16-Day From East to North, A Fascinating Adventure

This incredible journey will lead us on the national road number 2: to the east part of Madagascar. You will be amazed by the green landscape of tropical forest, rice fields, waterfall and villages. Start today’s activity with a visit to a charette-making workshop. In Madagascar, the cart is to farmers what the car is to city dwellers.  On this tour, you will discover how these “made in Madagascar” carts are made. Afterwards, we will visit the Akany Tantely. As an apiculture resource center, the visit to Akany Tantely opens up the world of high-quality honey production and its environment. According to this organisation, the relationship between man and bees is an asset for improving living standards, as well as preserving health and well-being.

We will continue our journey. Stopover at Peyrieras private farm “Madagascar Exotique” for one-hour tour. Indeed, you will discover some endemic species of Madagascar including reptiles, Geckos, butterfly included the largest butterfly on earth called comet … Here’s the best place to see these incredible creatures up close. After the visit completed, we set off again for Andasibe. We end the day with a nocturnal visit. Many animal species are particularly active at night. You will have the opportunity to observe nocturnal lemurs such as microcebes, chameleons and frogs with their beautiful sounds.

• Travel around 142 km
• Overnight stay at Longoza Ecolodge

Analamazaotra National Park, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park is renowned for its diverse lemur population, including the iconic indri, and offers a variety of activities for visitors. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Indri lemur, the largest lemur species in the world. These majestic creatures are known for their powerful vocalizations, which can be heard from a distance. After the visit, we will visit Vakona reserve which is a private reserve of the Vakona Forest Lodge hotel. The reserve’s main attraction is, of course, the opportunity to get up close to several species of lemur such as: Madagascar’s dancing lemurs also called Sifaka, the small bamboo lemurs and the black and white ruffed lemur. In addition to lemurs, the reserve also boasts a crocodile farm where you can observe these fascinating reptiles.

• Overnight stay at Longoza Ecolodge

Akanin’ny Nofy, meaning “ The Nest of Dreams ” in Malagasy, is an increasingly popular destination for travelers in pursuit of authenticity and nature. Located on Madagascar’s east coast, this region offers varied landscapes, rich wildlife and an authentic culture. Arrival in Manambato, an impressive boat ride on the Pangalanes Canal awaits you. Aboard a motorboat, you will go to Akanin’ny Nofy, which translates as the “Nest of dreams”. To end the day, a nocturnal excursion to observe the Aye-aye is an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your stay at Akanin’ny nofy. This nocturnal lemur, with its singular appearance and mysterious habits, is an endemic species of the island and one of Madagascar’s natural treasures.

• Travel around 130 km + 45 min of navigation
• Overnight stay at the Hotel Palmarium

The Palmarium reserve is a true paradise for nature lovers. Nestling in the heart of a lush tropical forest, it is home to exceptional flora and fauna, and the stars of the reserve are without doubt the lemurs. You can observe several species of these primates endemic to Madagascar, including the Indri Indri, the largest lemur in the world. After lunch, set off to discover a typical Betsimisaraka village. Located near the Palmarium reserve, Andranokoditra is a small fishing village. You will have the opportunity to discover the traditional Malagasy way of life and share a special moment with the locals.

• Overnight stay at the Hotel Palmarium

Today, you have to say goodbye to this idyllic nest of dream. You will be transferred by motorboat to Manambato. From there, you will take the car and will be driven back to Tana. Arrival planned in the late afternoon.

Today, you will fly to Diego Suarez, also called Antsiranana. It is a cosmopolitan town and capital of the Northern side of Madagascar. Now we are off on an excursion to the 3 Bays. This site comprises the «Dunes Bay”, the “Pigeon Bay” and the “Sakalava Bay”. Connected by a sandy road, the three bays promise magnificent beaches with white sand contrasting with the turquoise of the sea. This panoramic landscape is filled with the sound of waves and birds. For surfing fans, Sakalava Bay is one of the best surf spots on the island. A 3-hour walk will enable you to discover the rich flora and fauna of the area.

• Overnight stay at Suarez Hotel

Today, get ready for a new exciting escapade, a hiking in the Amber Mountain National Park. The Park is located in a volcanic area of approximately 300,000 ha in the south of Diego-Suarez. This dense humid forest contains a very high rate of endemism including thousand species of precious wood (Dalbergia chlorocarpa and Canarium madagascariensis) and several species of lemurs, boas, and butterflies. If you are lucky, you may see the brookesia tuberculate (the smallest chameleon in the world) which is the size of a thimble. Its authenticity makes Amber Mountain a real melting pot of biological diversities grouped in a small area of relatively easy access: only 30 km from Diego Suarez. You would need 3 hours walking in the mountain rainforest to meet a hidden crater lakes and a remarkemable waterfalls.

• Travel around 30 km
• Overnight stay at Nature Lodge

How can you come to the Diego-Suarez without admiring the sharp ochre-coloured peaks also known as “Red Tsingy”? Born from erosion, the Tsingy of Madagascar is formation of fossilized shells. The mixture of different oxides and the passing of time have given birth to these so singular fireplaces. You will be able to admire in a spectacular setting of an immensity that sends us back to a forgotten era: the Jurassic. We will discover the Red Tsingy through the savannah crossing and descent on a part of the Analamerana Park near the village of Irodo. Then, take the first small stop in the viewpoint on the surroundings and go down slowly to discover gradually all the site. We will leave the car and walk a few minutes to see the Tsingy in front of you. Afterward, we head to Anjahankely wich is located in Andrafiamena Andavakoera Protected Area, for an interesting nocturnal visit.

• Travel around 120 km
• Overnight stay at Akiba Lodge

This marvelous itinerary deserves an exceptional visit at the protected area of Anjahakely. Managed by Fanamby’s NGO, this wonderful place bases on sustainable tourism. The landscape at Anjahakely varies from sandstone and limestone mountain ranges to wet, dry and transitional forests, filled with various endemic species, in particular the famous black lemur Propithecus perrieri. This critically endangered lemur needs a special protection. Indeed, the NGO working with local population have established nurseries where a variety of plant species are growing, including those whose leaves and fruit are valued by the Propithecus perrieri. Several plant species including Mantaly, Bonara, Satrabe, Voatsikomoko, Rafia, Baobabs and other palms have been planted for the restoration of the forest in the region. Also, discover the nursery of the site’s association on this same route.

• Overnight stay as the day before

Savor a delightful breakfast to prepare for an extraordinary day. Our destination is the awe-inspiring Ankarana National Park. En route, we’ll visit the sacred Anivorano Lake, shrouded in ancient myths. Local folklore tells of villagers who were transformed into crocodiles, some still bearing traces of their human past.

• Travel around 60 km
• Overnight stay at Ankarana Lodge

After a hearty breakfast, embark on an extraordinary adventure to the renowned Ankarana National Park. This geological marvel, forged by the sea millions of years ago, offers a breathtaking tapestry of landscapes: dense forests, towering tsingy formations, and deep canyons. As you delve into this unique ecosystem, you’ll encounter a fascinating array of endemic species that have adapted to the park’s harsh, yet beautiful conditions. Admire the deciduous trees, many of which burst into vibrant bloom, and keep an eye out for the majestic baobabs that dot the Tsingy and Lost Rivers trails. Today’s hike to the Bat Cave, while relatively easy, offers a thrilling challenge with its steep slopes. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to spot elusive lemurs and colorful black parrots. The suspension bridge caves and the awe-inspiring Aven, or river outlets, provide unforgettable photo opportunities.

• Overnight stay at Ankarana Lodge

Today, you continue your trip to Ankify from where you will take a one-hour boat trip speedboat to reach Nosy Be. Welcome to Nosy be. Called the island of perfumes because of its scents of ylang ylang, sugar cane and spices, Nosy Be is the main island of an archipelago that includes a dozen small islands. A land of dreams and adventures, you can enjoy many activities as well as the paradisiacal beaches along the coast.

• Travel around 145 km + 1 hour of navigation
• Overnight stay at the Loharano

You are free to spend this day as you please. Enjoy the comforts of the hotels as well as the paradise-like atmosphere. Nosy Be not only offers great white sand beaches but also turquoise seas. You can enjoy discovering the incredible undersea nature by scuba diving. Hundreds of fish species, corals and turtles, this is a real sanctuary where marine life can evolve in complete serenity.

• Overnight stay at the Loharano

Your adventure in Madagascar ends here for once. You will be transferred to the international airport for your flight home. We hope you enjoyed your stay in Madagascar and look forward to seeing you soon. Veloma!