Madagascar North Adventure - 8 days

Experience the varied habitats of northern Madagascar that includes the waterfalls and lakes of Montagne d’Ambre National Park to the underground caves and limestone ‘tsingy’ of Ankarana Reserve, before enjoying the tropical beaches of Nosy Be. Throughout your stay you will have the opportunity to encounter a multitude of animals, most of which are endemic to Madagascar.

 A Private Madagascar Northern Highlights tour is available. View the tour ‘prices’ tab for the exclusive rates.

Guided group tour of northern Madagascar takes you from the waterfalls and lakes of Montagne d’Ambre National Park to the underground caves of Northern Madagascar while staying at the luxurious Ankarana Lodge and Ravintsara Wellness Hotel. Starting and ending in Antananarivo, this tour can also be done on a private basis.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MADAGASCAR NORTH ADVENTURE

ANTANANARIVO

Antananarivo is Madagascar’s bustling and boisterous capital city. Affectionately known as “Tana” it is the entry and exit point for most visitors to the country. It’s a great a place to learn more about Madagascar’s history with visits to the Queen’s palace and the Royal Hills of Ambohimanga, which can be explored on a cycle tour.

MONTAGNE D’AMBRE NATIONAL PARK

Montagne D’ambre National Park (Amber Mountain National Park), in northern Madagascar, is located 35 km from Diégo, in the Antsiranana province, and 1000 km from the capital city. Wander through the isolated montane rainforest of 18,200 hectares at an altitude ranging between 800 and 1.475 metres.

ANKARANA NATIONAL PARK

Did you know that crocodiles can live in caves? On this safari in Madagascar you can view the world’s only known cave-dwelling crocs at the exceptional Ankarana National Park. It is exceptional not just because of the crocodiles but because it is believed to be home to the highest density of primates of any forest in the world.

NOSY BE

With an area of 321 km2, Nosy Be (‘Big Island’) is the largest of Madagascar’s offshore islands. It’s often billed in tourist brochures as the ‘Ile aux Parfums’ and, like the nearby Comoros Islands, is a centre for the production of perfume essence from the ylang-ylang tree. Other island products include sugar cane, coffee, vanilla, pepper, saffron and other spices – making the markets in Nosy Be fantastic and rich with bargains!

ITINERARY

You will be met at the airport on the first day of your Madagascar safari and transferred to your hotel in Antananarivo, the picturesque capital of Madagascar. With its bustling markets, friendly people and ancient town on a hill with freestone churches and ancient royal places, it is unique among the world’s other capitals.

ITINERARY

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Diego Suarez, where you will be collected at the airport. We then drive directly to Montagne d’Ambre National Park, which covers 18,200 ha of a prominent volcanic massif and offers striking scenery, rainforest and waterfalls. It is one of Madagascar’s most visited natural attractions. We arrive in the late afternoon. The next day is spent exploring the park on foot. In the park, you will have the chance to see seven species of lemurs, the ring-tailed mongoose and a variety of reptiles including frogs, geckos and chameleons, as well as more than 70 species of birds.

ITINERARY

Today we head to Ankarana – a nature reserve with karst pinnacles, sacred caves, underground rivers and beautiful scenery. The rich and diverse flora and fauna includes many lemurs and interesting bird species. Running through and under the limestone pinnacles are hidden forest-filled canyons and numerous subterranean rivers. We will explore the extensive cave system, which includes several fascinating bat-filled grottoes.

ITINERARY

Today we will have a full day to visit the Ankarana nature reserve, where once again you will have the chance to admire the remarkably rich and varied vegetation and the abundant wildlife of the reserve.

ITINERARY

Today we drive to Ankify – a small village situated along a white sand beach. From here we will go on a boat transfer to Nosy Be where you will be transferred by car to your hotel. Nosy Be, commonly known as “the island of perfumes” and the largest of Madagascar’s offshore islands, is a beautiful tropical island covered with palm trees and bougainvillea. Nosy Be is a beautiful place where you could easily spend the entire day simply watching the changing hues of blue in the sea and the sky. In addition to its attractive beaches, the island’s assets include luxuriant foliage, friendly people and a relaxed Indian Ocean ambience.

ITINERARY

This day in Nosy Be is at leisure. The following optional activities are available. Visit the Lokobe Reserve, a rainforest reserve that protects most of Nosy Be’s endemic vegetation. You might see lemurs, birds and chameleons. Or go on a day cruise to the islands “Nosy Komba”- the island of lemurs or “Nosy Tanikely”- an underwater reserve offering a rich diversity of marine life, such as beautiful corals and a large variety of fish, with excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities. Fish you might see include surgeonfish, clownfish, barracuda, manta rays, sea urchins, starfish, eels, anemones and many more. At the end of the afternoon, we will go back to the hotel where you will have the chance to enjoy the amenities on offer.

ITINERARY

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Antananarivo. We hope to welcome you to Madagascar again very soon!

ACCOMMODATION

Day 1: Relais de Plateaux, Antananarivo or similar
Day 2 & 3: Nature Lodge or Litchi Tree, Montagne d’Ambre National Park or similar
Day 4 & 5: Hotel Relais de I’Ankarana,  Ankarana Park or similar
Day 6 & 7: Ravintsara Wellness Hotel, Nosy Be or similar

INCLUDED & excludes IN THE MADAGASCAR NORTH ADVENTURE

INCLUDED

• Accommodation in Tana, Montagne d’Ambre National Park, Ankarana and Nosy Be
• Breakfast daily
• Lunches or picnic lunches on days 2 to 5
• All transport and transfers
• Motorboat transfer from Ankify to Nosy Be
• English-speaking guide from Diego Suarez airport to Ankify (Day 2-6)
• Specialist local guides in national parks as per
• Activities and excursions as mentioned
• Park and reserve entrance fees

EXCLUDED

• Flights: International & domestic
• Pre and post-tour accommodation
• Optional activities
• All drinks & meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Personal expenses such as visas, travel insurance, curios, laundry etc.
• Gratuities

DEPARTURE

When arriving in Antananarivo in the morning of day 1 of the Madagascar North Adventure, you will be picked up from the airport and embark on your tour. Should you arrive prior to day 1, pre tour accommodation can be arranged and you will be picked up from your hotel on the morning of day 1 (Pick up time will be confirmed on arrival).

TRANSPORT

A minibus is used for group tours.

VISAS

A visa is required to enter the territory of Madagascar and can easily be obtained upon arrival at the airport of Antananarivo with a validity of up to 60 days. Tourists staying for less than one month can purchase a visa for 115’000 Ariary (around 35 €). Paying with the exact amounts or small currency is advised. No photographs are required, however, please ensure that passports are valid for at least 6 months after the return date.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Please note that travel and cancellation insurance is mandatory for every guest travelling with Jenman Madagascar Safaris. All insurance is solely the responsibility of our guests. Please ensure you arrange your own insurance with protection for the full duration of your journey to cover personal injury, damage and loss of personal items including but not limited to camera equipment and other electronic items, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and loss of luggage, etc. Please speak to your travel agent if you require assistance.