northern-madagascar-unearthed

Northern Madagascar Unearthed

9 Days - Tana - Diego Suarez - Amber Mountain - Ankarana - Ankify - Nosy Be - Tana

This 9 day tour takes in all the highlights of Northern Madagascar, from the hustle and bustle of Antananarivo, to the flora and fauna of Amber Mountain and Ankarana concluding with the sandy beaches and marine life of Nosy Be.

Day 1 – Antananarivo

You will arrive at Ivato International Airport and be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

You have the remainder of the day at leisure to recover from your flight and to explore the hustle and bustle of Antananarivo. The capital city of Madagascar is the largest city in the country, commonly known as Tana and has a number of different attractions to keep you busy!

Accommodation:

Royal Palissandre

Situated on a hillside in the heart of the ‘City of a Thousand’, Royal Pallisandre is an elegantly decorated hotel with 46 air conditioned rooms. All have their own electronic safe, direct phone line, television with local and international channels, wifi, minibar, bathroom and hair dryer.

Day 2 – Antananarivo - Diego Suarez – Joffre Ville

After breakfast, you will be collected from your accommodation and taken to the airport for your flight to Diego Suarez. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation, which lies around 22km from the city centre. You then have the afternoon at leisure to explore the village of Joffre Ville. The village is fascinating to wander around and gives you a glimpse into rural Malagasy life.

Accommodation:

Nature Lodge

Set high amongst the hills, Nature Lodge has fantastic views over Diego and the Indian Ocean. Just 12 ensuite thatched chalets make up the lodge, each is furnished simply and boasts its own verandah – the perfect place to relax with a sundowner!

Day 3 – Amber Mountain National Park – Ankarana

After breakfast you will head to Amber National Park, one of Madagascar’s richest parks in terms of flora and fauna. Strangler fig trees, quinine trees and huge birdnest ferns are all synonymous with the park as are the lemurs; seven species having been recorded here.

The best way to explore the park is by hiking the beautiful trails that meander through the forest. Smaller species such as leaf-mimic chameleons, tree boas, pill millipedes and leaftailed geckos can often be spotted here and it is not uncommon to see some of the dirurnal lemur species whilst trekking through the forest.

In the afternoon, you will begin to make your way south towards Ankarana. Your journey will take you through the Red Tsingy. This is an area of geological interest that has evolved as a result of deforestation. The red clay soil that was characteristic of the area has eroded over time and has revealed the pink standstone tsingy that is now evident. The strange formations are a real sight to behold.

You will arrive in Ankarana in the early evening, in time for dinner at your lodge.

Accommodation:

Ankarana Lodge

Ankarana Lodge hotel is a great starting point for those visiting the nature reserve surrounding the Lodge. It is located in beautiful nature and allows you to stay in an exceptional atmosphere surrounded by limestone formation and a dry savannah. Lemurs and birds are often seen close to the Lodge itself which makes for great entertainment.

Day 4 - Ankarana – Ankify

After breakfast, you will make your way to Ankarana National Park.

Ankarana is one of Madagascar’s most famous parks and is a favourite with hikers. It has a range of fantastic walking trails as well as fascinating landscape and a whole host of animals!

The park contains one of the highest density of primates of any forest in the world. Ankarana is lemur heaven! – It is home to one of the largest populations of crowned lemurs, Sandfords brown lemur, Perriers black lemur, northern sportive lemur and dwarf lemurs. Birds and reptiles are also prevalent in the park, as are over 350 different plant species.

After a morning spent in the park, you make your way onwards towards Ankify.

The small farming and fishing village of Ankify is the gateway to Nosy Be. It is a busy little port town, from which a number of boats sail across the Nosy Be Archipelago. It is a traditional Malagasy village with sandy beaches surrounding it.

Accommodation:

Ankify Lodge

This charming hotel is situated opposite Nosy Be, in the village of Doany, part of the borough of Ankify. Surrounded by a lush and well-kept forest, the Ankify Lodge bungalows overlook a crystal clear sea bordered by a colourful coral reef.

The bungalows are spread out amongst a tropical garden, each has its own sea facing terrace and ensuite bathroom.

Day 5 - Ankify – Nosy Be

This morning you will be transported by speed boat to Nosy Be. Your trip will take you past the beautiful isle of Nosy Komba and across the stunning blue water.

Once you arrive at your accommodation, you have time to settle in, before deciding on how you want to spend the rest of your day.

Accommodation:

Le Zahir Lodge

Le Zahir Lodge in Nosy Be is a complex of 8 bungalows designed in an African Lodge style.

The shore is ideally located as the base for diving, fishing, snorkelling and day trips to the enchanting minor islands which surround Nosy Be - Komba, Tanikely, Sakatia , Nosy Faly , Nosy Iranja, Mitsio, Tsarabanjina and many more. The islands are breathtaking, with beautiful basins and beaches.

Days 6 and 7 - Nosy Be

You have two full days to enjoy Nosy Be. You can choose to relax and unwind around the pool or on the beach, or be a little more adventurous and get a closer view of the marine life. Visiting the smaller islands around Nosy Be is also highly recommended.

Accommodation:

Le Zahir Lodge (as Day 5)

Day 8 - Nosy Be – Tana

Today is your last morning in Nosy Be. You will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport for your flight back to Tana. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for your last evening in Madagascar.

Accommodation:

Royal Palissandre (as Day 1)

Day 9 – Tana

A visit to the handicraft market is a great way to spend your morning in Tana and the perfect place to pick up some last minute souvenirs.

You will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport in time for your onwards flight.

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