Day 1: Arrival and visit Diego Suarez

The guide will pick you up from the airport or your hotel. You will spend the day discovering the city of Diego Suarez. The colonial name stems from two Portuguese admirals, who arrived there in 1506. Diego has its share of aesthetically pleasing but faded and dilapidated old colonial buildings, shops, and vibrant markets. Just outside of Diego (8km), we will explore Montaigne des Francais, a popular mountain with rock climbers. And visit three bays: Bay de Sakalava, Bay de Pigeons, and Bay de Bay, while the guide will tell you all about Diego’s “Pirate” history. The white sand beach is lovely for swimming and snorkeling. You will also see the beautiful “Pain du Sucre” (sugarloaf), a sacred 122-meter-high, uninhabited, island that is situated in the bay of Diego Suarez.

Day 2: Drive and visit Montagne d’Ambre

After breakfast, you will leave Diego and start driving south. The dry savanna quickly gives way to the evergreen forest. After one hour we will arrive at Montaigne d’Ambre National Park and start our visit. It’s an isolated rainforest and as such, the amount of endemic in its flora and fauna is high. Distinctive features of the massif include four crater lakes and three much-photographed waterfalls. There are several trails fanning out from the picnic spot to choose from. You can also opt for an extra evening walk to see the nocturnal species.

Day 3+4: Drive and visit Tsingy d’Ankarana

Today we will visit the famous Tsingy (limestone pinnacle) plateaus. They are probably the most unusual feature among Madagascar’s many extraordinary natural phenomena. It will take a 3-hour drive to get there. Besides the spectacular Tsingy, there are caves and subterranean rivers with underground-dwelling Nile crocodiles, blind cave fish, eels, and shrimps. The caves are frequented by an abundance of bats. By day, crowned lemurs and northern ring-tailed mongooses are easily seen. After dusk, common tenrecs, striped civets, Fosa, noisy Ankarana sportive lemurs, mouse lemurs, and at least 13 species of bat become active. As is the case with many of Madagascar’s protected areas, the reptile and bird list is too long to describe.

Day 5: Drive to Ankify and boat to Nosy Be 

After two days of visiting impressive national parks, you might be a little tired of all the hiking. Today we take our time to drive to Ankify. On our way, you will enjoy the scenery and visit the plantations. You will have the chance to see and smell where all those lovely food flavors come from, cacao, vanilla, peppers, and cloves. The drive will be around 4 hours and the rest of the time can be spent in the laid-back town of Ankify. This is also the place where the boat leaves to bring you to Nosy Be for onward traveling.

 Extra

• Beach stays at Nosy Be Including :

• A 4WD with a driver including fuel
• Guide that accompanies you during the whole trip.
• Entry fees to mentioned parks and reserves including a local guide
• Accommodation in hotels based on a double room, including breakfast ( 4 nights)
• boat and car transfer to your hotel on Nosy Be
• tourist hotel taxes

Excluding :

• Lunch, dinner, and drinks
• Insurance
• Personal expenses and tips
• International and domestic flights