throughout, covered with moss and trees, peppered with over 100 extraordinary orchid species and dotted with lakes.

Discover Andasibe National Park

Day 4, Joffreville – Iharana Bush Camp

Today you’ll be driven to your remote camp, stopping at Ankarana Reserve on the way. You’ll traverse the walkways above the Tsingy hoping to spot crowned, northern sportive and fat-tailed dwarf lemurs amongst the dramatic rock formations. Continue onwards to your bush camp where you’ll enjoy a night walk after sunset.

Accommodation: Iharana Bush Camp

Nosy Be Archiepelgo

Known as the "Perfumed Island" due to the fragrance of vanilla, pepper, and ylang-ylang in the air, Nosy Be is a popular island destination off the northwest coast. Its deserted beaches and vibrant sunsets make it perfect for relaxation, while its rich history and accessible location attract visitors from around the world.

Discover the Nosy Be Archiepelgo

Days 5-6, Exploring Iharana Bush Camp

You’ll have two days to explore this stunning area. Follow the paths through the Tsingy, climbing ladders and traversing bridges to the panoramic viewpoints. You’ll see lemurs, birds and butterflies along the way. For a different perspective, head out to the lake on a canoe or visit neighbouring villages on a bicycle.

Accommodation: Iharana Bush Camp

Wildlife in Madagascar

MAD Sl Madagascar Crowned Lemur Black Lemur Hybrid Credit Shannon Wild

Lemurs

Most famous is the indri whose calls awaken weary travellers with a rush of excitement, other famous species include the ring tailed and dancing sifaka.

Day 7, Iharana Bush Camp – Nosy Komba

Today you’ll travel by car and then by boat to Nosy Komba, where you’ll have time to unwind on this beautiful tropical island.

MAD Madagascar Tourist Board Black And White Ruffed Lemur

10 Facts about Lemurs

All you need to know about lemurs in Madagascar. The World Lemur Festival is celebrated every year at the end of October. The festival started in 2014 with the objective of raising awareness worldwide both of lemurs and their home, Madagascar, a country with one of the largest variety of endemic species, but also one that suffers from extreme poverty, and recently, political strife

Days 8-11, Exploring Nosy Komba

Spend five peaceful nights on this paradise island. Your suite is tucked into the lush tropical gardens for you to wander down to the golden sandy beach. You have your choice of trekking through the jungle in search of more incredible wildlife, or swimming the seas observing underwater wildlife; depending on the time of year you could be lucky to spot whale sharks and humpbacks.

Travel Insp

Madagascar Joshua Barton Diademed Sifaka Lovebirds

Conservation Efforts in Madagascar: Protecting Endangered Species

Madagascar is renowned for its breathtaking biodiversity, with over 90% of its wildlife species found nowhere else on Earth. However, this unique ecosystem faces serious threats, making conservation efforts in Madagascar more crucial than ever.

Day 12, Depart Nosy Be

It’s time to wave goodbye to your tropical island hideaway. You’ll be transferred to Nosy Be to connect to your international flights home.

St Madagascar Isalo National Park Dennis Van De Water

Trekking in Madagascar

Madagascar is a trekking paradise, offering a diverse range of landscapes from lush rainforests to dramatic rock formations. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a nature lover, the island's national parks promise unforgettable experiences.

Relais des Plateaux

A boutique hotel conveniently located a short drive from the airport, a perfect place to stop in between your adventures in the national parks of Madagascar. Surrounded by tropical trees, sit by the pool, pamper yourself with a spa treatment or sample some Malgasy cuisine.

The Litchie Tree Hotel

Once a colonial home dating back to 1902, now a boutique hotel with stunning views over Diego Suarez Bay. The manicured gardens are home to mango trees, chameleon and snakes. With just six rooms you’re promised an intimate stay.

Iharana Bush Camp

This unique camp has eighteen cabanas built from mud, each with a thatched roof, resulting in an authentic Malagasy feel. The bush camp is basic, but the location is fantastic for exploring the Tsingy and Lake Laka. In complete wilderness, this is a great place to stay and re-unite yourself with the wonders of nature.

Tsara Komba

Sail to your island getaway with fairy tale views over the aquamarine waters and tropical islands. Snorkel or dive above the vibrant coral reefs with turtles, manta ray and fish. Each of the classic suites has a private deck surrounded by verdant gardens.

Location
Northern Madagascar

North Madagascar Explorer

Why You’ll Love This Trip: