From Diégo Suarez to Nosy Be
Between spectacular tsingy and the perfumed island's beaches, northern Madagascar reveals its hidden treasures.
Duration
7 days
From
€700/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
One week to discover the North of Madagascar: Diego-Suarez and Nosy Be. Embark with us for an unforgettable human adventure, in the heart of a unique and generous nature: endemic trees and orchids, Tsingy, strange fauna, beaches and turquoise sea with surprising marine life.
In Antsiranana (called Diego Suarez), we discover streets dotted with yellow Renault 4L cars and columned houses. We head for Amber Mountain National Park, renowned for its botanical wealth: palm trees, ramy, orchids… Lemurs, chameleons, uroplates and other endemic animals also populate the forest.
We continue our journey in the heart of the Diana region, which also home to exceptional tsingy, such as the Red Tsingy and the Tsingy of Ankarana, populated by lemurs, mongooses, bats and owls.
We then head to Ankify, a coastal village and departure point for our boat crossing to Nosy Be. The road to Ankify gives us a taste of "the island of perfumes", bordered by ylang-ylang, coffee and cocoa plantations.
In Nosy Be the "Great Island", we discover more sugarcane, cinnamon, coffee, pepper, ylang-ylang crops… Nosy Be is rich in terrestrial and marine natural resources, in culture and crafts. Beyond its paradisiacal beaches, far from being overcrowded despite their reputation, many activities are possible: scuba diving, snorkeling, discovering the archipelago in traditional dhow or outrigger canoe, whale watching in season, hiking on the island on foot or by bike… A little piece of paradise for the whole family.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Flight departing from Antananarivo to Diégo Suarez (not included)
Antananarivo → Diego Suarez I Antsiranana
A Détours Madagascar team member welcomes you at Diego Suarez airport. Visit the city with its columned houses, market and port. Lunch and free afternoon.
Exploration of Amber Mountain National Park
Montagne d'Ambre → Montagne d'Ambre
Day visit to the Amber Mountain National Park. It is a quaternary volcanic complex with an area of 300,000 hectares. The wealth of fauna and flora makes it one of the most visited parks in the North.
Accompanied by a local guide, we discover this major botanical site of interest via the Thousand Trees Path, ranging from lichens to orchids, from different species of palm trees to strangler figs passing through the ramy, an endemic tree whose sap releases a strong smell of turpentine.
The animals will not be left behind with the 11 species of lemurs that live in the park, including the crowned lemur, the Sanford's lemur or the Tubercled Brookesia, one of the smallest chameleons in the world (barely 3cm in size, tail included), so small that it takes the trained eye of our guide to spot it.
We may also encounter the flat-tailed gecko, a gecko nicknamed the king of camouflage because it blends so well with the bark of the tree it clings to.
Picnic lunch at the Fruit Bat Forest Station, return to the hotel at the end of the day.
Day visit to the Montagne d'Ambre National Park. It is a quaternary volcanic complex with an area of 300,000 hectares. The richness of its fauna and flora makes it one of the most visited parks in the North.
In the company of a local guide, we discover this major botanical site of interest, via the Path of a Thousand Trees, ranging from lichens to orchids, from different species of palm trees to strangler figs passing through the ramy, an endemic tree whose sap gives off a strong turpentine smell.
Animals will also be present with 11 species of lemurs living in the park, including the crowned lemur, the Sanford's lemur or the Tubercled Brookesia, one of the smallest chameleons in the world (barely 3cm in size, tail included), so small that it takes the trained eye of our guide to spot it.
We may also come across the leaf-tailed gecko, a flat gecko nicknamed the master of camouflage because it blends so well with the bark of the tree it clings to.
Picnic lunch at the Roussettes Forestry Station, return to the hotel at the end of the day.
From Red Tsingy to Ankarana National Park of Tsingy
Diego Suarez I Antsiranana → Tsingy Rouge
At Sadjoavato village, we will make a short detour towards Irodo village to visit the Red Tsingy. Composed of sandstone, limestone, marl and laterite rich in iron oxide (which gives the red color), the Red Tsingy are the result of erosion on soil with different layers exposed by deforestation. This surreal site is visited on foot and is particularly exotic.
We then take National Road 6 to head towards Mahamasina, gateway to the Tsingy de l'Ankarana which we will visit the next day.
Discovery of Ankarana Tsingy National Park
We set off on a hiking expedition to the heart of the spectacular Parc National des tsingy de l Ankarana, a true geological jewel in northern Madagascar. This unique site, famous for its sharp karstic formations called tsingy, offers a striking backdrop of canyons, caves and suspended bridges. Along the way, we discover exceptional biodiversity: leaping lemurs, stealthy mongooses, bats nestled in rocky cavities, silent owls perched in trees… Each step reveals a new surprise, in a preserved ecosystem where endemic fauna evolve freely.
We continue our exploration towards the most emblematic areas of the park, notably the Tsingy Rary and the impressive Tsingy towers, veritable natural sculptures shaped by time.
Picnic lunch in the heart of nature, then return to the hotel in the afternoon.
Route to Ankify, boat crossing to Nosy Be and free afternoon
Early morning departure and drive to Ankify, a village located by the sea and the departure point for our boat to Nosy Be. The road is lined with coffee, ylang ylang and cocoa plantations, giving us a taste of the fragrant island of Nosy Be.
Departure from Ankify by boat before noon (crossings are not possible in the afternoon), and transfer by fast ferry from Ankify port to Nosy Be and Hell-Ville Port. The crossing takes approximately 45 minutes.
Nosy Be, or "the big island" is the most well-known of the Malagasy islands. Also called the island of fragrances, Nosy Be is home to crops of ylang-ylang, sugar cane, coffee, cocoa, cinnamon, pepper and other spices.
Arrival at Hell-Ville port, welcome at the port by your hotel, and transfer to it. Remainder of the day at leisure.
Free stay in Nosy Be, the Perfume Island
Freely explore the Fragrant Island and its surroundings.
Many activities available from the hotel: water sports, fishing, swimming and snorkeling, island hopping and sea trips, motorbike, quad and bicycle rentals, pirogue excursion in the Lokobe Reserve, village visits, a distillery of essential oils at the Florette Estate, market stroll, to the sacred tree or even to the waterfall…
We recommend the trip to Mont Passot, from which you can admire a magnificent sunset.
Your hotel reception will be able to advise you and direct you for all these activities.
Activities and visits at your own expense. Possibility to organize excursions and activities on request, please contact us.
Return flight to Antananarivo (not included)
According to your return flight schedule, free time in Nosy Be and transfer to Nosy Be Fascene airport, arranged by your hotel on site, for the return flight to Antananarivo (not included).
A member of the Détours Madagascar team welcomes you at Ivato Antananarivo airport, for a transfer to your hotel or your connection for the international return flight.
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We suggest extending your stay in the north of the Radama archipelago, for example with a trip on traditional dhow and outrigger canoewith our partners on site. Feel free to contact us!
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Domestic flight Antananarivo > Diego Suarez on Day 1
- The domestic flight Nosy Be > Antananarivo on day 7
- Meals on international flight days
- Lunches and dinners, except for lunches on Days 2 to 4 which are included
- Activities not mentioned in the program and during free days in Nosy Be
- The vehicle(s) and driver-guide(s) Détours Madagascar in Nosy Be
- The single room supplement (250 EUR per person)
- Beverages (mineral water, soft drinks, beers...) during and outside meals
- Tips and Personal Expenses
- Cancellation insurance, repatriation, and emergency medical expenses
- Visa fees
Included
- The service of an English-speaking driver-guide(s) from Détours Madagascar according to the group size throughout the trip except in Nosy Be
- Transport in 4x4 vehicle(s) (fuel included) except in Nosy Be (maximum 4 travelers per 4x4 vehicle)
- Accommodation in double/twin rooms in the mentioned hotels (or similar according to availability at the time of booking)
- Breakfasts from Day 2 to Day 7
- Picnic lunches from Day 2 to Day 4
- The visits and activities as described in the program, except during free days
- Entry fees for parks and reserves, mandatory local guide fees
- All transfers mentioned in the program
- All airport transfers in Antananarivo and Nosy Be
- The boat transfer from Ankify to Nosy Be
- The transfer from port to hotel in Nosy Be
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
More than 60 days before departure: 30% of the total price (deposit retained)
Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Your Passport:
Important: your passport must be valid. It must be mandatory and obligatorily valid for 6 months after the end of your stay in Madagascar.
Your travel documents
Your valid passport,
Your international and/or domestic flight tickets,
Your repatriation insurance/first aid expenses contract, -
Your vaccination record, not mandatory,
Your blood group card if possible.
Obtaining a visa to enter Malagasy territory
Upon arrival in the territory:
The visa cost is €35 for a stay of less than 30 days.
It is easily obtained upon your arrival in Malagasy territory.
This applies to all airports in Madagascar that receive international flights.
Upon arrival in the terminal, upon exiting the plane, a corridor for passengers is dedicated to issuing tourist visas.
This procedure is the simplest. We recommend it to you.
From the embassies and consulates of your countries of origin:
For information, download the document explaining the procedure and the constitution of the file for obtaining a visa from the Madagascar embassy.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and procedures for claiming any loss are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for declaring any loss. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Ivato Airport (Antananarivo) or online (e-visa). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Before booking your trip, check with Madagascar's consular authorities for the conditions applicable to your nationality, including visa fees and authorized lengths of stay.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 160 and 270 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (900-1400 euros return) are additional. Long transfers and domestic flights represent a significant portion of the budget.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) protection, which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Nosy Be and Islands
Ambassador of Malagasy fihavanana, based in Antananarivo
For me, traveling to Madagascar is stepping into the spirit of fihavanana: sharing, helping one another, meeting people, and taking time to understand what connects them to their land.
— Noro
