Madagascar North Itinerary: Diego Suarez, Ankarana and Nosy Be

This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The north of Madagascar is the island’s most dramatically diverse zone. Within a few hundred kilometres, you move from one of the world’s most beautiful bays (the Emerald Sea at Diego Suarez), through spectacular limestone tsingy and crocodile lakes (Ankarana), to the tropical island paradise of Nosy Be and its surrounding archipelago. The north is also the most accessible part of Madagascar for divers and beach travellers — Nosy Be’s international airport (Fascene) accepts direct regional flights and connects to Antananarivo in 90 minutes. This itinerary covers the northern zone as a standalone trip of 10–14 days, or as the opening or closing leg of a longer Madagascar journey.

At a Glance: Madagascar North Circuit

This northern circuit is the best choice for travellers combining wildlife and beach in one compact region. For everything to do on the island centrepiece, read our guide to things to do in Nosy Be.

Your North Madagascar Itinerary: Day by Day

Days 1–2: Antananarivo — Arrival and Onward Flight

Fly into Ivato (TNR), overnight in Antananarivo. Day 2: take the domestic flight to Diego Suarez (DIE) — 90 minutes, Tsaradia operates the route. Arrive in Diego Suarez by midday; check into a guesthouse in the centre.

Days 3–4: Diego Suarez — Emerald Sea and Colonial Town

Day 3: explore Diego’s French colonial centre — the waterfront boulevard, the cathedral, the covered market. In the afternoon, take a pirogue-taxi to Ramena Beach (30 minutes) for swimming. Day 4: full-day boat trip to the Mer d’Émeraude — a shallow turquoise lagoon enclosed by sand dunes and mangroves, one of the most photographed scenes in Madagascar. Snorkel in the bay, walk the dune, watch the sunset over the water. Book a Diego Suarez guided tour here.

Days 5–6: Ankarana Reserve — Tsingy and Lemurs

Drive south from Diego Suarez to Ankarana (110km, 2.5 hours). Ankarana National Park is a limestone karst massif with needle-sharp tsingy formations, underground rivers and cave systems. Day 5: guided tsingy circuit (3–4 hours) targeting Ankarana sportive lemur, Sanford’s brown lemur, and the spectacularly agile Decken’s sifaka. Day 6: cave and river circuit — the underground pools at Ankarana support Nile crocodile populations and blind cave fish. Night walk at the park boundary for sportive lemurs.

Days 7–9: Drive to Ambanja and Speedboat to Nosy Be

Drive south from Ankarana to Ambanja on the Sambirano River (3 hours, good tar road). Ambanja is the cacao and ylang-ylang capital of Madagascar — the scent is extraordinary in the dry season. Day 8: morning cocoa plantation tour, then take the speedboat or ferry from Ankify to Nosy Be (1.5 hours, €8–€15). Day 9: first full day on Nosy Be — explore by scooter, beach afternoon, seafood dinner.

Days 10–12: Nosy Be — Diving, Islands and Local Life

Day 10: boat trip to Nosy Komba (black lemurs in village forest) and Nosy Tanikely (snorkelling marine reserve). Day 11: scuba diving or full snorkel day at Sakatia Island. Day 12: leisure day or dolphin cruise. See our full accommodation guide at best hotels in Nosy Be for resort recommendations at every budget.

Days 13–14: Return and Departure

Fly Nosy Be–Tana from Fascene Airport. Evening at Antananarivo. Day 14: international departure from Ivato.

Getting There: Flights and Connections

Fly into Antananarivo (TNR) internationally, then connect domestically to Diego Suarez (DIE) on Tsaradia. The Nosy Be (NOS) return flight is direct from Fascene to Tana. For ground transport between Diego and Ankarana, a private car is strongly recommended over taxi-brousse — the route is sealed but requires early departure. Use Carla to compare car hire options. If any flight is disrupted, AirAdvisor helps you claim compensation.

Where to Stay in Northern Madagascar

Diego Suarez has a good range of mid-range guesthouses and hotels in the centre. Ankarana has basic lodges near the park entrance — book ahead in peak season. The speedboat crossing to Nosy Be takes 1.5 hours from Ankify; most travellers prefer to stay in Ambanja one night and cross in the morning. In Nosy Be, compare all options at Agoda for real-time pricing. For lemur spotting advice throughout the north, see our guide to where to see lemurs in Madagascar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get from Diego Suarez to Nosy Be?

By road and speedboat: drive south from Diego to Ankify (3–4 hours), then speedboat to Nosy Be (1.5 hours). Total: 5–6 hours. Alternatively, fly back to Tana and take a domestic connection to Nosy Be — slower in time but easier.

Is Ankarana better than Tsingy de Bemaraha?

Different experiences. Ankarana is more accessible (near Diego Suarez, day trip possible), has more lemur species, and includes impressive caves. Tsingy de Bemaraha is more dramatic visually and more remote. Both are worth visiting if your itinerary allows.

What is the best month to visit northern Madagascar?

June–September is ideal: dry, clear skies, calm seas for boat trips, wildlife most active at Ankarana. October–November adds whale shark encounters near Nosy Be.

Can I travel from Diego Suarez to Nosy Be without flying?

Yes — by road and speedboat (see above). The overland route via RN6 is sealed and takes 3–4 hours by private car to Ankify. Public transport (taxi-brousse) is possible but slow.

Is northern Madagascar good for birding?

Excellent. Ankarana has several near-endemic species. Nosy Be’s Lokobe Reserve has the Madagascar fish eagle. The wetlands around Mahajanga are excellent for ducks and herons. A specialist guide in each area is essential.

Northern Madagascar is the most accessible and arguably the most visually spectacular part of the island. The combination of Diego Suarez’s dramatic bay, Ankarana’s limestone underworld and Nosy Be’s tropical perfection is impossible to better in a 10-day trip. Whether you add it to a longer circuit or take it as a standalone trip, the north never disappoints. Protect your journey with SafetyWing Nomad Insurance — essential for travel in a remote island region with limited medical facilities.