There’s nowhere like it on the planet for wildlife, wild lands and rich traditions that endure. Prepare to fall in love.
Sambirano cocoa, grown in the Sambirano River valley in northwestern Madagascar, is a premium, largely organic “fine cacao” prized for its distinctly fruity, bright, and slightly acidic flavour profile. Thanks to the valley’s unique microclimate and high-quality genetics—typically a blend...
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...