Northern Madagascar Exploration: Diego Suarez, Ankarana, Nosy Komba & More

You will be greeted on arrival at Ivato airport by an English speaking guide who will accompany you to your hotel in town. 'Tana' - as the locals call Antananarivo has fascinating traditional architecture and a more Indonesian influence than the rest of Madagascar.

After breakfast, meet with your English speaking guide, then transfer to the airport for an Air Madagascar flight to Diego Suarez.

Upon arrival in Diego Suarez, you will be met by our local staff and transferred to Joffreville. Diego Suarez is well known for its spectacular setting, overlooking a deep harbour. For centuries, it has been considered of great strategic importance. Today, Diego Suarez is an excellent gateway to the varied natural attractions of northern Madagascar. The city has long been relatively isolated from the rest of Madagascar, yet influenced by the many travellers and traders who have passed through: Arab, Chinese, Indian and Creole culture have all made their mark on this cosmopolitan city.

Meet with the local English speaking guide, then drive to Montagne d'Ambre national park for a full day visit.

Established by the French in 1958, this volcanic massif and its surrounding forests are now one of the country's best examples of ecotourism, which invites local community participation in planning and management. Thousands of acres of montane rainforest are home to extraordinary plant and animal life. Huge ferns and strangler figs flourish in the forest, while several indigenous species of lemurs, including Sanford's lemur and the crowned lemur, are also found here. You may even see ring-tailed mongoose and fossa. Magnificent birdlife includes crested ibis, paradise flycatcher, forest rock thrush and ground-rollers. You may wish to make one of the waterfalls the destination of your trip - as you make your way to one of the dramatic falls, you can learn more about the area's inhabitants.

Meet with your English speaking local guide, then head to Ankarana Lodge by road (4hrs). The drive is on a fairly poor road but the lush, volcanic landscapes are gorgeous. This is the breadbasket of the Diana region. As you approach Ankarana you will get a spectacular view of the Tsingy.

Check into the Lodge for lunch.

Evening at leisure.

After breakfast, set out with our local English speaking guide for a full day visit to the Park.

Ankarana is an island of Tsingy and forest, the massif is penetrated by numerous caves and canyons. Some of the largest caves have collapsed, forming isolated pockets of river-fed forest with their own perfectly protected flora and fauna. The reserve is known for its many lemur species, including crowned and Sanford's brown lemurs. It is also a birdwatcher's paradise with nearly 100 species. If you are lucky you may even spot fossa and tenrec.

Your guide will recommend the best trails to follow depending on your physical aptitude and interests. Points of interest include:
-Baobab forest
-Ampondrabe river
-the abyss where the three rivers of Ankarana disappear
-Bat's cave
-Les tourelles des Tsingy, turret shaped rock formations
-Lac Vert, a stunning crater lake

After an early breakfast, drive to Ankify (4hrs) to take the boat to Nosy Komba (25 minutes). Nosy Komba is a small island nestled between Nosy Be and the mainland in the Mozambique Chanel. It is known for its population of black lemurs, lively local crafts market and stunning beaches. This volcanic island is covered with lush rainforest, home to the Macacoa lemur species and an abundance of chameleons, butterflies, tropical flowers and more. The beaches are white sand that flows into emerald waters. Snorkelling, scuba diving and boating excursions offer encounters with turtles, dolphins and hump-back whales (July-November). Check-in to Tsara Komba for lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner at the Lodge.

Day at leisure at Tsara Komba. A luxurious 4 star eco-lodge on Nosy Komba Island. 2 Ocean View Suites and 6 Ocean View Lodges. Located on Nosy Komba, the most beautiful island of Nosy Be archipelago, Tsara Komba is a real eco paradise.''Art de Vivr'' Slow Life, smart and ethnic atmosphere, a renowned Slow Food gastronomy, exceptional getaways to discover fabulous Malagasy landscapes and people, Tsara Komba offers a unique and tailor made experience.

2nd day leisure at Tsara Komba.

This morning, transfer to the airport by boat and vehicle (1hr) for your Air Madagascar flight back to Tana. On arrival in Tana, your driver and guide will accompany you to your hotel in town.

After breakfast, your driver and guide will accompany you to the airport and assist you in checking in to your outbound international flight.