Diego-Suarez
Diego is the capital of the northern part of Madagascar. It is located 1200km north of Tana; also, it is the third port of the island.
The ethnic group in Diego is the Antakarana. Its population is the most cosmopolitan in the country with the Sakalava, the Comorians, the Arabs, the French, the Chinese, and the Indo-Pakistanis.
There are several micro-climates including the dry tropical climate (from May to December) which is accompanied by a strong southeasterly wind known as Varatraza; also, a hot climate dominates the rest of the year with little rain.
The city is characterized by the Tsaratanana massif which is the highest peak in Madagascar (Maromokotro, 2886 m). Evaluated as the second place of contemplation for its beauty after Rio de Janeiro, the Bay of Diègo-Suarez is a port surrounded by hills above the French Mountain.
About 30km from the city, there is a national park called the Amber Mountain National Park which is very rich in fauna and flora.
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Amber mountain
The Montagne d’Ambre constitutes a complex of protected areas spanning 23,010 hectares, with the National Park covering 18,200 hectares and the Special Reserve of the Amber Forest 4,810 hectares. It is a volcanic massif covered with forests ranging from 850 to 1,475 meters above sea level. The park features six lakes, numerous rivers, and streams.
Montagne d’Ambre is renowned for its high endemicity, hosting 77 species of birds, 7 species of lemurs, and 24 species of amphibians. The area boasts 1020 listed plant species, including rosewood, Canarium madagascariensis, Ramy, and Chrysophyllum Famelona, all significant in local pharmacopoeia. The forests are also home to ferns, orchids, pandanus, and various palm trees, making Montagne d’Ambre a biodiversity hotspot.
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Ankarana National Park
Ankarana Park covers 18,225 ha. Ankarana is the western extension of a Middle Jurassic limestone massif which emerges from a basaltic plain located 50m above sea level of Tsingy. The inventories identified 60 species of reptiles and amphibians, 96 species of birds, 50 species of molluscs and a large number of Tsingy snails. 14 species of bats, half of the bats of Madagascar live in the caves of Ankarana. Two of them, Megabats and Microbats, are respectively the smallest and largest bats in the world: 11 species of lemurs live in Ankarana. It is moreover in this park that the famous Propithecus perrieri, known under the vernacular name of Black Propithecus was seen for the last time by park agents in 1995 and 1996.
Meanwhile, the presence of the “dwarf ebus” Microcebus myoxinus remains to be reconfirmed. At least 330 plant species are known in Ankarana. Most trees are deciduous and many flower from September to November. Several endemic species from the far north are found in Ankarana: Pachypodium baronia, Adansonia perrieri, Delonyx velutina, Hildegardia erythosyphon. Several types of plant formations stand out in the heart of the park. Aerophyte vegetation on the Tsingy: these plants have adapted to the drought. The forests that have formed in the gorges are the richest in species diversity. The most typical are the Ficus from the Morcaceae family, the Andansonia from the Bombacaceae family and the Pandanus from the Pandanaceae family. There are also wooded savannahs made of Commiphora from the Burseraceae family, Hildegardia from the Sterculiaceae family. The canopy culminates at 20 meters. This is the type of forest known in western Madagascar.
Nosy Be
Nosy Be is the prime destination for tourism in Madagascar. Situated off the northwest coast of the mainland, within Ampasindava Bay, this island attracts the highest number of visitors in the country.
Nosy Be boasts several highly coveted beaches such as Ambatoloaka, Andilana, and Madirokely. These stunning beaches feature fine, colored sands ranging from white to black, and even shades of gray, yellow, and red. Relaxing on these shores allows for serene views of the turquoise waters, occasionally interrupted by swaying coconut palms and passing canoes. At sunset, experience a captivating spectacle as the sun sets over the ocean, accompanied by the soothing sound of waves. Enhance your visit to this region of Madagascar by exploring the small surrounding islands, each offering a memorable experience. Among them, Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Komba stand out for their crystal-clear blue waters and abundant marine life.
Hotel Ambatoloaka
Mont Passot
Mont Passot, standing at 300 meters, is the highest point of Nosy Be. Enjoy breathtaking views of deep blue crater lakes rumored to house crocodiles and revered as the spiritual abode of Sakalava and Antakarana princes. Fishing, wearing pants or socks, or hats is fady (taboo) in this sacred place.
Lokobe
Nosy Be Island is an integral nature reserve situated in a volcanic region with basaltic lava flows, fostering fertile soils. This area, from the Quaternary period, features low altitude hills not surpassing 432 meters, abruptly meeting the sea in its southern and western perimeters. During low tide, the coastline reveals chaotic rock formations. Lokobe’s main coast exhibits rugged terrain.
The Lokobe Integral Nature Reserve, spanning 740 hectares within Nosybe’s urban commune, is accessible by car from Nosybe town to Ambanoro village. The reserve office is currently stationed in Nosy Be.
The reserve predominantly houses the Sambirano forest, a crucial habitat for the endemic lemur species Eulemur macaco. These lemurs play a pivotal role in seed dispersion, aiding in the natural regeneration of the forest. Notably, the area hosts 17 bird species, including the strictly forest-dwelling Madagascan Kingfisher (Ipsidina madagascariensis) and the remarkable Madagascan Owls (Asio madagascariensis).
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Nosy Komba et Nosy Tanikely
Nosy Tanikely is an underwater reserve which offers a very suitable dive site. With just a mask and a snorkel, one can begin to appreciate the parade of thousands of species of fish from just a few meters from the beach and see groupers, sunfish, swordfish, barracuda, parrots, lines, clown fish, moray eels, turtles… These species prowl around magnificent corals, like a patrol.
Not far from Nosy Tanikely, you can visit Nosy Komba, which in Malagasy means “lemur island” because it is home to one of the species of fulvus lemurs called black lemurs with thick black fur for the male and red for the female, these lemurs in freedom are not wild, but are there to receive visitors. You can easily approach for a photo if you bring a banana to entice them. Finally, if you don’t have time for shopping downtown or in the capital, this fishing village offers a large market of different memorabilia that deserves your attention. This reserve island of volcanic origin also has beaches as beautiful as Andilana or Ambatoloaka.
By emphasizing keywords like “Nosy Tanikely”, “underwater reserve”, “dive site”, “corals”, “Nosy Komba”, “black lemurs”, “fishing village”, “volcanic origin”, and “beaches”, this version is structured to improve SEO while retaining the essential information about the attractions around Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Komba in Madagascar.
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Nosy Sakatia
Nosy Sakatia holds its fame from its wild orchids, its turtles, and the majestic Cycads. This rather bare island is located west of Nosy Be. Nosy Sakatia translates as an island of orchids but with a more remarkable aspect of baobabs. There are good hotels for divers.
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Nosy Mitsio
Nosy Mitsio Archipelago, located 60 to 70 kilometers from Nosy Be, is a stunning island destination in Madagascar. Discover the beauty of Nosy Mitsio, a charming and serene island that promises unforgettable scenic views and pristine beaches.
La Grande Mitsio
Madagascar is the largest island populated by Antakarana and Sakalava who survive on their bare island by farming, cattle, and goats. The bushfire has devastated the island but some forest remains in the southern part. Huge basalt columns are a prominent feature in the northwest, used as an adventure playground by enterprising goats. The island attracts yachters because its coral reefs make good anchorages. Maribe Bay is the best place since it is protected by two hills. This is a good place to see Manta Rays.
Tsarabanjina
Ortour Madagascar invites you to explore this stunningly beautiful island, known as “good look,” which gained fame when British actress Joanna Lumley ‘threw’ herself into its charms. The island boasts red, gray, and volcanic rocks towering at its center, surrounded by abundant lush green vegetation. You’ll also find clear indigo seas.
Sea turtles and rays often grace the beaches, adding to the allure of this unique destination.
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Nosy Ankarea
Nosy Ankarea is another beautiful place due to its wonderful beaches and pleasant places for a walking tour. The island is superb with the fabulous flamboyant Pachypodium, surrounded by coral reefs. The forest on the island is relatively quiet, due to the many fady (taboo), except tourists from the Marlin club. It is possible to climb up the highest hill (219m – steep but good for sports enthusiasts) to reach a plateau covered in pachypodium and lots of weird and wonderful finds.
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LES QUATRES FRERES (Les Quatre Frères)
These are four towering pieces of silver basalt in Madagascar, two of which serve as havens for hundreds of seabirds such as brown boobies, frigatebirds, and white-tailed tropicbirds. Madagascar sea eagles also nest on these rocks. The sides drop vertically about 20 – 30 m, attracting divers who come here for thrilling dive activities. The area is known for its spectacular huge canes and rock falls.
NOSY IRANJA
Nosy Iranja is Madagascar’s most remote paradise island, located about two hours away by boat. Its beaches are green sea turtles’ favorite places in Madagascar.
This natural wonder consists of two islands: Nosy Iranja (200ha) and Nosy Iranja kely (13ha), connected by a white sandbank that contrasts beautifully with the turquoise waters at low tide, and is submerged at high tide. The coastline separating the mainland from the azure sea, teeming with exotic fish, boasts marvelous beaches of fine white sandbars, dazzlingly reflecting sunlight.
Nosy Iranja enjoys a tropical climate, ensuring sunshine throughout the southern winter season (June to September) and much of the year. This favorable weather allows visitors to fully appreciate its stunning beaches. Picture yourself lying on these beaches, basking in the uniquely beautiful and deeply moving sunset. The island maintains an midrange annual temperature of 26°C, moderated by the surrounding sea.
NOSY MAMOKO
Ortour Madagascar invites you to discover Nosy Mamoko, a tranquil island nestled southwest of Ampasindava Bay. Renowned among boating enthusiasts for its exceptional shelter, it offers a serene retreat ideal for a few days of relaxation. Situated along the routes of Nosy Be-based operators, the island is a favored destination for extended trips. Visitors can indulge in fishing and humpback whale watching from October to December, adding to its allure.
NOSY RADAMA
The Radama Islands, located south of Nosy Be and accessible only to yachters, rival the Mitsios for top dive sites in northeastern Madagascar. These islands boast a coastline of scenic bays nestled against towering mountains. The high islands, characterized by steep-sided sandstone cliffs, feature pristine underwater environments and lush vegetation of grasses and trees. However, sharp eroded rock formations make parts of the remaining forest challenging to explore.
