Découverte
Diego Express
5 days / 4 nights
A condensed tour of Mer d'Émeraude, Tsingy Rouges, and the bay of Diego.
- 4 nights in a colonial hotel
- Mer d'Émeraude dhow trip
- Tsingy Rouges 4x4 trip
- Breakfasts
From
1 355 €
Season
April to November · Kitesurfing: May to October (Varatraza)
Duration
7 to 12 days recommended
Access
Domestic flight from Antananarivo (Tsaradia, ~1h45)
Climate
Dry tropical, 24–32 °C
From
1 355 €
About Diego-Suarez
Diego-Suarez, officially Antsiranana, is the capital of the far north. Its bay, one of the largest in the world, is a true natural amphitheater overlooked by Pain de Sucre, the region's iconic islet.
The region features a spectacular diversity of landscapes: the Mer d'Émeraude and its surreal green lagoon, the Tsingy Rouges with their eroded formations, the lush Montagne d'Ambre and its waterfalls, the Sakalava Bay kitesurfing paradise, and the legendary Courrier Bay.
It is a destination for adventurers: trekking, 4x4 tours, kitesurfing, diving, and observing endemic wildlife are combined in breathtaking settings.
Don't miss
Must-sees
1
Mer d'Émeraude
A translucent lagoon of surreal green, accessible by dhow from Diego's bay.
2
Tsingy Rouges
Ocher rock formations sculpted by erosion—a unique lunar landscape.
3
Montagne d'Ambre
Lush national park with waterfalls and crowned lemurs, at an altitude of 1,000 m.
4
Sakalava Bay
World-renowned kitesurfing spot, with a steady thermal wind from May to October.
5
Bay of Dunes
Wild and deserted beach at the foot of Cap d'Ambre, an end-of-the-world landscape.
Suggested itinerary
7 days on site
Day 1
Arrival in Diego
Flight from Tana, visit the colonial town and the bay at sunset.
Day 2
Mer d'Émeraude
Day on a traditional dhow, snorkeling, barbecue lunch on a deserted islet.
Day 3
Tsingy Rouges
4x4 excursion to the eroded formations, then a swim in a secret river.
Day 4–5
Montagne d'Ambre
Two days in the national park: sacred waterfalls, crowned lemurs, chameleons.
Day 6
Sakalava Bay
Introduction to kitesurfing or relaxing on the southern beaches.
Day 7
Cap d'Ambre
4x4 adventure to the northernmost point of Madagascar.
Day 8
Return
Flight to Tana or Nosy Be.
Flavors
Gastronomy
Coconut Prawns
Prawns simmered in a coconut milk sauce.
Zebu Skewers
Served with achards and fragrant rice.
THB
Three Horses Beer, the national beer, perfect after a day of trekking.
Identity
Culture & people
Diego is a melting pot of cultures: Antakarana, Sakalava, Indian, Creole, and French. The colonial architecture, markets, and music bars tell the story of this mix.
Language
Malagasy (Antakarana dialect), French
Currency
Ariary (MGA)
Where to stay
Recommended lodgings
Nature lodges
In the heart of Montagne d'Ambre or facing the bay (€80–180/night).
Colonial hotels
In downtown Diego, retro charm (€50–120/night).
Kitesurf camps
Simple bungalows in Sakalava with integrated schools (€40–90/night).
Ready to book
Itinerary ideas
Three journeys crafted for Diego-Suarez, from quick discovery to premium expedition.
Premium
Grand Nord Aventure
8 days / 7 nights
Tsingy Rouges, Mer d'Émeraude, Montagne d'Ambre, and Sakalava Bay.
- 7 nights in various lodges
- 2 days in Montagne d'Ambre
- Dhow + 4x4 + kite introduction
- Half-board
From
2 190 €
Luxe
Cap d'Ambre Expédition
10 days / 9 nights
Expedition to the northernmost point + premium lodges and private chef.
- VIP transfers
- 9 nights in premium eco-lodges
- Cap d'Ambre 4x4 expedition
- Private naturalist guide
- Full board
From
3 450 €
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Are the roads driveable?+
Main roads are paved, 4x4 tracks are mandatory for Tsingy Rouges and Cap d'Ambre.
Kitesurfing level required?+
All levels: schools for beginners and spots for advanced freestyle riders.
How many days for Montagne d'Ambre?+
A minimum of 2 days to enjoy the waterfalls and nocturnal wildlife.
