Madagascar off the beaten track - 17 day roadtrip

Start: Diego Suarez
Destination: Anjahankely
Drive: 90 km | 3 hours

You can start your trip right from the Diego Suarez airport, or we can bring the car to your hotel in Diego Suarez. 

It is also possible to start this trip from Ankify (ferry point Nosy Be). In that case, your first rental day starts off with a long driving day, so hit the road early. But not to worry, the road is in a good condition. In case you can't start early, you could also break up the journey, and have an overnight stay half-way in Ambilobe. 

Explore: Andiafiamena & Loky-Manambato Protected Area 

Relax around your Akiba lodge today and enjoy the jungle sounds of Andiaramena Area. Or, drive towards Vohemar, and cross Daraina - the gateway town to Loky-Manambato Protected Area. This proceed area is famous for the golden-crowned sifaka. Also aye-aye can be seen. 

Start: Anjahankely
Destination: Sambava
Drive: 200 km | 5 hours 

Enjoy the scenic transitioning landscape along the east coast; forests, grasslands, rivers, and deserted beaches. 

Start: Sambava
Destination: Andapa
Drive: 110 km | 3 hours 

Spend a morning in Sambava town and visit bazary kely market,  or head over to Andapa town and enjoy the views over Marojejy National Park. 

Enjoy: Marojejy National Park

Explore the hiking trails of incredibly scenic Marojejy National Park, a UNESCO heritage site since 2007 but largely cut off from the tourist trail as the RN5a was in a state of disrepair.

Marojejy offers a unique mix of lush rainforests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Keep your eyes open for the silky sifaka, a lemur species known for its white fur and acrobatic abilities. The park is also home to other lemur species, such as the black-and-white ruffed lemur and the red-bellied lemur. Marojejy is also a wonderful place for birdwatchers, as it includes many rare breads such as the critically endangered Madagascar serpent eagle and the stunning blue coua.

Start: Andapa
Destination: Vohemar
Drive: 240 km | 5 hours 

The SAVA region (Sambava, Andapa, Vohemar, Antalaha) is also known as the vanilla coast of Madagascar, where the waters of the Indian Ocean meet the dense jungle.

Visit a vanilla or cocoa plantation and learn more about this important spice for Madagascar. 

Start: Vohemar
Destination: Ankarana Special Reserve
Drive: 200 km | 5 hours 

When you approach the entrance gate of Ankarana National Park, you'll find a number of hotels. Restaurant tip: Le Relais de ‘l Ankarana with simple but good meals. 

Explore: Ankarana National Park

Tsingy is the Malagasy word for “walking on tiptoes”, the impenetrable labyrinth of limestone pinnacles justifies this name. Ankarana National Park is a limestone massif of tsingy and forest, intersected by caves and canyons. There are many hiking trails ranging from one hour to a fullday hike. For more info, check out our guide to the most beautiful national parks in Madagascar, which also features Ankarana. 

The main entrance to this reserve is on the east side, at Mahamasina, just off the RN6. Many species of lemur can be seen, as well as beautiful birds and if you are lucky (or not..) also crocodiles. 

Start: Ankarana National Park
Destination: Joffreville
Drive: 109 km | 3 hours

En route to Joffreville, the gateway town to Amber Mountain National Park (Montagne d'Ambre), you can first pay a visit the Red Tsingy ( Tsingy Rouge). Joffreville, a former retreat for French officers now in a state of disrepair, is the entry point to the park. Guides can be arranged at the ANGAP office or via local hotels.

Explore: Montagne d'Ambre National Park

Montagne d'Ambre (Amber Mountain) is an isolated patch of montane rainforest that rises from the surrounding dry region. This scenic park is famous for its waterfalls, crater lakes, and chameleons. Aloso lemurs are frequently seen. There are clear hiking trails, and much of the path is nicely shaded by trees. In the dry season, vehicles can drive right up to the picnic area.  

The park ranges from 850 to 1500 meters and has its own microclimate. This means you should prepare for everything: warm and humid to wet and cool. The best time to visit is September to November or May to August. 

Park guides can be arranged at the ANGAP office or via local hotels.

Start: Joffreville
Destination: Madiro Kitamby
Drive: 70 km | 3 hours 

Pstttt we have a true hidden gem to share. Madiro Kitamby is an unpretentious pearl at the unspoilt beaches of Baie du Courrier. You can pitch your own tent or stay in an affordable bungalow. Their restaurant serves great seafood. 

Enjoy: Madiro Kitamby

It's time for some beach relaxation.

You can choose to go snorkelling, deep sea fishing, or simply relax. If you feel like a walk, hike up to Windsor Castle, the views across the bay are stunning. 

Enjoy: Madiro Kitamby

From Madiro Kitamby, you can arrange a day trip to Nosy Hara Marine National Park. Snorkel around the small islands to see the beautiful coloured corals and, if you're lucky, dolphins or turtles. 

It's also possible to stay overnight and wild camp at Nosy Hara Island. Contact Madiro Kitamby for the possibilities. 

Start: Madiro Kitamby
Destination: Ramena beach & surroundings
Drive: 40 km | 3 hours 

En route you pass Diego Suarez, a deep sea port city, which is nice to wander around and have lunch. Located 20 kilometres east of Diego Suarez is Romena, a laid-back beach town where you find some simple restaurants offering the freshest seafood. On weekends, locals often head to the beach for picnics, barbecues, and a game of football.

Explore: Les Trois Baies 

If you're a kite surfer, Ramena is the perfect place to stick around for a few more days. Or put your swimming suit on, jump in the car, switch on the 4x4, as it's time to explore the famous '' Trois Baies'' on your beach road trip in the North of Madagascar: Sakalava Bay / Pigeons Bay / Dunes Bay

The waves make for hours of fun in the water, and you'll probably have the beaches all to yourself.

Day trip: Emerald Sea

From Ramena and Diego you can easily arrange a day-trip to the emerald sea. \this turquoise lagoon is only 8 KM away by boat from ramena and the perfect kite surfing spot. Enjoy watching them, or maybe even join them (video's incoming?) the shallow water is excellent for snorkelling and swimming.

Start: Ramena
Destination: Diego Suarez
Drive: 22 km | 0,5 hour

Before heading back to Diego Suarez, you can consider visiting the Emerald Sea (Mer d'Emeraude), a shallow lagoon with nice warm water, perfect for snorkelling and spotting turtles. It's just a short boat ride from Ramena or Diego.

Depending on where your return flight to Antananarivo or your next destination departs from (Diego Suarez or Nosy Be), you can either return your car at Diego Suarez or drive South to Ankify harbour (7 hours driving).