📍 Madagascar

NORTHERN MADAGASCAR: RED TSINGY, THREE BAYS AND ISLAND BLISS

Sharp tsingy piercing red earth, emerald bays pushing into jungle, lemurs leaping among ylang-ylang. Northern Madagascar dazzles.

≈ 14
Days
741
Km
10
Stops
📖 7 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore Diego Suarez between luminous bays and sea horizons, then venture into Ankarana amid tsingy and caves. Then sail to Nosy Be, quiet islands and coral gardens, where lemurs appear in the vegetation and warm water invites lingering days.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Antsiranana

diego suarez three bays military history

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6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Sakalava Bay → departure point for the Three Bays hike
2
Dunes Bay (coastal walk between beach and back-dune)
3
Pigeons Bay (swimming and viewpoints)
4
Cap Miné Lighthouse and old coastal military positions
🎯

Activities

→
Coastal hike (approx. 11 km) with swimming breaks
→
Observation of the coastline and surface marine fauna
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 25 km
Travel time: 1h
2
Day

Joffreville

montagne ambre cloud forest endemic species

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3 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Montagne d'Ambre National Park (high-altitude humid forest, waterfalls and crater lakes)
2
Interpretive trail on biodiversity (Brookesia dwarf chameleons, uroplatus, birds)
🎯

Activities

→
Guided naturalist walk (endemic fauna, botany)
→
Observation of chameleons and camouflaged geckos (without handling)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 35 km
Travel time: 1h
3
Day

Ankarana Mahamasina

red tsingy razor limestone sacred caves

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10 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Red Tsingy of Irodo (red sandstone erosion chimneys, viewpoints)
2
Landscape transition towards the karst massif of Ankarana
🎯

Activities

→
Short hike on marked trails of the Red Tsingy (photography at viewpoints)
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 175 km
Travel time: 5h
4
Day

Ankarana Mahamasina

red tsingy razor limestone sacred caves

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10 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Ankarana National Park: Tsingy, caves and viewpoints
2
River loss (karst hydrological system)
3
Suspension bridges above the Tsingy (panoramas)
🎯

Activities

→
Observation of dry flora and small endemic baobabs
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 146.1 km
Travel time: 2h26
5
Day

Nosy Be Madirokely

main beach ylang ylang perfume island

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9 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Ambanja (crossing the town and markets, Sambirano valley)
2
Ankify (speedboat boarding for Nosy Be)
3
Hell-Ville (Andoany) → transfer to Madirokely/Ambatoloaka
🎯

Activities

→
Road journey Ankarana → Ambanja → Ankify
→
Speedboat crossing Ankify → Nosy Be (variable calm sea)
→
Late afternoon walk on Madirokely beach
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 140 km
Travel time: 3h30
6
Day

Nosy Be Madirokely

main beach ylang ylang perfume island

Nosy Be Madirokely - Photo 1Nosy Be Madirokely - Photo 2Nosy Be Madirokely - Photo 3Nosy Be Madirokely - Photo 4Nosy Be Madirokely - Photo 5Nosy Be Madirokely - Photo 6Nosy Be Madirokely - Photo 7Nosy Be Madirokely - Photo 8Nosy Be Madirokely - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Madirokely beach (scouting and cruise preparation)
2
Hell-Ville (Andoany): port and boarding dock
🎯

Activities

→
Free swimming and coastal snorkeling (weather permitting)
→
Safety/navigation route briefing (Nosy Be port)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 10 km
Travel time: 25min
7
Day

Nosy Tanikely

marine reserve snorkeling sea turtles thrive

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6 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Nosy Komba (village trail, lemurs, local crafts)
2
Nosy Tanikely (marine protected area: reefs and tropical wildlife)
🎯

Activities

→
Coastal navigation Nosy Be → Nosy Komba → Nosy Tanikely
→
Snorkeling on reef (tropical fish, corals, possible turtles)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 18 km
Travel time: 36min
8
Day

Nosy Sakatia

green island turtle nesting lemur trails

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6 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Nosy Sakatia (turtle seagrass beds, small sheltered beaches)
🎯

Activities

→
Navigation Nosy Tanikely → Nosy Sakatia
→
Snorkeling on seagrass beds and reef edges (depending on tide)
→
Coastal walk on foot (cove to cove)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 20 km
Travel time: 1h20
9
Day

Nosy Iranja

twin islands linked sandbar turquoise wonder

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5 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Nosy Iranja (double islet connected by a sand tombolo)
🎯

Activities

→
Offshore navigation Nosy Sakatia → Nosy Iranja
→
Swimming and walking on the sandbank (depending on tide)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 55 km
Travel time: 3h
10
Day

Baie Des Russes

russian bay emerald waters cliff embrace

Baie Des Russes - Photo 1Baie Des Russes - Photo 2Baie Des Russes - Photo 3Baie Des Russes - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Baie des Russes (sheltered cove on the mainland, hilly panorama)
🎯

Activities

→
Navigation Nosy Iranja → Baie des Russes
→
Short hike to a high point over the bay
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 30 km
Travel time: 2h
11
Day

Nosy Fanihy

bat island coral gardens pristine reefs

Nosy Fanihy - Photo 1Nosy Fanihy - Photo 2Nosy Fanihy - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Nosy Fanihy (wild islet northwest of Nosy Be)
🎯

Activities

→
Navigation Baie des Russes → Nosy Fanihy (coastal ascent)
→
Snorkeling and relaxation on deserted beach
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 65 km
Travel time: 3h
12
Day

Hell Ville Andoany

colonial port market flavors ylang distilleries

Hell Ville Andoany - Photo 1Hell Ville Andoany - Photo 2Hell Ville Andoany - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Return to Hell-Ville (disembarkation and port tour)
🎯

Activities

→
Urban free time (central market, waterfront)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 22 km
Travel time: 44min

🗺️ Itinerary map

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Dry Season (April-October): Best weather with minimal rainfall, cooler temperatures (15-25°C), and excellent wildlife viewing. Peak tourist season with higher prices but optimal conditions for national parks and outdoor activities.

Cool Dry Season (May-September): Ideal temperatures and clear skies perfect for hiking, wildlife observation, and exploring highlands. Best time for lemur watching and photography with comfortable conditions throughout.

Hot Dry Season (October-March): Warmer temperatures (20-30°C) with occasional rains, good for coastal areas and beach activities. Cyclone season (January-March) requires weather monitoring but offers lush landscapes.

Rainy Season (November-March): Heavy rains make some roads impassable, but dramatic landscapes and fewer tourists. Lower prices and breeding season for wildlife, though challenging travel conditions.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 11 and 17 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Madagascar?

Unique island with incredible biodiversity, endemic species, and authentic Malagasy culture. Experience lemur encounters, traditional music, and pristine natural environments. The country offers wildlife adventures with cultural authenticity and natural preservation. Madagascar provides life-changing wildlife experiences with cultural depth and natural wonders.