Tiny Chameleons
Spot inch-long dwarf chameleons hiding just off the ground in Amber Mountain National Park.
The less-visited northeast of Madagascar is tropical and wild. Discover beautiful rainforests full of lemurs and orchids, spot inch-long dwarf chameleons and hike between dramatic tsingy pinnacles. Once you have had your fill of wildlife and landscapes, escape to a desert island, staying at one of the secluded beachside retreats.
Spot inch-long dwarf chameleons hiding just off the ground in Amber Mountain National Park.
Wander through cool forests, full of waterfalls, lakes and lemurs.
Explore Ankarana’s impressive tsingy, experiencing both sides of this dramatic massif.
Spend time relaxing on the tropical beaches of Nosy Be, off Madagascar’s northwestern coast.
Northeast Madagascar is both accessible and diverse, yet it sees only a fraction of the visitors that explore the central highlands. A guided journey through this beautiful region makes the most of the spectacular landscapes and wealth of wildlife, with the added benefit of finishing beside the country’s most beautiful stretch of coastline – perfect for relaxing after several days of on-foot adventures.
Day 1
Antananarivo
Day 2
Antananarivo - Diego Suarez - Amber Mountain National Park
Day 3
Amber Mountain National Park
Day 4
Amber Mountain National Park - Ankarana Special Reserve
Day 5 - 6
Ankarana Special Reserve
Day 7
Ankarana Special Reserve - Nosy Be
Day 8 - 10
Nosy Be
Day 1
Antananarivo
Day 2
Antananarivo - Diego Suarez - Amber Mountain National Park
Wander through cool forests, full of waterfalls, lakes and lemurs.
Day 3
Amber Mountain National Park
Spot inch-long dwarf chameleons hiding just off the ground in Amber Mountain National Park.
Day 4
Amber Mountain National Park - Ankarana Special Reserve
Day 5 - 6
Ankarana Special Reserve
Explore Ankarana’s impressive tsingy, experiencing both sides of this dramatic massif.
Day 7
Ankarana Special Reserve - Nosy Be
Day 8 - 10
Nosy Be
Spend time relaxing on the tropical beaches of Nosy Be, off Madagascar’s northwestern coast.
Diego Suarez (Antsiranana), Madagascar’s most important northerly port, still retains an air of faded colonial grandeur. What it lacks in conventional beaches, it makes up for in beautiful bays, including the famous Emerald Sea.
Exploration of the country’s wild northern region begins here. Set out with a private driver and guide, in a 4×4 vehicle – necessary to tackle the challenging roads here. With a guide accompanying you throughout, benefit from a far more in-depth experience, learning about this little-visited region.
Taking its name from the resin found in the trees, Amber Mountain National Park offers a welcome respite from the heat of the plains. Explore the network of trails that cut through the trees, climbing up ridges, passing sacred waterfalls and descending to crater lakes.
This montane forest is noticeably different from the eastern highlands and the coastal forests. Far lusher and wetter, it also attracts a fraction of the number of visitors. Wildlife ranges from lemurs and birdlife in the canopy to centipedes and leeches on the forest floor.
There are also numerous chameleons, including the striking panther chameleon and the inch-long dwarf chameleon – the second-smallest species of chameleon
Explore this vast eroded landscape of limestone pinnacles and chasms – encompassed by the Ankarana Reserve, which can be accessed from both east and west.
The east is slightly more accessible, with trails running above the tsingy, looking down on this spectacular landscape. Pass through dry deciduous forest, home to a surprising amount of wildlife. Look out for families of habituated crowned lemurs, as well as ground boas and land crabs.
Venture out onto the tsingy, where well-worn trails cut across the razor-sharp rock. Admire the landscape from viewing platforms and even cross one of the deep chasms on a hanging wire bridge.
The western side offers a very different perspective on this spectacular landscape, since you start below the tsingy. This is best appreciated on a dawn hike up into the tsingy, following a winding path as the golden light washes over the jagged pinnacles and the distant plains below.
At dusk, canoe on the lake that sits at the foot of the massif. Everyday rural life plays out along the water’s edge, where villagers wash clothes, grow rice and bring their cattle to drink. Local children splash in the shallows and bats flit overhead as darkness descends.
Finish with time on Nosy Be or one of the neighbouring islands. This area is famous for its beautiful beaches, stunning coastline and fantastic marine life. Coral reefs lie offshore, offering excellent snorkelling. Spot sea turtles, whale sharks and colourful reef fish.
Idyllic beach lodges sit on secluded beaches, scattered across the smaller islands. There are options to suit everyone, with properties ranging from active family escapes to romantic honeymoon retreats.
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
January, February and March are cyclone season. Many places are closed and roads can become impassable. Travel is not advised at this time
January, February and March are cyclone season. Many places are closed and roads can become impassable. Travel is not advised at this time
January, February and March are cyclone season. Many places are closed and roads can become impassable. Travel is not advised at this time
The rains start to abate, but there is still a chance of heavy downpours. The countryside is lush and green, and it is a quiet time of year to visit.
Rainfall drops significantly, as the winter brings mainly dry weather to many areas. A great time to visit as you will have the choice of your preferred accommodation and the landscapes are beautiful with flora and fauna flourishing.
A fantastic time to get out into the highlands and go trekking, with less rainfall and still relatively warm temperatures. It is still outside of the peak season so you can still have your pick of the accommodation, and it is an excellent time to spot lemurs.
Humpback whales start arriving in Ile St Marie, having migrated from the Antarctic. The weather is at its coolest and driest, making it an ideal time to explore the naturally humid rainforests. This is peak season so expect to book well in advance.
The best time to see a humpback whale, and it is highly likely you will if you visit Ile St Marie. The busiest time of year, with European school holidays, so you will need to reserve well in advance to secure your preferred accommodation.
Temperatures increase, without much more rainfall. It is a fantastic time to visit, with the chance to still see humpback whales before they return to the Antarctic, lower visitor number, and ideal conditions for relaxing on the beach. The birds and lemurs are also breeding, so there is lots to see.
The country continues to warm as summer approaches. The jacarandas bloom, making it a colourful time of year to visit. As little birds and baby lemurs appear, it is also ideal conditions for snorkelling or just enjoying the beautiful beaches.
A quieter time of year, with plenty of lemurs, birds and other wildlife able to be seen. Still a great time to travel, with no species hibernating and warmer weather.
The start of the wet season, and the hottest time of year. If you are travelling at this time, it is best to head to go at the start of the month, to the south and west of the country where it is cooler and drier.
Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.
Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?