Rainforests & beaches of Northern Madagascar

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Antananarivo.

Day 2 : Antananarivo

On arrival in Tana you will be met and taken to your hotel, the Relais des Plateaux where you can relax beside the pool after your long flight. During the afternoon you may like to explore Tana and enjoy a meal out at one of the excellent restaurants in the city.

Day 3 : Joffreville (Ambohitra)

This morning you will head back to the airport for your flight to Diego in the north of the country. Your guide will meet you at the airport and drive you the short distance to your lodge in Joffreville. This pretty village is a charming place to explore, you can potter about the streets or simply relax on the veranda of your hotel.

Day 4 : Joffreville (Ambohitra)

Today, with your guide you will be transferred up to the entrance to Amber Mountain. Here you will meet your local guide and enjoy a day's hike in the park, complete with a delicious lunch prepared by your guides. Do be sure to let the guides know if there are any animals in particular you are keen to see so they can take you to the best areas to search for them.

Day 5 : Ankarana

Today you will travel from Joffreville to Ankarana - if it is possible to stop en route at the Red Tsingy then your driver will do so. This will very much depend on the recent weather as the road to the Red Tsingy is sand. In the late afternoon you will arrive at the Iharana Bush Camp set in a beautiful location overlooking the Tsingy.

Day 6 : Ankarana

Today you can take a boat ride on the lake which is teeming with birdlife - in addition there are some great walks that can be done into the Tsingy with some spectacular views down to the coast.

Day 7 : Ankarana

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Day 8 : Nosy Komba

This morning you will be able to enjoy another walk in the Ankarana before driving to the small port of Ankify. From here you will catch a boat across to Nosy Komba. On arrival at Jardin Vanille you can rest your walking boots and put on your flip flops - ready for some serious beach relaxation!

Day 9 : Nosy Komba

Nosy Komba is ideal for relaxation with sandy beaches, small coves and good snorkelling. You can simply relax or take part in a number of activities that the hotel can help you arrange. One particularly enjoyable trip is snorkelling at the tiny island of Nosy Tanikely.

Day 10 : Nosy Komba

A further suggestion for your free time is to go on a trip to the island's largest village, Ampangorinana, where you will be able to enjoy a wander around the village looking at the beautiful locally made handicrafts. You can enjoy a walk up into the forest where there are some habituated black lemurs and plenty of chameleons. Returning to the village you can enjoy a simple lunch of fish and rice before heading home.

Day 11 : Nosy Komba

You may like to enjoy a day on the beach, swimming, snorkelling and relaxing. Food is generally good in Madagascar and you will be able to enjoy an extended seafood lunch at midday, followed perhaps by a siesta!

Day 12 : Nosy Komba

If you would like a walk you will find plenty of plantations to explore on foot including vanilla, coffee and pepper. Take a local guide after breakfast and enjoy a morning learning about the fragrant flora. Your guide will also take you to the villages where you can learn about the local lifestyle, you will then return to the hotel on foot or by pirogue.

Day 13 : Antananarivo

Today you will be taken back to Nosy Be airport for your flights back to Tana to meet your onward flights. If it is necessary, you will have the use of a day room in a nearby hotel before your flight.

Day 14 : International return flight

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Day 15 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.