Northern Madagascar is a unique region, where pristine nature meets local culture. With Jao-Malaza Travel, you’ll enjoy an authentic experience amidst tropical forests, national parks, dream beaches, and traditional villages.
Choosing our tour means traveling safely, with expert guides and tailor-made itineraries for small groups or private trips.
Montagne d’Ambre National Park
Lush forests, spectacular waterfalls, and unique wildlife. Ideal for trekking, lemur spotting, and bird watching.
Ankarana National Park
Discover the famous tsingys, mysterious caves, and breathtaking canyons. A paradise for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Red Tsingys
Natural red formations sculpted by wind and rain, a rare and incredible landscape to explore.
The Three Bays
Wild beaches and crystal-clear waters: Dune Bay, Pigeon Bay, and Sakalava Bay. Perfect for snorkeling and relaxation.
Emerald Sea
Turquoise lagoons, spectacular diving, and dreamlike views. A must-see for sea lovers.
Nosy Hara National Park
A true natural paradise, still little-known, ideal for snorkeling and trekking among rocks and crystal-clear sea.
Cocoa and Spice Plantations of Ambanja
Explore the local agricultural tradition and discover how cocoa, vanilla, and prized spices are grown.
Montagne des Français
Incredible views of Diego Suarez Bay and an immersive experience in local history.
The Baobabs of the North
Admire Madagascar’s iconic trees and take unique photographs amidst spectacular landscapes.
Why choose Jao-Malaza Travel
Personalized and safe tours for small groups or private trips
Expert and passionate local guides
Itineraries designed to let you experience the best of Northern Madagascar
Authentic experiences combining nature, culture, and adventure
Full support from airport pickup to return
Book your tour
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Northern Madagascar with Jao-Malaza Travel.
Or send us an email to receive the detailed program and prices.
Day 1 – Arrival in Diego-Suarez (Antsiranana)
Arrival at Diego-Suarez Airport and welcome by our guide. Transfer to the hotel and check-in.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may spend the afternoon on the beautiful Orangea Beach, a peaceful spot with fine sand, clear waters, and breathtaking views of Diego Bay. Relax and experience the atmosphere of northern Madagascar.
Overnight stay in Diego-Suarez
Day 2 – Excursion to the Emerald Sea
After breakfast, transfer to the fishing village of Ramena, where you will embark.
A one-hour sail aboard a typical Malagasy sailing boat will take you across the famous Emerald Sea, known for its turquoise waters and transparent seabed, creating a unique landscape.
Relaxing day on a white sand island:
swimming in the crystal-clear waters,
snorkeling (optional),
picnic lunch of fresh grilled fish.
In the afternoon, return to Ramena and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Diego-Suarez
Day 3 – The 3 Bays and the Millenary Baobab
After breakfast, we set off to admire the majestic Millenary Baobab, one of Madagascar’s iconic trees, imposing and rich in history.
We continue towards Sakalava Bay, one of the most beautiful in the north, surrounded by typical vegetation and famous for the intense color of its sea. From here, a scenic trek along the coast begins, passing through:
Pigeon Bay: small coves, wind-sculpted rocks, and turquoise waters;
Dunes Bay: a spectacular landscape of pale sand, crystal-clear ocean, and dunes shaped by nature.
Picnic lunch on the beach.
In the afternoon, return to the hotel and enjoy a short tour of the city of Diego-Suarez.
Overnight stay in Diego-Suarez
Day 4 – Amber Mountain – Red Tsingy – Ambilobe
After breakfast, depart for Joffreville to visit Amber Mountain National Park, a rainforest oasis characterized by waterfalls, volcanic lakes, endemic fauna, and a cool climate. A nature walk to discover chameleons, lemurs, and tropical plants.
Lunch in Joffreville and continue to the Red Tsingy, a unique geological wonder: pinnacles of sand and laterite shaped by erosion, creating a spectacular fiery red landscape, especially at sunset.
After the visit, transfer to Ambilobe.
Overnight stay in Ambilobe
Day 5 – Ankarana National Park (Grey Tsingy)
After breakfast, depart for Ankarana National Park, famous for its limestone formations known as the Grey Tsingy.
A 4-hour trek (medium-difficult) takes you through:
dry forest trails,
natural caves,
stone walkways,
the famous suspension bridge offering spectacular views of the canyons and the massif.
The hike requires caution, especially in the Tsingy area, where the terrain is rocky and sharp.
Lunch near the park and return to Ambilobe in the afternoon.
Overnight in Ambilobe
Day 6 – Ambilobe – Ankify – Nosy Komba – Nosy Be (End of Service)
After breakfast, depart for Ambanja, stopping to visit the cocoa, vanilla, and spice plantations.
A guided tour will teach you about the cultivation, harvesting, and fermentation techniques of cocoa, one of the specialties of the Sambirano region.
Arrive at the port of Ankify and board a traditional boat to Nosy Komba, a charming island.
Lunch on the island and a visit to the lemur park, where you can observe these iconic animals of Madagascar up close.
Walk through the village and the artisan market.
Final transfer to Nosy Be.
End of our services.
Day 1: Nosy Be → Ankarana
Departure from the hotel at 6:00 AM.
Breakfast in town at Casa Mofo (a typical Malagasy breakfast) or directly at the hotel, departing at 6:30 AM.
Transfer to the port: a private boat awaits us to cross the canal (about 30 minutes) and reach Madagascar, the “big land.”
Upon arrival, a private car with a driver will welcome you.
Departure for Ankarana, a journey of about 4 hours. Along the way, you’ll admire traditional villages, cocoa, ylang-ylang, and vanilla plantations, and the spectacular hilly landscape of northern Madagascar.
Arrival in Ankarana: lunch (at a local restaurant or with a picnic) and visit to the
East Ankarana National Park (about 4 hours).
Trails in the tropical dry forest.
Nocturnal lemurs, chameleons, geckos, etc.
Crossing the suspension bridge.
Discover the evocative Grey Tsingy (unique limestone formations).
👉 Overnight stay in Ankarana.
Day 2: Ankarana → Sacred Lake → Red Tsingy → Joffreville
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure for the Sacred Lake, a place of worship for the local population, shrouded in mysterious legends. (Approximately 2 hours’ drive).
Continue to the famous Red Tsingy, a spectacular site unlike any other in the world.
Breathtaking landscapes of red pinnacles, sculpted by natural erosion.
Stop for lunch near the site.
After the visit, continue towards Joffreville (approximately 2 hours), a small colonial village located at the gateway to the Montagne d’Ambre National Park, via a scenic road with spectacular views of the mountains and tropical forest.
👉 Overnight stay in Joffreville.
Day 3: Amber Mountain National Park → 3 Bays → Diego-Suarez
Breakfast at the hotel.
Guided tour of Amber Mountain National Park (approximately 4 hours).
Lush forest with waterfalls, volcanic lakes, and ancient trees.
Spotting lemurs, colorful chameleons, and endemic birds.
After the visit, descent to Diego-Suarez.
Picnic lunch in the beautiful Dune Bay, overlooking the ocean.
Afternoon dedicated to coastal trekking along the spectacular 3 Bays:
Dune Bay,
Pigeon Bay,
Sakalava Bay, famous for kitesurfing.
Encounter the imposing thousand-year-old baobab, the symbol of Madagascar.
👉 Overnight stay in Diego-Suarez.
Day 4: Emerald Sea Excursion → Ambilobe
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure for the small fishing village of Ramena.
Board a traditional Malagasy sailboat to cross the turquoise waters of the Emerald Sea (approximately 1 hour of sailing).
A day of relaxation and adventure on Suarez Island:
Fresh fish picnic lunch.
Free time for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on the pristine beach.
Return by boat to Ramena in the afternoon.
Departure by car to Ambilobe (approximately 4 hours), admiring rural landscapes, sugar cane plantations, and traditional villages along the way.
👉 Overnight stay in Ambilobe.
Day 5: Ambilobe → Ambanja → Nosy-Be
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure for Ambanja (approximately 2.5 hours of sailing).
Visit the cocoa, coffee, and spice plantations in the fertile Sambirano Valley, the heart of Malagasy chocolate production.
Continue to the port: a private boat will take you back to Nosy Be (about 30 minutes).
Upon arrival, a car will be waiting to take you to your hotel.
👉 End of service.
