From archipelagos to forests

North fills the needs of those who can not choose between the charms of the sea and the attractiveness of forests. Nosy Be in the bay of Diego Suarez, through the massive Ankarana is the confrontation of the great big blue and green.

Nosy Be and its surrounding islands

Referred to as "Perfume Island" because of its scented ylang ylang, sugar and spices, Nosy Be has naturally a strong resort landscape. This small volcanic island about 320km ² is the ideal starting point for cruises to be composed of archipelagos of small islands truly paradise or the west coast of Madagascar full of lands inhabited by a multitude of traditional fishing villages . Browse from hundreds of sailing canoes is an incomparable pleasure.

The Mitsio archipelago in the North or the South Radama which is reached after discovering the Bay of Russian or Nosy Iranja (famous for its white sand banks that undulate in a lagoon) will delight lovers of fishing, snorkelling (Nosy Tanikely priority) or simply seascapes constantly renewed.

Nosy be provided, however, many other surprises in its hinterland dotted with volcanic lakes, places of refuge of few crocodiles. Peninsula Lokobe, justify, alone, living in Nosy Be. In this primary forest can be observed amount of lemurs (and moths), chameleons, birds and reptiles, impressive boas. Access is by boat and the traditionally lower pleasures is not that of paddle with the fishermen.

Waterfalls and sacred trees (ficus with multiple ramifications), the sunset from the top of Mont Passot, excursions to Nosy Komba or Nosy Sakatia (small islands and wild "sisters" of Nosy Be) exploration of mangrove or visit distilleries of ylang ylang are some of the many attractions of this island which, unexpectedly, remains to be discovered.

Ambanja and Sambirano Valley

Nosy be crossing to the west coast of the mainland is an experience to live. The small peninsula Ankify and landing should be discovered as revealing beautiful beaches nestled between volcanic rocks surprising. This part of the west coast enjoys a warm microclimate due to the presence of massive Tsaratanàna (highest peak of Madagascar - 2876m) and see, in particular, in the river valley Sambirano flower plantations cocoa, coffee, spices (vanilla, pepper, bay rose ...) and perfume plants (ylang ylang, vetiver, patchouli ...). A true "cultural tourism" developed there to meet the villagers who set up shelters. Guaranteed immersion in rural areas in order to understand the daily realities of the majority of the Malagasy people, all within lush landscapes adorned with springs and forest trails. Excursions in one of the largest mangrove forests in the country are carried out around the old colonial Antsahampano counter.

Tsingy of Ankarana

Formed under the sea more than 100 million years ago, emerged as a result of large tectonic movements, the massive limestone Ankarana suffered for 3 million years unrelenting erosion. This mammoth task on its surface gives the strange appearance of sharp ridges called "Tsingy" (walk on tiptoe in Malagasy).

The Tsingy of Ankarana are formed by an extensive network of underground rivers that have created real natural cathedrals where, amidst stalactites and stalagmites, live colonies of bats.

This massive unusual not just a simple mineral world as the flora and fauna that thrive there are among the most attractive in a country which is considered one of the most important spots of biodiversity in the world. Amphibians and reptiles, birds and lemurs are numerous and easy to observe.

Natural lakes and points of view to bear with the Mozambique Channel in the foreground, this incomparable massive jagged surely represent one of the most lasting memories that you can return to Madagascar.

Andrafiamena - Andavakoera Area

Not far from the massive Ankarana, east of Route Nationale 6 that leads to Diego Suarez, the Protected Area of ​​Andrafiamena-Andavakoera ideally complements the National Park Tsingy of Ankarana.

30 000ha of forest are home to a very rare species of lemur, black lemur or Perrier's Sifaka with this area of ​​medium-altitude mountains covered with rainforest, dry and transition happens to be the last refuge. 6 other lemur species and rare amphibians also belong to the natural resources of these places were plotted several tours through caves and forests, savannah woodlands and plains.

Going back to Diego Suarez, a stop on the site Red Tsingy to bring some spectacular shots of the strange shapes with glowing colors.

Diego Bay and its surroundings

The northern most part of the island is a great destination in its own. These regions, between land and sea, have real natural treasures.

The second largest bay in the world, and the famous Sugar Loaf, is lined with beautiful beaches including the Ramena where you can find hotels and restaurants. Here is the starting point for excursions to the sea emerald sea, and its enchanting islands. This charming fishing village, it also accesses the coves perfect orb known as "Bay Bay dunes and pigeons" and the Sakalava Bay, the Mecca of kitesurfing surfing and sailing.

The gates of Diego Suarez, city which has kept architectural testimony of the colonial period, the National Park Montagne d'Ambre consists of a dense rainforest where ferns and orchids abound. Waterfalls abound. The lakes are populated by a unique avifauna.

In less than an hour from the sunny beaches, you can find in the forest lost in the mists: highly exotic!

Those who have the opportunity to stay longer, grow to the west coast and the archipelago of Nosy Hara (Tsingy in the sea!) Or the site of Windsor Castle. This old fort you can enjoy a 360 ° view on the Cap d'Ambre, northern tip of Madagascar.