Madagascar· 11 days · Guided
The Original Northern Island
▲▲▲▲▲Easy
This 11-day tour will take you to the north-western part of the country, more precisely Nosy Be Island and its surroundings. During the stays there, you will have the opportunity to admire the wildlife, discover the beautiful beaches and most of all to meet and interact with the local population. Participating in their daily activities such as fruit plantation will allow you to contribute to the local economy and the development of the community. Through a short visit to a cocoa plantation in the town of Ambanja, you will find out the reason why this town is the main cocoa growing region in Madagascar. Besides cocoa, you will also find vanilla, ylang-ylang and pepper. Your special stay on the island of Nosy Komba will make you experience the beautiful landscapes of the beaches and the jungle at the same time. After the expedition, you will return to the capital for a city tour and visit the sacred hill of Ambohimanga which is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
About this trip
A trip we'd happily do again next month
This 11-day tour will take you to the north-western part of the country, more precisely Nosy Be Island and its surroundings. During the stays there, you will have the opportunity to admire the wildlife, discover the beautiful beaches and most of all to meet and interact with the local population. Participating in their daily activities such as fruit plantation will allow you to contribute to the local economy and the development of the community. Through a short visit to a cocoa plantation in the town of Ambanja, you will find out the reason why this town is the main cocoa growing region in Madagascar. Besides cocoa, you will also find vanilla, ylang-ylang and pepper. Your special stay on the island of Nosy Komba will make you experience the beautiful landscapes of the beaches and the jungle at the same time. After the expedition, you will return to the capital for a city tour and visit the sacred hill of Ambohimanga which is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
This is one of our signature guided journeys in Madagascar. We've walked it many times — alone, with friends, with our own families — and we've shaped it into something we're genuinely proud of.
You'll be in a small group, led by a local guide who knows the trails, the families along the way, and the best place to stop for lunch. Nothing rushed. Nothing generic.
Glimpses of the trip
Photos from the trail
Day by day
Your 11-day itinerary
A draft of how the trip flows — every itinerary is fine-tuned around your group, fitness and pace before we book anything.
- 01+
Antananarivo
Arrival in the capital city, where the tour begins with an airport transfer.
Arrival in the capital city, where the tour begins with an airport transfer.
- 02+
Antananarivo — Nosy Be
Domestic flight to Nosy Be, the island of scents in the north-western part of the country.
Domestic flight to Nosy Be, the island of scents in the north-western part of the country.
- 03+
Nosy Be
Discover Nosy Be, admiring the wildlife and the beautiful beaches, and meeting the local population.
Discover Nosy Be, admiring the wildlife and the beautiful beaches, and meeting the local population.
- 04+
Lokobe Reserve
Excursion in the Lokobe reserve to meet the black lemurs in their natural habitat.
Excursion in the Lokobe reserve to meet the black lemurs in their natural habitat.
- 05+
Local Activities
Meet the local population and take part in their daily activities, such as fruit plantation, contributing to the local economy and community development.
Meet the local population and take part in their daily activities, such as fruit plantation, contributing to the local economy and community development.
- 06+
Women's Association
Cultural exchange with the women's association, supporting the development of the community.
Cultural exchange with the women's association, supporting the development of the community.
- 07+
Ambanja
Short visit to a cocoa plantation in the town of Ambanja, the main cocoa growing region in Madagascar, where vanilla, ylang-ylang and pepper also grow.
Short visit to a cocoa plantation in the town of Ambanja, the main cocoa growing region in Madagascar, where vanilla, ylang-ylang and pepper also grow.
- 08+
Ambanja — Plantations
Continue discovering the cocoa and coffee plantations around Ambanja.
Continue discovering the cocoa and coffee plantations around Ambanja.
- 09+
Nosy Komba
Special stay on the island of Nosy Komba, with its beautiful beaches and jungle landscapes.
Special stay on the island of Nosy Komba, with its beautiful beaches and jungle landscapes.
- 10+
Nosy Komba — Nosy Be
Relaxation on the beach of Nosy Komba before returning to Nosy Be.
Relaxation on the beach of Nosy Komba before returning to Nosy Be.
- 11+
Antananarivo & Ambohimanga
Domestic flight back to the capital for a city tour and visit of the sacred hill of Ambohimanga, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Domestic flight back to the capital for a city tour and visit of the sacred hill of Ambohimanga, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Like the look of it?
Tell us when you're thinking of coming — we'll send you a draft within 24 hours.
What's included
Everything that's covered
- ✓Local guide throughout
- ✓All accommodation in selected guesthouses & hotels
- ✓Daily breakfast and most dinners
- ✓Luggage transfers between stages
- ✓All ground transport during the trip
- ✓Detailed route notes and maps
Not included
What you'll arrange yourself
- —International flights to/from Madagascar
- —Madagascar visa (€35 on arrival)
- —Travel insurance
- —Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Request this trip
Tell us a little, we'll send you a draft
Roughly when, who's travelling and what kind of pace you like — that's all we need. We'll reply within 24 hours with a draft itinerary and a price. No payment until you're happy with the plan.
Or WhatsApp us directly: +261 32 40 607 07
11 days · Guided
The Original Northern Island