North loop tour (from Sambava)

Sambava - Antalaha - Vohémar - Ambilobe - Ambanja - Nosy-be

Duration

10 Days / 09 Nights

Type

Agrotourism, nature & wildlife, cultural discovery, and beach relaxation.

Level

Easy to moderate - suitable for most travelers

Ideal for

Couples, solo travelers, small groups, and culture enthusiasts.

Embark on a captivating 10-day tour across Northeast Madagascar, weaving through our three exclusive plantations, vanilla, cacao, and Ylang-Ylang, while exploring lush highlands, pristine beaches, and verdant islands.

Experience a seamless blend of agro-cultural immersion, coastal escapes, marine biodiversity, and luxury comfort.

🌞 Best time to travel: April to November (ideal for island visibility and beach comfort)

🌡️ Average temperatures: 22-30°C, tropical climate

🎒 What to bring: comfortable walking / trekking shoes, sunhat, sunscreen, insect repellent, beachwear

👕 Recommended clothing: lightweight, breathable, and long- sleeved for plantation visits

Day 1 : Antananarivo – Ambohimanitra

Warm welcome upon arrival at Sambava Airport, followed by a 45-minute transfer through the lush landscapes of the SAVA region to Domaine d’Ambohimanitra.
Upon arrival, check-in and enjoy a welcome drink of fresh coconut water, served straight from the coconut. Welcome briefing to introduce the program and answer any questions.
Dinner featuring local flavors, and overnight stay at the Domaine d’Ambohimanitra.

Day 2 : Ambohimanitra – Antalaha

After breakfast around 9:00 a.m, enjoy a guided tour of the Ambohimanitra Estate (60 hectares).
Discover the vanilla plantations, explore the different varieties of vanilla plants, and visit the nurseries of local species. Your guide will walk you through the traditional hand-pollination process of the vanilla flower, and explain each step that transforms it into a vanilla pod, from flower to harvest.
To enhance your immersion, a vanilla-infused lunch will be served on the terrace, with a panoramic view of the estate and its surroundings.
In the afternoon, head to Antalaha to visit a vanilla processing facility, where you’ll learn about the post-harvest process: scalding, drying, sorting, grading, and measuring. Discover the different quality levels of vanilla prepared for export and gain insight into this iconic local industry.
Return to the Domaine at the end of the afternoon (35-minute drive).
Dinner and overnight stay at Domaine d’Ambohimanitra.

Day 3 : Antalaha – Vanilleraie – Sambava

After breakfast, around 9:00 a.m., depart for Sambava with a stop at the Edmond Albius Museum, where you’ll dive into the rich history of vanilla — from its ancient origins to its global prominence. Enjoy a multi-sensory experience that blends storytelling, tactile exploration, and captivating aromas, all centered around the unique terroirs that make Malagasy vanilla world-renowned.
Lunch at Soaland Appart’s in Sambava.
The afternoon is free for you to relax, explore the town, or shop for gifts and local souvenirs.
Dinner and overnight stay at Soaland Appart’s.

Day 4 : Sambava – Vohémar – Ambilobe

After breakfast around 7:30 a.m., depart for Ambilobe on a scenic 5-hour drive along the northeastern coast.
Make a short stop in Vohémar for lunch, then continue to the nearby Green Lake, also known as the Sacred Lake of Andranotsara, located just 7 km south of town. More than just a beautiful natural site, the lake holds a fascinating legend. Your guide will share with you the mystery behind its striking green color and its cultural significance.
The journey then continues to Ambilobe (approximately 2 hours' drive).
Dinner and overnight stay at KOZOBE Hotel.

Day 5 : Ambilobe – MAVA – Nosy-Be

After breakfast, depart for MAVA, a vast 630-hectare cocoa plantation in Madagascar.
Known for its exceptional quality, this cocoa is the basis for some of the world’s most popular chocolates, despite being sold at a modest price. Explore this historic colonial estate and uncover the secrets behind the preparation of premium cocoa.
Enjoy lunch at the Planter’s House, soaking in the authentic plantation atmosphere.
Around 1:00 p.m., transfer by boat to the island of Nosy-Be.
Dinner and overnight stay at Nosy-Be Hôtel & SPA.

Day 6 : Nosy-Be – Fragrant Garden

After breakfast, depart for a guided tour of the “Fragrant Garden” ylang-ylang plantation.
This immersive experience unveils the entire process, from cultivation to transformation, distillation, and packaging, of aromatic plants used in perfume production, including ylang-ylang, patchouli, kaffir lime, pepper, cloves, and more.
Enjoy a picnic lunch amid the lush plantation surroundings. Return to the hotel around 3:30 p.m..
Dinner and overnight stay at Nosy-Be Hôtel & SPA.

Day 7 : Nosy-Be – Nosy Sakatia

Departure from the hotel at 8:30 a.m., followed by a 15-minute speedboat transfer to a beautiful island located on the west coast of Nosy Be, within a protected and preserved ecosystem.
This island paradise offers postcard-perfect beaches, rare bird species, and unique endemic flora. During a guided tour, the local community will proudly introduce you to the treasures of their island.
After a picnic lunch, enjoy a variety of activities to suit all preferences:
- For the active: beach volleyball, snorkeling, scuba diving, or kayaking
- For those seeking relaxation: sunbathing, massage sessions, or a peaceful nap on one of the island’s many white-sand Beaches, some of which can even be privatized for a more tranquil experience.
Return to the hotel around 3:30 p.m.
Dinner and overnight stay at Nosy-Be Hôtel & SPA.

Day 8 : Nosy-Be – Nosy Iranja

After breakfast, depart for a full-day excursion to Nosy Iranja, a stunning island known for its lush rainforest and rich biodiversity, home to several terrestrial and marine species.
Nosy Iranja is especially famous for its marine life, including sea turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs on the island’s wild beaches.
At dusk, lucky visitors may even witness the hatching of baby turtles, a truly unforgettable experience.
Thanks to its unique location, the island offers a wide range of land and sea-based activities, from nature exploration to snorkeling. And for those seeking tranquility, relaxation on the island’s pristine beaches is the perfect way to unwind.
Return to the hotel around 3:30 p.m.
Dinner and overnight stay at Nosy-Be Hôtel & SPA.

Day 9 : Nosy-Be – Komba – Tanikely

Departure at 8:30 a.m. for a 20-minute speedboat ride to Nosy Komba, a peaceful island known for its artisanal charm and natural beauty.
You’ll visit the craft village, famous for embroidery and woodwork, followed by a walk through the mini nature park, where you’ll encounter black lemurs, boa constrictors, chameleons, and tortoises—all endemic to the region.
Continue by boat (15 minutes) to Nosy Tanikely, a marine reserve with crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing on the white sandy beaches.
For the more adventurous, a short hike through the forest leads to an old 1906 lighthouse, offering panoramic views of Nosy Be and surrounding islands.
A typical Malagasy lunch will be served on the beach around noon.
Return to the hotel by 3:30 p.m.
Dinner and overnight at Nosy-Be Hôtel & SPA.

Day 10 : Nosy-Be – International Flight

Farewell from Northern Madagascar
Enjoy your final breakfast at Nosy-Be Hôtel & SPA, followed by a moment of relaxation before checkout. A light lunch will be served depending on your flight schedule.
Then, transfer to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo or your international departure.
End of the Northern Loop Tour, with unforgettable memories of Madagascar’s spice trail, from the rich plantations of the northeast to the scents and flavors of the islands.

Included:

Accommodation : Accommodation for 1 to 8 people with full board as mentioned in the program
Transfers : Transfers as mentioned in the program
Visits : Visits as mentioned in the program
Guide : An Italian-speaking guide throughout the stay
Car with driver : 4WD car rental with fuel and driver included throughout the stay

Excluded:

Airline tickets : International and Domestic flights
Miscellaneous expenses : Free activities and services, Drinks, tips and extras
Insurance : Multi-risk insurance

A personalized quote will be provided on request, the services being flexible according to needs and circumstances (flights, actual place of departure, length of stay, other services etc.)

North loop tour (from Sambava)

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