NORTHERN REGION

MUST SEE

Antsiranana: Known for its colorful coral reefs, the iconic sugarloaf mountain, and the picturesque bay that inspired its nickname “The Emerald Sea.”
Nosy Be: Famous for its crystal-clear waters, incredible marine biodiversity, and stunning beaches that offer opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Montagne d’Ambre National Park: Home to stunning waterfalls, volcanic lakes, and hiking trails that offer visitors a chance to explore the region’s lush rainforests and unique wildlife.
Ankarana Reserve: Renowned for its unique landscape of Tsingy formations, a series of jagged limestone pinnacles that create a surreal and awe-inspiring environment.
OVERVIEW

The Northern region of Madagascar covers an area of approximately 108,828 square kilometers, which is roughly equivalent to the size of Iceland, and is home to approximately 5.2 million people, many of whom belong to the Antakarana, Sakalava. It is a fascinating destination with a variety of attractions that draw in tourists from all over the world.

Antsiranana, the largest city in the region, is a bustling port town with a picturesque bay, colorful coral reefs, and the iconic sugarloaf mountain.

LANDMARKS

The northern region is an epic destination that promises to leave you with unforgettable memories.

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WHY GO?

Madagascar seems to have deliberately created a condensed version of all its travel experiences in one location. You can explore the secluded Northern region with its untamed shoreline and fragrant vanilla-infused air, the relatively sophisticated city of Diego Suarez (Antsiranana), and the country’s top beach spot, Nosy Be. With diverse national parks in the region, travelers will enjoy a variety of activities, from diving to kitesurfing.

In Nosy Be, you’ll have more sea-based activities to choose from than you can possibly try, along with delectable seafood and stunning views. The area is vastly different from the mainland, where parched plains are fringed with abundant ylang-ylang, vanilla, and coconut plantations. Additionally, parks, both large and small, have unique geological formations, rainforests, and rare species to explore.

EVENTS

The region also features some of Madagascar’s most notable cultural events, such as the Donia, Zegny’Zo, and the Nosy Be Jazz Festival, providing exclusive opportunities to explore Malagasy artists.

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Snorkeling & Diving

Madagascar is a top destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, offering crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and stunning coral reefs. Some of the best spots include Nosy Be, Sainte Marie Island, and Anakao, where visitors can encounter a variety of marine life such as sea turtles and tropical fish. There are diving schools and centers throughout Madagascar that offer guided tours for beginners and experienced divers, as well as PADI certification courses.

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Honeymoon

Madagascar is a top honeymoon destination, offering stunning scenery, unique wildlife, and secluded romantic locations. Couples can enjoy private beach villas, candlelit dinners, and walks on deserted beaches. The island of Nosy Be is a popular choice, with beach resorts, turquoise waters, and coral reefs. For adventurous couples, Madagascar’s national parks offer incredible wildlife experiences, from exploring rainforests to spotting lemurs.

Birdwatching

Madagascar is a top destination for birdwatchers, with 120 endemic species, 5 endemic families, and 1 endemic subfamily. Some prime birdwatching locations include Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Masoala National Park, Berenty Private Reserve, Isalo National Park, and Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park. The best time for birding in Madagascar is between September and November, during the mating and nesting season when fruits and insects are abundant.

Trekking

Madagascar offers a range of trekking trails suitable for all levels, from easy walks to challenging hikes. Andringitra National Park is a popular destination for exploring granite peaks and spotting ring-tailed lemurs. Other options include Montagne d’Ambre National Park, Ankarana Reserve, and Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. Marojejy National Park is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking rugged terrain and rare wildlife encounters, such as silky sifaka lemurs and helmet vanga birds.

Whalewatching

Madagascar offers excellent whale-watching opportunities, particularly from the months of July to September. During this time, humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to the warm waters off Madagascar to mate, give birth and nurse their calves. Visitors can witness these majestic creatures breaching, tail slapping and performing other impressive displays. Some of the best locations for whale-watching in Madagascar include the Ile Sainte Mariea, Nosy Be and Ifaty. Boat tours are available in these areas, giving visitors the opportunity to observe the whales up close in their natural habitat. Additionally, visitors can learn about these amazing creatures and the conservation efforts being made to protect them.

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History & Local Culture

Madagascar’s rich history and culture offer travelers a wealth of activities, including visiting local villages, learning about traditional crafts, and participating in cultural festivals. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Ambohimanga, the royal hill of the Merina people, is a popular destination for exploring the royal palace and tombs and learning about the Merina people’s history and traditions. Visitors can also immerse themselves in local culture by exploring bustling markets like Zoma Market in Antananarivo or visiting artisan workshops to learn about traditional crafts.

Surf

Surf & Kitesurf

Madagascar offers uncrowded and unspoiled waves for surfers and kitesurfers. The south coast, particularly the area around Tulear and Fort-Dauphin, has consistent waves suitable for all levels of surfers, with popular spots including Anakao, Ifaty, and Ankoba Beach. The best time to surf is September-October. The northern coast has exceptional spots for kitesurfing and windsurfing, with Babaomby Bay, Nosy Be, and Sakalava Bay being popular spots with side-on winds and calm lagoons for freestyle and freeride. Experienced surfers can also find waves up to 3m on the reef.

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Luxury

Madagascar may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of luxury travel, but the island offers a range of high-end experiences for those seeking luxury and exclusivity. From private lodges in remote areas to luxurious beach resorts, Madagascar has plenty to offer for those seeking a luxurious escape. We have a large collection of high-end accommodation throughout Madagascar, such as Miavana by Time + Tide, Mandrare River Camp, Anjajavy Le Lodge, Constance Tsarabanjina to name a few

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Beach

Madagascar boasts over 5,000 kilometers of stunning coastline with crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and an abundance of marine life. Some of the most popular beach destinations in Madagascar include Nosy Be, Ifaty, and Sainte Marie Island, which offer a range of activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching, and sunbathing. There are also many secluded and untouched beaches to be found along the coast, perfect for those seeking a more private and tranquil experience.

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Parks and Reserves

Madagascar’s national parks and reserves cover 7 million hectares (17 million acres) and are home to over half of the world’s primate species, along with numerous endemic species like lemurs, chameleons, and aye-ayes. Madagascar has exceptionally high biodiversity, with 80% of its flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world. Ranomafana, Andasibe-Mantadia, Masoala, Bemaraha, and Isalo are among the popular national parks and reserves that showcase the island’s diverse wildlife and landscapes, while also promoting sustainable tourism and conservation efforts.