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.
The northern region is an epic destination that promises to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Diego Suarez, also known as Antsiranana, is the main city in the northern region of Madagascar, offering a variety of nautical and land-based activities in an incredible and breathtaking setting. From dream beaches to imposing mountain ranges, each step of your journey will reveal a different scenery.
The Emerald Sea is a site of supernatural beauty thanks to its crystal-clear turquoise waters. The shallow depth of the water combined with a very clear sandy bottom gives it its unique color, hence its name “the Emerald Sea”. Accessible by boat, you won’t miss the opportunity to spend the night under the stars on the small virgin islands that stretch around it.
The red tsingy of Antsiranana is an extraordinary and surprising discovery through the mountains. You cannot miss the sharp tips with ochre colors, also called “red tsingy”, in the region of Diego-Suarez. Composed of sandstone, marl and limestone, you will find at the foot of the eroded canyons, the only sedimentary basin of the island, a testimony of the fragile balance that reigns there.
Ramena, the most beautiful beach in the world, located about 20 kilometers from Diego Suarez, is a small traditional fishing village where 3 kilometers of white sandy beach stretch along the coast. It is a typical coral-type beach where you can enjoy numerous water activities in water that exceeds 25°C. Ramena also offers more cultural visits to colonial fortifications and the former military camp, now in ruins, of Orangea.
The Montagne d’Ambre National Park covers an area of 18,200 hectares and is located 30 km south of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez). The park’s entrance is in the village of Joffreville, which is at an elevation of 850 meters above sea level. The mountain itself reaches an altitude of 1,475 meters and is the result of volcanic activity that took place around 60 million years ago. The park is home to over 1,000 plant species, including orchids, ferns, and palms, as well as a variety of animals, such as 11 species of lemurs, 75 species of birds, and 8 species of reptiles, including the smallest chameleon in the world, the brookesia tuberculé, which measures only 30 millimeters in length.
The Ankarana Reserve is located in the Diana region of northern Madagascar and covers an area of approximately 18,220 hectares. The reserve includes a karst plateau with impressive limestone pinnacles called tsingy, which have been sculpted by rain and wind over millions of years. The tsingy can reach up to 50 meters in height, and some parts of the reserve have up to 50 caves and underground rivers. The reserve is home to 10 species of lemurs, including the crowned lemur and Sanford’s brown lemur, and over 100 bird species, including the Madagascar fish eagle and the Madagascar pygmy kingfisher. The crocodile population in the reserve is estimated to be around 100 individuals.
Nosy Be is an island off the northwest coast of Madagascar, known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and vibrant marine life. It’s a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. In this list, we will explore some of the main sights and attractions of Nosy Be, including its beaches, national parks, and cultural landmarks.
Nosy Iranja is a small island located south of Nosy Be. It is famous for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on the beaches or take a boat ride to see the stunning coral reefs and marine life.
The Lokobe Reserve is a natural park located on the Lokobe Peninsula in the south of Nosy Be. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including lemurs, chameleons, and various bird species. Visitors can take a guided tour through the park to see these amazing creatures and explore the lush forest.
The Nosy Be Sacred Tree, also known as the Mont Passot tree, is a popular tourist attraction on the island. It is a baobab tree located at the top of Mont Passot hill, which is the highest point on the island. Visitors can climb to the top of the hill to see the stunning panoramic views of the island and the Indian Ocean.
The Nosy Be Hell-Ville Market is a vibrant and colorful market located in the center of Hell-Ville, the main town of Nosy Be. Visitors can browse through the stalls selling a variety of goods, including fresh produce, spices, textiles, and souvenirs.
Lemuria Land Park is a zoo and botanical garden located on the east coast of the island. It is home to a variety oflemurs, reptiles, birds, and other animals, as well as a wide range of exotic plants and trees. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park to learn more about these creatures and their habitats.
The Nosy Be Ylang-Ylang Plantations are famous for their production of ylang-ylang essential oil, which is used in perfumes and aromatherapy. Visitors can take a guided tour of the plantations to see the ylang-ylang trees and learn about the oil extraction process.
Sakatia Island is a small island located off the coast of Nosy Be. It is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving due to its clear waters and stunning coral reefs. Visitors can also enjoy hiking through the island’s lush forests and relaxing on its secluded beaches.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.