The northern part of Madagascar

Madagascar continues to attract many tourists thanks to its incomparable natural resources. A trip to this fascinating island promises an unforgettable stay. All parts of the island have their own biotope and climate to satisfy you all year round. If Nosy Be remains the most popular destination in Madagascar, the other regions also have something that will surprise you. Through this article we will take you on a journey of discovery to surprising places. We will travel together to introduce you to the beauty of the northern part of the red island.

Ankarafantsika National Park

In the northwest of Madagascar, this park is perfect for hiking enthusiasts and for ornithologists. Ankarafantsika is home to many endemic species of plants and animals. One day is not enough to discover them all. Along the way you will encounter fauna of various species. These include lemurs, birds and reptiles. It will also delight botanists with its terrestrial orchids, medicinal plants, trees and precious woods. The park guarantees you a total change of scenery. This is due to the dense dry deciduous forest, botanical garden, 5 watercourses and numerous lakes. The visit does not end there. You can enjoy a nice boat ride on Lake Ravelobe.

Ankarana National Park

Ankarana National Park, a special nature reserve in the Diana region, offers you an adventure full of surprises. It consists of a huge Jurassic limestone plateau or "Tsingy". The latter does not reach a height Of 300 m. Its exploration is sure to please trekking and camping enthusiasts. Climbing the "Tsingy" would be a challenge for athletes. Once at the top, an impressive view awaits you. This site differs from the others by the sacred lake, stalactite and stalagmite caves, botanical path, gorges, sinkholes and others. In addition, this park contains many different species of animals such as lemurs, birds, snails and shells. Its caves are the refuge of bats and crocodiles. As for the flora, you will have the opportunity to admire the Baobab forest and up to 330 species of plants.

Marojejy National Park

Go to the northeast of Madagascar, in the region of Sava, to see the Marojejy National Park to discover. Located in the middle of a mountain crescent, this park reflects an intact and preserved biodiversity. Once reserved to a place for scientists, it has been open to tourists since 1998. Its great diversity of habitats and microclimates makes it a suitable place for the development of several endemic species. With its 55,000 hectares, this site has 4 types of forests. There are also about 50 species of palms, 300 species of ferns, 2000 species of flowering plants and precious woods. As for fauna, there are at least 118 species of birds, of which 75 are rare species, 11 lemurs and 148 reptiles and amphibians. It is a true paradise for nature lovers.

Montagne d'Ambre National Park

Even further north on the island, this famous park is located in the province of Diego Suarez, near Joffreville. Thanks to its geographical location, starting from Diego Suarez, it can be reached in just 40 minutes. This park is characterized by a wide range of activities for its visitors. Hiking, long walks in the forest, picnics, sacred waterfalls are waiting for you. In fact, this park covers an area of 18,200 ha. With a humid tropical climate, it is the ideal shelter for its 7 species of lemurs, 59 species of reptiles and 75 species of birds. The richness of the flora is also not insignificant. There are medicinal plants, orchids, palms, climbers, large trees like the Madagascariensis canarium and others. This small island of forests has everything you need to give you full satisfaction. Are you tired of taking long walks? You can cool off in the many waterfalls or relax in the nearby cottages.

Montagne des Français

Visit the French mountain! Located to the east of Diego Suarez, the Montagne des Français a limestone plateau crisscrossed by narrow gorges. It houses the necropolis of the former Colonizers. While exploring this site, a tour guide will take you back to the battles between the French and the English during the colonial period. It is the perfect place to delight baobab lovers. You will discover the unique species of Andansonia Suarezensis. There are also other endemic families of Malagasy flora such as Asteropeiaceae, Sphaerosepalaceae and Physenaceae. Along the way you may encounter lemurs, lizards or spiders. But what makes this park stand out above all is the breathtaking view of the Mozambique Channel, Diego Bay, Amber Mountain, the Emerald Sea, the Indian Ocean and the white houses of Joffreville.

Diégo-Suarez and the 3 bays

In search of a piece of paradise in the region Diego Suarez? A stay in all three bays is essential. Sakalava Bay, Dune Bay and Pigeon Bay form the "Three Bays". Located about twenty kilometers from Diego Suarez, they are considered one of the best places in Madagascar. To get there, you can drive along the Ramena road and take a fork in the road. You can also walk along the coast. The Sakalava Bay is known for its white sandy beach, the water is crystal clear. And it is the ideal place to learn how to surf. As for the Bay of Dunes, it houses the remains of military buildings, which you can also visit! Nature lovers will be spoiled! Several species of birds live on the site. The Bay of Doves is prized for its tranquility. Enjoy a short walk under the singing of the birds.

The red tsingy of Irodo

Do you want to experience a magical moment? This excursion will delight you! The Red tsingy are located 50 km from Diego Suarez, a 2-hour road trip in a 4X4 is necessary to get there. These tsingy consist of an erosion of the laterite Lapiaz, the mixture of the different oxides created a color shock. The Tsingy peak is located at an altitude of 200 meters. A breathtaking place! It would be ideal to photograph in sunlight. And did you know that the hues change depending on the time of day? Yes, this incredible environment is worth a visit. It is recommended to spend a whole day on this trip.

The Vanilla Coast of Madagascar

Carry the northeast coast of Madagascar to the Vanilla Coast to discover. There are four major cities there: Sambava, Antalaha, Vohémar and Andapa. As the name suggests, this coast is characterized by the cultivation of vanilla. It is advisable to go there during the dry season. On the program, discover the small bush villages with a river. Enjoy visits to the vanilla plantations. Near Andapa you can also visit the Marojejy National Park where many species of reptiles, mammals and breeding birds live. There are also secluded beaches to relax in the sun. If you are in the mood for adventure, you will not be disappointed!

The famous Emerald Sea of Madagascar

Discover one of the most beautiful beaches in the world: the "Emerald Sea". This turquoise sea is of supernatural beauty. The very clear sandy bottom is visible through the shallow water depth. Turtles and rays swim peacefully there. Sailboats can be seen from Ramena be rented from. The trip can be done in an hour. Among the activities available to you: Surfing and windsurfing equipment, snorkeling, diving and sailing. For the more adventurous, sleeping under the stars on the small pristine islands nearby would be an extraordinary experience.

Nosy Be and its islands

Who has never heard of the Nosy Be Islands heard? It is the destination par excellence for tourists visiting Madagascar. And why is that? Probably because of the landscape it offers and also because of the very different activities that are possible there.

This main island is surrounded by surrounded by several islands, each as beautiful as the other. One of the small paradises there: Nosy Komba or "the island of lemurs". Enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches and admire the lemurs living in freedom. Also take a look at the local embroideries and sculptures. Nosy Tanikely or "the island of small land" is a protected area. It is home to unique marine and terrestrial biodiversity, including a living aquarium. Planned hikes to the top of the island to discover a breathtaking landscape. Nosy Iranja or "the turtle island" consists of two islands connected by a white sandbar. Another opportunity to take great photos.