Lemur Tours · The north and surrounding areas
From the mountain forest near Antsiranana to Ankarana’s tsingy and on to Nosy Be: choose the nature destinations you want to take time to explore.
Choosing your places to visit
The national parks in northern Madagascar lie in very different landscapes. Around Antsiranana, forest, limestone and coast alternate. On Nosy Be, Lokobe complements days by the sea. Further east, Masoala and Marojejy require different travel arrangements.
Start by deciding where you would like your route to go. We can then choose suitable walks. Adding another park is most worthwhile when you also have time to explore it properly.
Antsiranana and Nosy Be
These destinations offer a useful selection for a trip through the far north. Whether they all fit depends on your route and the number of days available.
National park
Humid mountain forest near Joffreville
Paths lead between tall trees to waterfalls and viewpoints. Montagne d’Ambre is an option if you would like to discover a green, humid forest landscape from Antsiranana. The length and elevation changes of the walks can be discussed in advance.
Planning tip: Allow separately for the drive to Joffreville and the forest visit itself.
Special reserve
Grey limestone tsingy and caves
Ankarana offers walks through limestone formations, patches of forest and caves. The trails have different demands. The Red Tsingy are a separate destination and should not be confused with the reserve when planning your trip.
Planning tip: Choose the access point and trail. The sectors have different access routes and seasonal conditions.
National park on Nosy Be
Forest time during an island stay
A guided forest visit reveals another side of Nosy Be. Trees and their animal inhabitants take centre stage, rather than beaches and boat outings. Even during an island stay, this visit needs its own time slot.
Planning tip: Arrange transport, the local guide and the walk as one coordinated excursion.
Other nature destinations
Mountain walk or coastal outing
A walk at Montagne des Français and a trip to the Three Bays are different outings around Antsiranana. Choose according to your interests rather than squeezing everything into a single day.
Planning tip: For the mountain walk, consider walking time and sun exposure; check access to the bays.
Plan a separate journey
Both national parks suit a trip focused on rainforest. They are not quick detours between Antsiranana and Nosy Be. Access, time on site and your interest in longer walks are key to making your choice.
National park
Rainforest on the coast
On the Masoala peninsula, forest and sea lie close together. A stay can combine walks with time on the coast. What you can do locally also depends on transfers and weather.
Planning tip: Confirm connections and accommodation first, and allow several nights locally.
National park
From lower forest into the mountains
At Marojejy, choosing the route is particularly important. A shorter forest stay differs considerably from a trek with camp nights and long climbs. Higher elevations require extra preparation.
Planning tip: Discuss walking distances, fitness and current camp conditions before booking.
Other destinations in the northern part of the island
Ankarafantsika lies in the northwest on the RN4, inland from Mahajanga. Its dry forest belongs to a different route from the destinations around Antsiranana. For this selection, see also the guide to the west and northwest.
Tsaratanana is a strict nature reserve. Access and specific activities require separate arrangements with its management. A conventional tourist excursion therefore cannot be promised.
Time for nature observation
Movement on a branch, a call overhead or an animal that almost blends into a leaf: many things only become apparent when you stop. Tell your guide if you particularly enjoy photography, birdwatching or looking for small animals.
This helps tailor the walk to your interests. Keep your distance from animals; they should not be touched or moved for a photograph.
Fitting visits into your trip
Planning Antsiranana and Nosy Be differs from planning the northeast. Decide which places matter most to you first, then check the connections.
Being able to reach accommodation does not mean you have a full day free for walking. Include access roads and transfers in your plans. More about driving times.
Sun on limestone, humid forest slopes and longer climbs make different demands. For preparation, see the guide to hiking in Madagascar.
Suggested itineraries
The suggested itinerary “From the north to the west” includes several stages in the northern part of the island and on Nosy Be, followed by a journey to the west. It is a planning suggestion; you do not have to include every stop.
If the northern parks are your main interest, we can allow more time there. Masoala and Marojejy need their own access checks and should not simply be added to this route.
Good to know
Montagne d’Ambre and Ankarana are options for the mainland part; Lokobe is on Nosy Be. Montagne des Français and the Three Bays add to the selection around Antsiranana. The exact order depends on arrival, onward travel and trip length.
No. Ankarana Special Reserve is known for grey limestone formations and caves. The Red Tsingy are a separate destination. Allow for the access route to each when planning both visits.
Only if access and the stay fit your available time. Both destinations need their own planning. A multi-day rainforest stay cannot be treated as a short stop along the way.
The best timing depends on the trails and access routes you choose. Conditions can differ even within one protected area. We therefore match your dates to the specific route; the weather guide provides a general starting point.
An accredited guide is required for visits to protected areas managed by Madagascar National Parks. Private reserves have their own rules. Madagascar National Parks visitor rules.
Plan your trip with me
Tell me whether you would prefer to explore around Antsiranana, stay on Nosy Be or spend longer in the northeastern rainforest. With your travel dates and planned trip length, we can choose suitable places.