North Madagascar Tour Nosy Be & Diego Suarez
From the Perfume Isle to the Red Tsingys, between the Emerald Sea and pristine archipelagos
A private 11-day grand tour to discover the dazzling contrasts of Northern Madagascar. From the Nosy Be archipelago and its maritime excursions to Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Iranja, to the geological formations of the Red Tsingys, the Emerald Sea of Diego Suarez and the high-altitude forests of Montagne d’Ambre. Permanent national guide, private 4×4 vehicle, full board.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Eleven stages across the most spectacular contrasts of Northern Madagascar — from the lemurs of Nosy Komba to the geological wonders of the Ankarana Reserve.
Day 1 – Arrival in Nosy Be · The Perfume Isle
Private welcome at Fascene Airport · Hotel transfer · Trip briefingPersonal welcome by the Lemur Safari team at Nosy Be Airport (Fascene). Private transfer to your seaside hotel and check-in.
In the evening, welcome cocktail and briefing with your national guide: the stages of your North Madagascar Tour, parks and reserves to visit, practical advice and cultural recommendations for your grand adventure in the North.
Day 2 – Nosy Komba & Nosy Tanikely
Sacred macaco lemurs · Marine turtles · World-class snorkellingMorning departure by private motorboat for a maritime excursion through the heart of the archipelago. First stop at Nosy Komba, the lemur island, where a guided walk through the community reserve brings you face to face with the sacred macaco lemurs. Then onward to Nosy Tanikely, a protected marine national park with crystal-clear waters.
- Eulemur macaco (black lemurs), chameleons and local crafts at Nosy Komba
- Swimming with marine turtles, rays and colourful tropical fish at Nosy Tanikely
- Traditional picnic lunch of freshly grilled fish served on the beach
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner and night in Nosy Be.
Day 3 – Road to Diego Suarez · The Red Tsingys
Ankify · Sambirano Valley · World-unique laterite canyonAfter breakfast, transfer to the ferry terminal and crossing by fast speedboat to the port of Ankify on the mainland, where your private 4×4 and national guide await.
Drive north through the Sambirano Valley and its famous plantations of cacao, vanilla and Ylang-Ylang. En route, a detour to explore the Red Tsingys: sedimentary formations of clay and sandstone unique in the world, sculpted by erosion at the bottom of a blood-red laterite canyon — an unmatched geological spectacle in Madagascar.
Continue north and arrive in Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) at the end of the day, at the tip of the second largest bay in the world. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4 – The Emerald Sea by Traditional Dhow
Sakalava sail · Crystalline coral lagoon · Seafood on a desert isletEarly morning departure for the fishing village of Ramena. Board a traditional wooden Sakalava sailing dhow to navigate the waters of the Emerald Sea — a coral lagoon of intense emerald-green hues, with absolute clarity, protected by a coral reef.
A full day dedicated to relaxation, swimming and snorkelling sheltered from the winds. A traditional lunch of freshly caught fish and coconut rice is served on a desert islet (Suarez), in the shade of the few trees overlooking the white sand. Return to Ramena by boat, then transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Diego Suarez.
Day 5 – The 3 Bays & Montagne des Français
Endemic baobabs · Panorama over Diego Suarez · Wild beachesMorning devoted to a magnificent easy coastal hike along the eastern coast of Diego Suarez. You will follow in succession the Bay of the Sakalava, the Bay of the Pigeons and the Bay of the Dunes — three coves characterised by white sand and wild turquoise waters. In the afternoon, head to the Montagne des Français for a guided ascent through a dry limestone forest.
- Deserted beaches and maritime passes of the 3 Bays, between kitesurfers and Sakalava fishermen
- Endemic northern baobab species (Adansonia suarezensis), clinging to limestone cliffs
- Exceptional panoramic view over the entire Gulf of Diego Suarez and its Sugar Loaf, from the summit
Dinner and overnight in Diego Suarez.
Day 6 – Montagne d’Ambre & Road to Ankarana
High-altitude tropical forest · Sacred waterfalls · Brookesia minimaAfter breakfast, departure for Montagne d’Ambre National Park, a volcanic massif covered by a high-altitude tropical forest — the true water tower of the North region. Guided walk on botanical trails to discover unique wildlife: crowned lemur, Sanford’s lemur, endemic birds and the Brookesia minima, one of the world’s smallest chameleons. Visit the sacred waterfalls and crater lakes.
In the afternoon, drive south to the Ankarana Reserve. Dinner and overnight at Ankarana.
Day 7 – Ankarana Special Reserve
Grey Tsingys · Bat caves · Suspension bridgesA full day dedicated to guided exploration of the Ankarana Special Reserve, a spectacular coral limestone massif eroded into razor-sharp ridges. Accompanied by a local guide and your national guide, you will walk on maintained trails to discover the geological structures and wildlife of this lunar landscape.
- Spectacular Grey Tsingy stone formations and suspension bridges above the canyons
- Bat caves and impressive underground river sinks
- Lemurs and flora adapted to this arid limestone environment
Dinner and overnight at Ankarana or Ambilobe depending on availability.
Day 8 – Maritime Crossing · Return to Nosy Be
Ankify → Hell-Ville · Free afternoon · The Perfume IsleAfter breakfast, transfer to the Ankify ferry terminal. Board a fast speedboat for the return crossing to Nosy Be (Hell-Ville port). Welcome by our team on arrival and private transfer to your seaside hotel.
Free afternoon: rest after the mainland driving stages, enjoy the hotel facilities or relax on the beach. Dinner and overnight in Nosy Be.
Day 9 – Nosy Iranja — The Turtle Island
Mythical sandbar · Gustave Eiffel lighthouse · Translucent watersEarly morning departure by private fast speedboat for a full-day excursion to Nosy Iranja, ranked among the most beautiful islands in the world. It is formed by two verdant islets linked by a two-kilometre immaculate white sandbar, entirely visible at low tide. A day of pure relaxation and swimming in turquoise water of rare purity.
- The magical walk along the white sandbar in the midst of crystal waters
- Climb on foot to the historic lighthouse designed by Gustave Eiffel for a unique panoramic view over the archipelago
- A generous traditional buffet lunch prepared on the island in the shade of coconut trees
Return to Nosy Be in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 – Island Tour & Sunset at Mont Passot
Hell-Ville Market · Sacred Tree · Ylang-Ylang distilleries · Volcanic lakesA day of cultural and panoramic exploration of Nosy Be by private vehicle. Visit the colourful covered market of Hell-Ville to soak up the local atmosphere, discover the Sacred Tree — a centuries-old ficus rooted in Sakalava traditions — and visit the Ylang-Ylang distillation centres, the fragrant essence that earned Nosy Be its nickname of the Perfume Isle.
In the late afternoon, drive up to the summit of Mont Passot, the island’s highest point. Here you will witness a legendary sunset overlooking the sacred volcanic crater lakes and the Indian Ocean.
Day 11 – Nosy Be · Transfer · Return Flight
Last moments on the Perfume Isle · Airport transfer · End of servicesBreakfast at the hotel facing the ocean. Depending on your return flight schedule, your private driver will transfer you to Nosy Be Airport (Fascene). Full check-in assistance provided.
End of Lemur Safari services for this North Madagascar Tour.
Rates & Inclusions
Full Board · National Guide & Transport included · All park fees included · All maritime excursions included
Not included
Terms & Cancellation Policy
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Deadline before departure |
Conditions |
|---|---|
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Booking confirmation |
Deposit of 30% of the total amount |
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Balance |
Due on arrival in Madagascar |
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Cancellation > 60 days |
Deposit refunded minus file fee (€70) |
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Cancellation 45–60 days |
Retenue de 50% of the deposit |
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Cancellation < 45 days |
Deposit non-refundable |
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Itinerary change |
Possible up to 30 days before departure, subject to availability |
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Bad weather guarantee |
Alternative activity at no extra cost if weather conditions prevent the planned excursion |
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Payment |
Bank transfer or PayPal |
Tip : Take out travel insurance with a “cancel for any reason” option. In the event of medical cancellation, the deposit will be refunded by your insurer — this is the most effective protection for a trip of this value.
Why Lemur Safari?
Local agency vs. European reseller — an honest comparison
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Criteria |
Lemur Safari |
European Agency |
|---|---|---|
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Location |
Toamasina, Madagascar |
Paris, London, Brussels… |
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Intermediaries |
✓ 0 — you speak directly with the field team |
1 to 2 subcontracting layers |
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Price |
✓ Direct, no reseller margin |
+15 to 30% commission |
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Responsiveness |
✓ Reply within 24h · WhatsApp |
2–5 day email delays |
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Flexibility |
✓ Changes up to D–30 |
Rigid conditions |
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Field knowledge |
✓ Guides who live in Madagascar |
Catalogue brochures |
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Local impact |
✓ 100% of spending stays in Madagascar |
Margin captured abroad |
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Exclusive access |
✓ Local networks |
Standardised package tours |
Passionate Local Guides
Born and trained in the Nosy Be archipelago and Northern Madagascar. They know every trail of the Tsingys, every cove of the archipelago, every secret of the Emerald Sea.
100% Malagasy Agency
Registered in Madagascar, managed by a Malagasy team. Your money directly funds island families and communities — not an office abroad.
15 “Excellent” Reviews
Our travellers awarded the maximum rating across all their tours. Read their experiences on TripAdvisor before booking.
Responsible Tourism
We prioritise charming accommodation, eco-lodges and carefully selected local partners to maximise economic benefits for Malagasy communities.
What our travellers say
Best adventure
“This has been the best adventure I’ve been on so far. Ismail showed our group things in Madagascar that we would never have discovered on our own. Best tour guide ever! :)”
Sanja M · sept. 2024
A country to explore and a local guide to recommend
“We just returned from an unforgettable 7-day private honeymoon trip to Madagascar, and it truly was a dream come true. As a couple, we thoroughly enjoyed exploring stunning natural wonders such as the Baobab Avenue…”
Luca C · nov. 2025Perfectly tailor-made trip
“Ismaël is a great guide, we had an excellent time. Breathtaking places, quality information and impeccable support. I highly recommend. We laughed a lot and discovered so much.”
Princia R · dec. 2025
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