Marojejy & The North

Madagascar

The Eighth Continent calls the adventurer in you.

11 days Ask us for pricing This is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Let's put the venture into adventure by voyaging into the northern wilderness of the world's fourth largest - and possibly least understood - island.

Come away with us to Madagascar's unspoilt backcountry, on an assorted journey from the central highlands east to the Indian Ocean and west to the Mozambique Channel.

The odyssey begins in the central highlands, in the country's red earth capital, Antananarivo, and its ancient royal settlement of Ambohimanga. Onward into the great island's rumpled, emerald wilderness of Marojejy we go, for a taste of that Cretaceous world in which Madagascar broke away from mainland Africa. Aside from authentic bush camping in this secluded wilderness, trek with naturalist guides to witness very rare, endemic wildlife, such as the all-white silky sifaka lemur. Explore bizarre limestone formations on the Ankarana Massif, braving its cave systems to shine light on the world's largest and smallest bats.

Madagascar's wildlife is a spectacular offshore than on land. A boat transfer sees you castaway on the isle of Nosy Be. Snorkel among aquatic wildlife more commonly seen on an Attenborough documentary. Keep company with dolphins, rays, turtles, and even the world's pre-eminent fish: the whale shark.

This 11-day jolt to the system is quite possibly unlike anything else you've experienced.

See it to help safeguard all that is precious about Madagascar.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Heritage walking tour in Antananarivo
  • Visit UNESCO-listed Ambohimanga
  • Pristine, rugged, and ecologically-rich terrain of Marojejy
  • Sambava, all swaying palms and vanilla pods.
  • Ankarana's 150 million year-old Jurrasic limestone massif dissolved into canyons and caves
  • Awe-inspiring scenery and wildlife of Ankarana National Park
  • Ankify, the island's cocoa capital and boat launch to Île Nosy Be.
  • Nosy Be, a paradise isle on Madagascar's doorstep.

Places Visited

Antananarivo - Ambohimanga - Marojejy National Park - Sambava - Ankarana Special Reserve - Ankify - Nosy Be

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Domestic flights (if relevant - refer to itinerary)
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary
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Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 : Antananarivo Arrival

Arrival in the capital. Get picked up and transferred from the airport to your boutique hotel. Settle in, freshen up, familiarise yourself with your new, exotic surroundings. Be back for a pre-departure meeting in the hotel lounge at a time determined by your guide.

Spend the evening relaxing over dinner. 

Overnight in Hotel Lodge Au Bois Vert , Antananarivo

Meal plan: n/a

Antananarivo, often referred to as "Tana", is the nation's capital. With a population of around 1.3 million, the city represents all of Madagascar's 18 ethnic groups. Despite being a region acclaimed for its shopping, there is a significant amount of wildlife to see, with lemur parks and farms as well as a range of wildlife tours nearby. Boasting a much cooler climate than the rest of the country, Tana is a great city to roam around. One can experience the culture the capital has to offer through the local cuisine in the city's open-air markets (such as Analakey Market and Andravoahangy) and the history of Madagascar through its colourful landmarks (such as Le Palais de la Reine and Ambohimanga).

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Day 2 : Antananarivo - Ambohimanga Rova - Antananarivo

Today signals your first full day of activity. After breakfast, we rendezvous at the hotel to ride bikes through the red earth landscape of Madagscar's capital, destination Ambohimanga. Sacred site in a long line of Malagasy kings, Ambohimanga Rova is important in understanding the nation's origin myths, pulling in pilgrims from all quarters.

By the time you cycle to the city's outskirts, you'll be ready for lunch, after which we explore properly this architectural ensemble (the Rova) to appreciate why UNESCO inscribed it on the world heritage list. Wandering through this eye-catching cultural landscape, you'll quickly assimilate to your newfound status as explorer on this inimitable island.

Later, we turn back into the city to conclude our cycling tour. Ease into your first full day and evening on Madagascar with dinner and relaxation. 

Overnight in Hotel Lodge Au Bois Vert , Antananarivo

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is a former royal city and burial site. It remains a sacred and spiritual place of worship which pilgrims come from all over Madagascar, and further afield, to visit. 

The former capital of Madagascar, Ambohimanga was once ruled by King Andrianampoinimerina, notorious for his unsuccessful attempt to unify the Malagasy people in the 18th century. Today, the city sits in close proximity to the current capital, situated only 25 km from one another. It is considered both a symbol of cultural identity for the Merina people (the largest ethnic group in the nation) and a sacred place, acting as a holy land for the people of Madagascar who travel here to worship their ancestors. It consists of preserved buildings, a royal burial ground, and a sacred forest, as well as boasting of the only UNESCO-listed site in Madagascar. 

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Day 3 : Antananarivo - Sambava - Marojejy N.P.

Hop on a early bird flight from the capital to the northeastern city of Sambava. From there we head into the hinterland of the national park in a 4x4. From the trailhead and visitor's centre at Manantenina, it's a walk up to your Mantella campground, at an elevation of 450m. Prepared to be immersed in the unique flora & fauna that make this place an ecological haven.

Settle in for nightfall in your jungle hideaway. Dinner provided.

Overnight in Camp Mantella , Marojejy National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Covering 55,000 ha, and protecting the entire Marojejy Massif, this national park is ecologically important and topographically outstanding. Situated in the wild NE of the island, Marojejy is a place of knife-edge peaks, sheer cliffs and thick vegetation, which conceals abundant and uttterly unique wildlife, as well as a botanical trove befitting its pristine nature.

From vine-dripping jungle to high mountain tundra over relatively short distance, this UNESCO-protected national park will have you breathless at the sheer diversity of nature. 

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Day 4 : Marojejy National Park

A full day of exploration in the liminal zone between lowland and montane forest. Our objective is to reach Camp Marojejia at an elevation of 775m. This 2-hour trek culminates in a clearing in the lowland forest where views of immense granite outcrops and blanket forest extending away is sure to excite and delight. On the trail, if you're lucky you might even spot the silky sifaka, a rare all-white lemur.

Return to base camp to enjoy a final evening of fairy dust sprinkled over this magical forest. Dinner included. 

Overnight in Camp Mantella , Marojejy National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Covering 55,000 ha, and protecting the entire Marojejy Massif, this national park is ecologically important and topographically outstanding. Situated in the wild NE of the island, Marojejy is a place of knife-edge peaks, sheer cliffs and thick vegetation, which conceals abundant and uttterly unique wildlife, as well as a botanical trove befitting its pristine nature.

From vine-dripping jungle to high mountain tundra over relatively short distance, this UNESCO-protected national park will have you breathless at the sheer diversity of nature. 

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Day 5 : Marojejy National Park - Sambava

Having trekked down from base camp to the visitor's centre at Manantenina, our 4x4 will whisk us off to the coast, 60km away. Once on the dazzling Indian Ocean coast, check into your beachfront hotel and settle in by paddling in the surf, or else stowing away with a book in the hotel's secluded garden.

Evening at rest. Dinner provided. 

Overnight in Orchidea Beach II, Sambava

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Sambava is not only a transport hub for adventurists heading to Masoala and Marojejy in the wild north, it's also the vanilla capital of the world. This costal commune occupies a blessed strip of tropical coastline and provides a great stop to recharge your batteries on the journey in and out of the northern wilderness. 

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Day 6 : Sambava - Ankarana Special Reserve

It's a good day's drive from Sambava to Ambilobe municipality. Some distance short of Ambilobe on the same highway we come to the spectacular geology of Ankarana Special Reserve. This limestone massif harbours wildlife in its nooks and crannies. Great for exploration. Today we check into this characterful Bush Camp. Check in, freshen up and sit with sundowner in hand as night falls on a Jurassic wilderness of scrub vegetation and needle rock extrusions. Dinner included. 

Overnight in Iharana Bush Camp, Ankarana Special Reserve

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Ankarana's 150 million year-old Jurrasic limestone massif sits on a huge basaltic bed, which over millennia has fostered the growth of notable biodiversity, and as such is protected by law. Bizarrely beautiful lithography and life-giving hydrology makes Ankarana a scheduled stop on any journey to the northwest coast. Explore limestone caves, and see fruit bats mass at the entrance.  
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Day 7 : Ankarana Special Reserve

Today is dedicated in its entirety to getting out and really discovering this oddly beautiful landscape.

We start by trekking into the 'tsingy' (angular, tower-like limestone karsts). Once there, we'll zip-line along fixed points. Limestone karsts produce the best cave systems, so into the underworld we go to explore the wonder which is geology. Chances are, we won't be the only living things down there.

Late in the day, it's back to the cozy confines of the bush camp to sip sundowners and reflect on an thrilling day. Dinner incuded. 

Overnight in Iharana Bush Camp, Ankarana Special Reserve

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Created in 1956, Ankarana National Park is in northern Madagascar is truly a sight to behold. The park contains vast, eroded limestone formations (locally named 'tsingies'), tropical jungles, deciduous forests, caves, canyons and rivers, making it a haven for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Ankarana contains one of the world's higest densities of primates, supporting lemurs, mongoose, fossa, tenrics and Madagascar striped civets. It also accommodates 100 bird species and 50 reptile species, many of which are rare and endemic to the country, including threatened snakes and geckos. Ankarana offers numerous mysterious batcaves, luscious plant species and exhilerating trails and pathways to enjoy, sure to get adrenaline rushing and minds wondering!

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Day 8 : Ankarana Special Reserve

Our second full day on the slopes of the Ankarana massif. Activities do not abate, but do take on a different tack. Jump in the saddle for a day's leisurely cycling through fields from village to village to acquaint yourself with civic life and those who participate in it. Greet the locals as you pass through, stopping at the canyon for a picnic before pedalling back to the bush camp in the mid-afternoon.

Kick back with a cocktail in hand and reminisce about the colourful sights you just witnessed. Dinner included. 

Overnight in Iharana Bush Camp, Ankarana Special Reserve

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Ankarana's 150 million year-old Jurrasic limestone massif sits on a huge basaltic bed, which over millennia has fostered the growth of notable biodiversity, and as such is protected by law. Bizarrely beautiful lithography and life-giving hydrology makes Ankarana a scheduled stop on any journey to the northwest coast. Explore limestone caves, and see fruit bats mass at the entrance.  
Read more
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Day 9 : Ankarana - Ambanja - Ankify - Nosy Be

A long day's travel from the Massif to an offshore isle called Nosy Be, via a couple of worthwhile pitstops. Taking the RN6 highway southwest through Ambilobe, we continue on into cocoa country. At Ambanja, the gateway to the island's cocoa plantations, we turn off to Ankify, the small port from where the ferry sails to and from Nosy Be. Around here we'll stop for an educational tour of a cocoa plantation, of all things, to see for ourselves the primary industry behind the multi-billion dollar chocolate trade.

Ferry across the short straits to Nosy Be and onward to your 'hôtel 'Écolochic', a sight to be reckoned with.

Settle in to this paradise setting. Evening at leisure.

Overnight in L’Heure Bleue, Nosy Be

Meal plan: Breakfast

An agriculturally intensive coastal region, Ankify grows cocoa, coffee and ylang ylang in abundance. It also happens to be where the ferry leaves for the beautiful isle of Nosy Be. Ankify's peninsula is characterised by crops, mangroves, endless beaches, and of course the small port.  
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Day 10 : Nosy Be

Today marks a full day of marine wildlife exploration. Joining a boat outing to the shallow seas around the islands, where aquatic life positively brims. See dolphins, rays, turtles, even whale sharks, among a host of other tropical sea creatures. Snorkelling gear provided, so that you may experience the marine environment as nature intended. 

Disembark back on land where you'll spend your final evening in the idyllic surrounds of your ecohotel. Dine in paradise. Rest of evening at leisure.  

**n.b. The whale shark visits Nosy Be during October and November**

Overnight in L’Heure Bleue, Nosy Be

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Meaning the 'Big Island' in Malagasy, Nosy Be is the country's largest and most popular island, and home to several beach resort, as well as a 19th century French colonial colonial, interestingly called Hellville.

The isle contains easy-going folk in laid-back towns surrounded by bizarre and beautiful wildlife.   
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Day 11 : Nosy Be Departure

A satisfying end to a life-affirming tour.

Take breakfast at leisure before being transferred to the island's own little airport for a short-haul flight back to the mainland and onward to your next destination. 

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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Hotel Lodge Au Bois Vert

Antananarivo (2 nights)

A hotel situated in close proximity to the international airport and Madagascar's capital. It has air conditioning, internet and a restaurant. 

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Camp Mantella

Marojejy National Park (2 nights)

Situated at 450m above sea level, Mantella is one of the first scheduled campgrounds on the longer Mantella Trek. About 4 hours trekking from the trailhead at Manantenina, Mantella has six cabins furnished with beds, mattresses, and bedding. It also has a large sheltered eating area with an assortment of cooking utensils. A campground is located nearby for those who prefer to pitch a tent. This area of lowland rainforest is a good place to see several species of lemurs, many birds (including the helmet vanga) and many species of amphibians and reptiles. The beautiful Cascade de Humbert waterfall is a short walk (800 m) from the camp.

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Orchidea Beach II

Sambava (1 night)

Orchidea Beach 2 hotel offers the perfect place after a stay in the forest or for some holidays. Its reputation is predicated on providing you the highest quality service possible. Orchidea is both new and modern in design and furnishings, with direct access to the tropical beach bordering a lush garden where guests may recline after all that wilderness trekking. 

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Iharana Bush Camp

Ankarana Special Reserve (3 nights)

Iharana Bush Camp is most unusual among bush camps in Madagascar. Here, artificial tents are replaced by magnificent natural cottages. The sleeping facilities consist of eighteen individual cabanas. The organic architecture is inspired by traditional Malagasy housing. The combination of skills, craft industry, arts and materials gives an original aspect to the camp, making it totally harmonious with its environment.

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L’Heure Bleue

Nosy Be (2 nights)

Nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, L’Heure Bleue enjoys a unique location on Nosy Be, the paradise island par excellence: only 8 luxury lodges and 10 bungalows with “feet in the water”.


L’Heure Bleue is the only hotel on the island of Nosy Be to receive certification for its environmental and social management, and what is more, the prestigious international GREEN GLOBE label. Better, the hotel is rated AA+ (close to excellence) by Arcet Cotation, and also got the label “Ecovalue/sustainable accomodation”. The Green Globe Certification is a label of excellence recognized worldwide. This ensures L’Heure Bleue’s customers the highest standards of services and sustainable management in a protected environment, where live free turtles and chameleons.

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Extensions

Endemic Wildlife of Madagascar (13 days)

Discover bizarre and unique animals of the world's '8th continent'

Andasibe Extension (4 days)

Explore one of Madagascar's best National Parks

Wildlife of Madagascar

Discover Madagascar's native animals and exotic birds

Cycle tour of Antsirabe (1 days)

Take a cycling tour of Madagascar's 2nd city

Trekking in Madagascar

Trek through Madagascar's forests and roam its coastline

Madagascar's Beaches (1-7 days)

Soak up the sun on one of Madagascar's idyllic beaches

Best of Ethiopia & Madagascar (21 days)

Rock-hewn churches, dramatic landscapes and endemic wildlife.

Classic Madagascar (14 days)

Discover incredible nature and endemic wildlife

Marojejy & The North (11 days)

The Eighth Continent calls the adventurer in you.

Reviews

It was an amazing trip. We saw so many different areas of Madagascar and had so much variety in our itinerary. We were extremely fortunate to have Alain as our guide. His knowledge of the botany, wildlife, history, peoples, customs etc of Madagascar was exceptional. His love of his country was obvious and he was passionate about sharing his knowledge with us. I will definitely recommend Travel The Unknown's tour of Madagascar to others.

Judith Bate , Hidden Treasures of Madagascar

We had an excellent trip to Madagascar. The guide was superb - very, very knowledgeable and personable. All went very well. Madagascar is not for the fainthearted though - very long travelling days on poor roads would discourage some, as would the poverty especially in the country. But the people are friendly, the accommodation and food very good, the scenery very interesting to spectacular and the wildlife(especially the lemurs) are wonderful.

Janet Douglas , Hidden Treasures of Madagascar
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