PRIVATE TOUR: Take in the best of North Madagascar, Nosy Be and surrounding islands on this 11-day private tour. Relax on pristine beaches, explore stunning bays and stretches of coastline and take a boat trip on the famous Emerald Sea. Cruise by catamaran to Nosy Komba, snorkel amongst the turtles and fish of Nosy Tanikely and spot Madagascar's endemic lemurs in Amber Mountain National Park and Ankarana National Park, plus so much more.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Welcome to Nosy Be
Welcome to Nosy Be, off the north coast of Madagascar. On arrival at Nosy Be-Fascene International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Your first evening in Nosy Be is at leisure to head out and explore the area.
Overnight: Bemoko
Nosy Be to Antsiranana
Bemoko - Antsiranana (Diego Suarez). After breakfast, transfer to the harbour and take a boat to the mainland - don't worry, you'll be back to Nosy Be later in the tour! Arriving at Ankify, a car will collect you for a day of exploring the Sambirano Valley, a land of rice fields and colonial plantations. You'll visit the Millot Plantation, where you can learn about the cocoa trade and the process used to turn plants such as vetiver into perfume. The day ends in the northern port city of Antsiranana, also known as Diego Suarez.
Overnight: Antsiranana | Breakfast
Madagascar's Northern Coast
Today is spent exploring some of the spectacular coastline and beautiful bays of north Madagascar. Enjoy scenic walks at Orangea Beach and Ramena Beach, admire the Cap Andranomody lighthouse and enjoy an included lunch on the beach. You will head back to Antsiranana for the night.
Overnight: Antsiranana | Breakfast, Lunch
Amber Mountain National Park
Antsiranana - Amber Mountain National Park - Antsiranana. After breakfast, you'll make the short journey to Amber Mountain National Park, Madagascar's first protected area. Accompanied by a local park guide, you'll be able to take in some of the lush vegetation of the park, including rare orchids, ferns and towering trees amidst the jungle. Spot waterfalls & crater lakes, as well as some of the park's resident wildlife. Several species of lemur live here, including the iconic ring-tailed lemur, and the Montagne d'Ambre dwarf lemur, which was only discovered in 2005 and is found nowhere else in Madagascar or the world. Other species include the endemic endangered Amber Mountain rock thrush and the iconic aye-aye. After a day of exploring the park and hopefully enjoying some wildlife encounters, you return to the hotel in Antsiranana.
Overnight: Antsiranana | Breakfast
Mer d'Emeraude Boat Trip
Antsiranana - Mer d'Emeraude - Antsiranana. This morning, drive back to Ramena, where you will board a boat for a cruise along Madagascar's Mer d'Emeraude, the Emerald Sea. This turqooise stretch of water opens out onto the bay of Diego-Suarez and the Indian Ocean, and you will be able to take in some of the tiny islands along the coast. The Emerald Sea is sheltered from the ocean and is home to a huge coral reef - it's a great place to spot sea turtles. After your boat trip, return to the hotel in Antsiranana.
Overnight: Antsiranana | Breakfast
Ankarana National Park
Antsiranana - Ankarana National Park. After breakfast, you will leave Antsiranana, heading inland. Bypassing the Massif de la Montagne, you'll make two stops along today's journey. The first is at the Tsingy Rouge, a red stone formation and dry riverbed formed by erosion. And you'll also stop to see an ancient coral reef, now raised well above sea level and shaped by the wind and rain. The destination for tonight is a jungle lodge on the outskirts of Ankarana National Park.
Overnight: Ankarana National Park | Breakfast, Dinner
Exploring Ankarana
This morning, head out to visit the Ankarana massif, a limestone monolith that rises up out of the jungle, devoid of any plant life. You will also take in some more of the area's incredible rock formations and have the chance to explore inside some caves and spot some of the resident lemurs, tenrecs, mongooses, bats and other wildlife. After a day of exploring, return to your lodge in Ankarana.
Overnight: Ankarana National Park | Breakfast, Dinner
Return to Nosy Be
Ankarana National Park - Bemoko. After breakfast this morning, you'll return to Ankify and make the return journey by boat to the island of Nosy Be. On arrival at the hotel, the rest of today is at leisure.
Overnight: Bemoko | Breakfast
Nosy Iranja Boat Trip
Bemoko - Nosy Iranja - Bemoko. Often ranked as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Nosy Iranja is reached in about an hour and half by speed boat from Nosy Be. Comprised of two small islands (Small Iranja and Great Iranja) connected by a pristine white sandbank and surrounded by turquoise waters, this is a real tropical paradise. Turtles lay their eggs here, and there's a healthy population of sea birds. You can also visit the lighthouse on Great Iranja and meet the locals at Iranja village, then enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of the island's coconut trees. Return to Nosey Be for the evening.
Overnight: Bemoko | Breakfast, Lunch
Nosy Komba & Nosy Tanikely
Bemoko - Nosy Komba - Nosy Tanikely - Bemoko. Today you'll embark on a catamaran cruise to visit two more islands off the coast of Madagascar. The first is Nosy Komba, covering around 25 square kilometres. The island is home to a traditional fishing village, where you'll be able to shop for handcrafted souvenirs at the market. Nosy Komba is also known as "Lemur Island", as it is home to an important population of black lemurs, an endangered species found only in the northern part of Madagascar and surrounding islands.
Next, you'll visit Nosy Tanikely, an uninhabited tiny speck of an island that is best known as a protected marine reserve. You will have the chance to snorkel (equipment provided) amongst colourful fish and sea turtles. Enjoy a picnic aboard the catamaran as you return to Nosy Be for the night.
Overnight: Bemoko | Breakfast, Lunch
Nosy Be
Your tour comes to an end today after breakfast and check out. A transfer to the airport is provided.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Exora Beach Hotel, Bemoko
Exora Beach Hotel in Nosy Be offers a relaxing beachfront escape on Madagascar’s idyllic island. Set along a tranquil stretch of coastline, the hotel features comfortable rooms with modern amenities, private terraces, and ocean or garden views. Guests can unwind by the outdoor pool, enjoy fresh seafood at the on-site restaurant, or sip cocktails at the beachside bar. The hotel's location provides easy access to popular Nosy Be attractions, including vibrant markets, Lokobe Nature Reserve, and nearby islands ideal for snorkelling and diving.
Le Grand Hotel, Antsiranana
Le Grand Hotel in Antsiranana offers a comfortable stay in the heart of northern Madagascar’s vibrant port city. The hotel features spacious rooms with modern amenities, air conditioning, and balconies overlooking the city or courtyard. Guests can unwind in the rooftop pool, enjoy a drink at the bar, or dine at the on-site restaurant serving a mix of Malagasy and international cuisine. Conveniently located near Diego Suarez’s lively markets, colonial architecture, and the scenic bay, Le Grand Hotel provides a welcoming base for exploring the region’s natural wonders, including the Emerald Sea and the iconic Three Bays.
Ankarana Lodge, Ankarana National Park
Ankarana Lodge is located near the entrance to Ankarana National Park in northern Madagascar, making it an ideal base for exploring the park’s striking limestone formations, caves, and rich wildlife. The lodge offers comfortable bungalow-style accommodations with en-suite facilities, mosquito nets, and terraces overlooking the surrounding landscape. Guests can relax by the outdoor pool and dine at the on-site restaurant, which serves Malagasy and international dishes. The lodge’s proximity to Ankarana National Park provides excellent access for discovering its unique Tsingy formations, underground rivers, and diverse fauna, including crowned lemurs and chameleons.