PRIVATE WILDLIFE & COASTAL ADVENTURE
TOUR OVERVIEW
A 12-day overland adventure from Madagascar’s wild forests to the Emerald SeaDiscover the extraordinary landscapes of northern Madagascar on a private 12-day overland adventure combining wildlife, national parks, dramatic geological formations and spectacular coastline.
Travel north from Antananarivo through the changing landscapes of Madagascar to Ankarafantsika National Park, a remarkable dry forest known for its lemurs, endemic birds and diverse wildlife.
Continue through the remote northwest towards Ankarana, where limestone tsingy, caves, canyons and dry forest create one of northern Madagascar’s most fascinating natural environments.
Your journey then leads to Antsiranana, also known as Diego Suarez. Along the way, discover the striking Red Tsingy before exploring the lush rainforest, waterfalls and wildlife of Amber Mountain National Park.
Finish your adventure beside the Indian Ocean with a boat excursion across the turquoise waters of the Emerald Sea and a day discovering the spectacular Three Bays around Antsiranana.
Combining wildlife, adventure, landscapes and coastal discovery, this private journey can be tailored to your travel dates, interests and preferred pace.
Tour availability: Year-round
Recommended travel period: April to November
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Cross Madagascar overland from the Central Highlands to the far north
- Search for lemurs and endemic birds in Ankarafantsika National Park
- Discover the changing landscapes and communities of northwestern Madagascar
- Explore the limestone tsingy, caves and dry forest of Ankarana National Park
- See the extraordinary red pinnacles of the Red Tsingy
- Discover lemurs, chameleons, waterfalls and rainforest in Amber Mountain National Park
- Explore Antsiranana, also known as Diego Suarez, and its spectacular natural bay
- Sail across the turquoise waters of the Emerald Sea
- Enjoy swimming and optional snorkelling in a remarkable tropical setting
- Discover the wild beaches and coastal landscapes of the Three Bays
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Day 1: Antananarivo
Day 2: Antananarivo – Ankarafantsika
Day 3: Ankarafantsika National Park
Day 4: Ankarafantsika – Antsohihy
Day 5: Antsohihy – Ankarana
Day 6: Ankarana National Park
Day 7: Ankarana – Red Tsingy – Antsiranana
Day 8: Amber Mountain National Park
Day 9: Emerald Sea
Day 10: Three Bays & Antsiranana
Day 11: Antsiranana – Antananarivo
Day 12: Antananarivo – Departure
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1
Antananarivo
Welcome to Madagascar! Upon arrival at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure and prepare for your overland adventure through northern Madagascar.
Overnight: Hotel in Antananarivo
DAY 2
Antananarivo – Ankarafantsika
After breakfast, leave Antananarivo and begin your journey north-west towards Ankarafantsika National Park.
Travel through changing landscapes, traditional villages and agricultural regions as you leave the Central Highlands behind.
Arrive near Ankarafantsika later in the day and settle into your accommodation surrounded by the dry forests of northwestern Madagascar.
Overnight: Lodge or hotel near Ankarafantsika National Park
DAY 3
Ankarafantsika National Park
Spend the day exploring Ankarafantsika National Park, one of Madagascar’s most important protected areas for dry-forest wildlife.
Accompanied by a local guide, walk through the forest in search of lemurs, endemic birds, reptiles and other species found in this remarkable ecosystem.
The park is also known for its lakes, varied landscapes and impressive biodiversity.
The length and difficulty of the walk can be adapted to your interests and physical condition.
Overnight: Lodge or hotel near Ankarafantsika National Park
DAY 4
Ankarafantsika – Antsohihy
After breakfast, continue your overland journey north through Madagascar’s remote northwestern landscapes.
Pass through rural areas, villages and changing vegetation while discovering a less-visited side of the island.
Arrive in Antsohihy later in the day and settle into your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Antsohihy
DAY 5
Antsohihy – Ankarana
Leave Antsohihy after breakfast and continue north towards the Ankarana region.
The journey reveals increasingly dramatic landscapes as you approach the limestone formations and dry forests of northern Madagascar.
Arrive near Ankarana National Park and settle into your accommodation before the following day’s exploration.
Overnight: Lodge or hotel near Ankarana National Park
DAY 6
Ankarana National Park
Today is dedicated to exploring Ankarana National Park, one of northern Madagascar’s most fascinating natural areas.
Accompanied by a local guide, discover dramatic limestone tsingy, caves, canyons and dry forest while searching for lemurs, birds, reptiles and other endemic wildlife.
Depending on the selected route and local conditions, your walk may include viewpoints over the limestone formations and passages through this extraordinary geological landscape.
Overnight: Lodge or hotel near Ankarana National Park
DAY 7
Ankarana – Red Tsingy – Antsiranana
After breakfast, leave the Ankarana region and continue towards Antsiranana.
Along the way, discover the spectacular Red Tsingy, an unusual landscape of red laterite pinnacles sculpted by erosion.
Continue north to Antsiranana, also known as Diego Suarez, a historic port city overlooking one of the world’s largest natural bays.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel in Antsiranana
DAY 8
Amber Mountain National Park
After breakfast, travel to Amber Mountain National Park, a lush rainforest rising above the dry landscapes of northern Madagascar.
Accompanied by a local guide, explore forest trails in search of lemurs, chameleons, endemic birds and other wildlife.
The park is also known for its waterfalls, volcanic lakes, giant ferns and rich tropical vegetation.
After the visit, return to Antsiranana.
Overnight: Hotel in Antsiranana
DAY 9
Emerald Sea
Today, set out for a full-day excursion to the spectacular Emerald Sea, one of the most beautiful coastal areas in northern Madagascar.
Travel by boat across clear turquoise waters surrounded by white-sand beaches and small tropical islands.
Enjoy time for swimming, relaxing on the beach and, depending on local conditions, snorkelling in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Return to Antsiranana later in the day.
Overnight: Hotel in Antsiranana
DAY 10
Three Bays & Antsiranana
Spend the day discovering the spectacular coastline surrounding Antsiranana.
Explore the Three Bays, a succession of wild beaches and coastal landscapes where turquoise waters meet the dramatic scenery of northern Madagascar.
Continue towards Ramena, a traditional fishing village known for its long sandy beach and relaxed atmosphere.
Depending on the available time, complete the day with further discovery of Antsiranana and its historic atmosphere.
Overnight: Hotel in Antsiranana
DAY 11
Antsiranana – Antananarivo
Enjoy your final morning in northern Madagascar according to your domestic flight schedule.
Transfer to Antsiranana Airport for your flight back to Antananarivo.
Upon arrival in the capital, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on the flight schedule, enjoy some free time in Antananarivo.
Overnight: Hotel in Antananarivo
DAY 12
Antananarivo – Departure
Enjoy your final moments in Madagascar according to your international flight schedule.
If time allows, you may explore Antananarivo, visit a local craft market or enjoy some last-minute shopping for Malagasy handicrafts and souvenirs.
At the appropriate time, transfer to Ivato International Airport for your departure flight.
End of your Madagascar journey.
