Antsiranana

Antsiranana is situated in the extreme north of Madagascar and was known as Diego Suarez until 1975. Still called ‘Diego’ by many, it is the capital of Madagascar's northernmost province. It has one of the world's most beautiful deep-water harbours, complete with a photogenic sugarloaf mountain. This is probably the most French city in Madagascar and is cloaked in a colonial ambience. It is the largest city in the north with a huge cosy market, a range of fine restaurants and some fantastic sights and national parks to visit. Diego is far from the prettiest spot in the region but its central location – almost equidistant from the beaches and national parks – makes it a good place to anchor oneself. Plus, its wide streets, old colonial buildings and sleepy feel give it a languid, genteel air only experienced in the tropics. This is a slow-moving place, where nearly everything shuts for most of the afternoon, and the residents still indulge in long afternoon naps. Recently, however, Diego has picked up a bit of steam – a little too much for the taste of some locals – as an increasingly popular port of call for cruise ships. On days when the big boats anchor, the town’s usually quiet restaurants and shops become packed with loud crowds jabbering in a dozen different languages.

Highlights

• Discover colonial monuments such as the old market, former Hotel de la Marine, old military building and the city’s vibrant market

Excursions

• Optional 1/2 day tour: Discover the second-largest natural bay in the world
• Optional full-day tour: Amber Mountain National Park. Discover a tropical forest, volcanic lakes, waterfalls such as the Sacred Waterfall