We spent the night in Ambanja, the gateway to the Sambirano Valley. Located in northwestern Madagascar along the Sambirano River, the town is a vibrant agricultural hub and the heart of the country’s organic cocoa production. The name “Ambanja” literally means “where there is powder.”...
The road from Antsiranana (Diego-Suarez) to Ambanja follows the RN6, which has been largely rehabilitated—a massive improvement over the former dirt track. Although maintenance is still ongoing, travel time has been reduced significantly to about 3.5 to 4 hours (237 km). Some stretches...
We got our first dose of the day’s scams right at the entrance to Montagne d’Ambre National Park (Amber Mountain). Staff tried to charge us for a full-day visit, even though we had clearly agreed with our local guide on a short 3-hour hike (🎟️ 55,000 MGA, guide 80,000 MGA, car...
Today, we set out on a full-day adventure from Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) to the breathtaking Les Trois Baies—Sakalava Bay, Pigeon Bay, and Dunes Bay—renowned for their turquoise waters, white sand, and wild, untouched landscapes. The journey itself was part of the experience. We drove...
We finally made it to Antsiranana (formerly Diego-Suarez), a historic port city at the northern tip of Madagascar, defined by its huge and strategically important natural harbour, first recorded by Portuguese explorer Diogo Soares in 1543. In the 17th century, the area is believed to have...
The Tsingy Rouge (Red Tsingy) is located in the Diana Region of northern Madagascar, about 60 km south of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez). Situated near the village of Sadjoavato, it can be reached via the RN6 national road, then via a 4×4 journey along a dirt track to the Irodo River...
Again, the perfect tarmac brought us from Ankarana to Antsiranana, covering roughly 101 km of the RN6. It took us just 1.5 hours to pass through scenic dry forests and red laterite landscapes before reaching the coastal city.
Ankarana National Park, located in northern Madagascar, is a striking and rugged reserve renowned for its sharp limestone tsingy pinnacles, vast underground cave systems, and remarkable biodiversity. Covering 18,225 hectares, it encompasses dry forests and deep canyons that are home to 11...
The drive from Antsohihy to Ankarana along RN6 offers a constantly changing landscape—ranging from dry forests to lush plantations dotted with baobabs. Road conditions improve as you head north, with stretches of good pavement, although some sections remain rough. We were relieved to...
We made overnight, and the next morning, sightseeing of Ansohihy – a crucial, bustling river harbour in northwestern Madagascar. It acts as a vital trade link connecting the inland Sofia region to the coast via the Loza River. It serves as a major logistical hub for transporting...