The Northern Retreat
Wild Forests, Ancient Tsingy & Tropical Islands
Tour Overview
Route
Antananarivo - Diego Suarez - Amber Mountain - Ankarana - Nosy Be
Highlights
- Hike Amber Mountain for waterfalls, chameleons, and crowned lemurs
- Explore Ankarana's dramatic limestone tsingy and bat-filled caves
- Snorkel or dive in Nosy Be's crystal-clear turquoise waters
- Whale shark encounters (October–November)
- Visit traditional Antankarana and Sakalava villages
- Discover Diego Suarez's colonial history and Bay of Sakalava
What's Included
What's Included
- 9 nights accommodation (hotels, eco-lodges, beach resort)
- All meals as specified in itinerary
- Domestic flights (Antananarivo–Diego Suarez, Diego Suarez–Nosy Be, Nosy Be–Antananarivo)
- Private vehicle with experienced driver
- English-speaking naturalist guide throughout
- All national park and reserve entrance fees
- Boat transfers to Nosy Komba
- Night walks with specialist trackers
- Airport transfers
What's Not Included
- International flights to/from Madagascar
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Visa fees ($37 for 30 days)
- Meals not specified in itinerary
- Optional activities (diving, whale shark tours, pirogue excursions)
- Tips for guide, driver, and local guides (recommended)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Alcoholic beverages
Essential Information
Best Time to Visit
May–October (dry season) for best trekking conditions. October–November for whale shark encounters. July–September for humpback whale watching. Amber Mountain can be visited year-round.
Visa Requirements
Tourist visa available on arrival at Ivato Airport – $37 USD cash for 30 days. Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond travel dates. Two passport photos required.
Health & Safety
Malaria prophylaxis strongly recommended for all northern regions. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from endemic countries. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is mandatory. Use high-DEET insect repellent, especially at dusk in coastal areas.
What to Pack
- •Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing in neutral colours
- •Sturdy hiking boots for tsingy and rainforest trails
- •Gloves for tsingy (sharp limestone edges)
- •Rain jacket (Amber Mountain receives rain year-round)
- •Swimwear and beach gear
- •Snorkeling equipment (or rent locally)
- •Sun hat, sunglasses, and SPF 50+ sunscreen
- •Insect repellent with DEET 30%+
- •Binoculars for wildlife
- •Underwater camera or waterproof case
- •Seasickness medication if prone
- •Headlamp for night walks
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