Visit Northern Madagascar and its islands in 1 week

You have 8 days and want to discover a part of Madagascar with your car? Here is a trip where you’ll get to relax and discover the Malagasy nature.

Explore the North of the Red Island, its white sand beaches and translucent waters. Go exercise a little and enjoy the dream setting of the Malagasy islands, like Nosy Be.

For your information, driving in Madagascar might be quite different from what you are used to ! The state of the roads is not the best and the way the Malagasy drive can be quite surprising if you are not used to it. During the rainy season, secondary roads can be quite difficult to access due to floods. It is also not advised to drive at night. More information here. However, do not worry, the local rental car agencies usually rent cars with a driver.

Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting in this 1-week road trip in Northern Madagascar:

• Relax in beautiful Antisiranana’s bays
• Admire the impressive Tsingys, in Ankaranana Park
• Discover the great cacao plantations in Ambanja’s region
• Explore the colourful life underwater in Ankify during the day and end it admiring the sunset
• Be amazed facing the luxurious nature and the lemurs of Lokobe National Park
• Enjoy the heavenly landscapes of Nosy Be and its nearby islands

To travel safely and without any worry on your mind, we recommend Chapka Insurance!

Itinerary for the 1-week road trip in Northern Madagascar and its islands

Antisiranana > Ambilobe > Ambanja > Ankify > Nosy Be

Some practical information before your road trip in Northern Madagascar

For this itinerary, we recommend to rent a car from Hertz. It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

Need a road map to prepare your road trip in Northern Madagascar? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read!

You want to buy a paper travel guide? We recommend this one! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date!

The best period to do this road trip in Northern Madagascar is between july and september. It’s when the temperatures are the most enjoyable, there is less rain and the temperature of the ocean is perfect to swim. More information here.

Do not leave Madagascar before tasting its 2 national dishes. First there is the romazava, a delicious broth of vegetables, meats and spices. The second one is ravitoto, the perfect mix of cassava leaves, garlic, and pork meat, usually served with rice on the side.

Contents : 1-week road trip in Northern Madagascar

1- Antisiranana – Stop 1 of the 1-week road trip in Northern Madagascar
2- Ambilobe – Stop 2 of the 1-week road trip in Northern Madagascar
3- Ambanja – Stop 3 of the 1-week road trip in Northern Madagascar
4- Ankify – Stop 4 of the 1-week road trip in Northern Madagascar
5- Nosy Be – Stop 5 of the 1-week road trip in Northern Madagascar

1-week road trip in Northern Madagascar : step by step

What to do in Antisiranana?

First step of this 1-week road trip in Northern Madagascar, Antisiranana previously called Diego-Suarez will most certainly make you fall for her. 

• Appreciate the Pain-de-Sucre Bay, an heavenly landscape.
• Rent an old yellow car (4L), now also Malagasy taxis, and feel like you are 50 years back in time.
• Have lunch in one of the cheap and traditional restaurants on the beach of Ramena and get to taste local dishes.
• About 30 min away, your dreams will come true ! White sand beaches, translucent and warm water give a unique character to Sakalava Bay. Athletes, be sure to go kitesurfing and enjoy the refreshing wind. Do not leave without going to Pigeon Bay and Dune Bay, a natural aquarium!

Where to sleep in Antisiranana?

• Mid-range: well located in the city center and 7min away from the beach, Belle aventure Hotel is perfect for your first nights on the island.
• High-end: the Ocean Lodge Kite & Windsurf is located in Sakalava’s bay, very close to the water. Rooms are very comfortable, food is excellent, this accommodation checks all the boxes for the perfect stay!

On the way to Ambilobe, stop by Joffreville. Nature lovers, you will absolutely want to go to the mountain park of Amber and admire the wildlife and abundant flora (thanks to frequent rain), meet wild Lemurs, chameleon and even mongooses if you get lucky ! Have you ever heard of Tsingys? These are limestone formations, with unusual shapes. They are quite impressive so make sure you don’t forget your camera!  Last stop on the way to Ambilobe,  Ankaranana Park. Discover other tsingys, canyons and panoramic views of the endless forests. Very nice hikes in perspective!

What to do in Ambilobe?

Ambilobe, a crossroad where you’ll be amazed by the busy atmosphere: a blend of tourists traveling in minibuses and local workers.

• Discover the rural and authentic city of Ambilobe, meet the locals, and discover their daily activities. This experience within the local daily life will surely become one of your most memorable moment of this 1-week road trip in Northern Madagascar.
• Near the city you will find sugar cane plantations. Visiting them is a must! There, you will surely be able to try the local rum.

Where to sleep in Ambilobe?

There are very few accommodation options in Ambilobe, but here are the ones we recommend.

• Mid-range: sleep in the heart of the city, at the hotel national d’Ambilobe, and enjoy the view from the room’s balcony !
• High-end: the Iharana Bush Camp is located in a wonderful environment ! You will sleep in huts inspired by the traditional Malagasy architecture, facing Tsingys  from Ankaranana Reserve and Lake Anjajavy.

What to do in Ambanja?

Farniente, calm and serenity: this is Ambanja for you! This city out of the beaten paths is ideal if you want to discover the local culture during this 1-week road trip in Northern Madagascar. 

• Walking is cool but riding a bike is even cooler ! Rent a bike and ride up to the Bons Pères falls. Take a moment to swim and rest while listening to the soothing sound of water.
• Ambanja is also known for its coffee and cacao plantations, so this is the perfect time to discover them ! The most famous one is Millot, which is also the oldest one, as it has been around for 100 years now. During the visit, you will be able to learn more about how cacao is harvested, transformed and creates the delicious chocolate that we all know.

Where to sleep in Ambanja?

There are no hotels in Ambanja, you can directly go Ankify, the next stop of this road trip, where there is a greater choice of accommodation. Here are our recommendations in Ankify:

• Mid-range: Les Jardins d’Ankify is an accommodation surrounded by luxurious nature, and some rooms even have an ocean view. The food is delicious! This is a really peaceful and off-grid place to stay.
• High-end:  Sleep at Antoremba lodge  with all the essentials : a bar, a restaurant, a garden and a private beach. What more could you ask?

What to do in Ankify?

An underrated peninsula, do not miss Ankify. It will surely become one of the highlights of your 1-week road trip in Northern Madagascar.

• If you want to take a day-trip to the surrounding islands, here is the place to be. It has many boats that will take you to these islands.
• Go for walks around the islands.
• You love kayaking? Rent one and explore the creeks at your own pace. A lovely moment to yourself!
• Put on your snorkelling gear and explore the colourful underwater life. Indeed, at the far end of Ankify, near Doany village, there is a coral reef which is home to various species of fish. If you are lucky, you might be able to spot dolphins and sea turtles as well! If you end up encountering them, make sure there is a respectful distance between you and the animals, and don’t touch them so that they stay calm.
• Walk around the mangroves, and look carefully to spot the small crabs going around.
• The best way to end your day full of discoveries, is to choose your favorite creek and watch the sunset. The colours are magical!

Where to sleep in Ankify?

• Mid-range: Les Jardins d’Ankify is an accommodation surrounded by luxurious nature, and some rooms even have an ocean view. The food is delicious! This is a really peaceful and off-grid place to stay.
• High-end:  Sleep at Antoremba lodge  with all the essentials : a bar, a restaurant, a garden and a private beach. What else?

What to do in Nosy Be?

Vibrant-blue water beaches, calm, peace and sun are what describes best the island of Nosy Be. There couldn’t be a more perfect end to this 1-week road trip in Northern Madagascar.

• Go to the typical market of Hell-ville and enjoy the lovely smells and exotic colors of the island.
• Stroll around the city and take the time to relax on the beaches of Nosy Be.
• Discover Lokobe National Park. It is one of the must-see and do when staying in Nosy Be, as it is the only place where you ca find the original forest of the island. A beautiful coral reef and many black lemurs (Eulemur macaco) are also part of the park. There are 3 trails, ranging between 2 and 3km, that will take you through the diverse landscapes of the National Park.
• Go on a hunt to find the Sacred Tree (a huge banyan tree), in Mahatsinjo, an unusual forest. If you are a believer, don’t hesitate to say a prayer in this spiritual and magical place.
• Marodoka Village is the oldest one on Nosy Be, and is only a few kilometers away from the island’s  city center.
• There are several day-trips and boats leaving from Nosy Be to discover the surrounding islands. There is Nosy Iranja for its heavenly landscapes and Nosy Komba, also called “Lemurs Island”
• If you are a diving and/or snorkeling lover, spending some time in Nosy Tanikely is a definitely a must! There is a protected marine reserve, so the seabed is reach in corals, colourful fishes, sea turtles and many more!

Where to sleep on Nosy Be?

• Mid-range: the guesthouse Les chalets de Melinda is only 300m away from the beach. The hosts are very nice, and will gladly give you tips on what to see and do on their island. Overall, it is a small piece of heaven on Earth.
• High-end:  200m away from Ambondrona Beach, you will find the JJ ET EUPHRASIE Lodge. Restaurant, pool and beautiful view are what make this accommodation perfect !

Learn more about your road trip to Northern Madagascar…

• You want to know all the information about the country? it’s here.
• To rent a car at the best price, we advise you this website.
• To book a flight at the best price, we advise you this website.
• You are looking for a great travel insurance for your 1-week road trip in Northern Madagascar? We recommend this one!

Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!

If you have more information, good deals, or any advice to share about this itinerary, leave a comment below! Our team will be happy to hear about your experiences!