Antsiranana Province Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Antsiranana Province with this comprehensive travel guide featuring the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Antsiranana Province
- List of Places to Visit in Antsiranana Province
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Antsiranana Province
- Best Things to Do in Antsiranana Province: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Antsiranana Province
- Food and Drink Scene of Antsiranana Province
- Where to Stay in Antsiranana Province: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Antsiranana Province: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Antsiranana Province
- Best Time to Visit Antsiranana Province
- Do’s and Don’ts of Antsiranana Province
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Antsiranana Province: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Antsiranana Province
- Where to Go Next from Antsiranana Province: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Antsiranana Province
Welcome to Antsiranana Province, located in the northern tip of Madagascar. Known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse cultures, and historical charm, Antsiranana Province has something to offer every traveler.
List of Places to Visit in Antsiranana Province
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Antsiranana Museum
- Djambo Beach
- Place de la Colonne
- Ramena Beach
Natural Attractions of Antsiranana Province: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Amber Mountain National Park
- Baie des Sakalava
- Cap d’Ambre
- Tsingy Rouge Park
Hiking/Biking Routes of Antsiranana Province
- Amber Mountain trek
- Cap d’Ambre lighthouse walk
- Mount Tsaratanana hike
Best Things to Do in Antsiranana Province: Activities and Tours
- Dolphin and whale watching tours
- Scuba diving and snorkeling
- Local village visits and cultural experiences
- Sunset boat trips
Week-Long Itinerary for Antsiranana Province
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore Antsiranana town, visit the Antsiranana Museum |
| 2 | Hike in Amber Mountain National Park |
| 3 | Relax on Djambo Beach or Ramena Beach |
| 4 | Take a boat trip to Baie des Sakalava |
| 5 | Visit Tsingy Rouge Park and Cap d’Ambre |
| 6 | Go scuba diving or snorkeling at one of the local dive sites |
| 7 | Experience local culture with a visit to a nearby village |
Food and Drink Scene of Antsiranana Province
Must-Try Dishes
- Ravitoto: a traditional Madagascar dish of mashed cassava leaves, coconut cream, and meat or fish
- Romazava: a beef or pork stew with local greens, herbs, and spices
- Laoka: a side dish usually served with rice that could consist of vegetables or meat
Local Beverages
- Three Horse Beer: a local beer made with rice and brewed in Madagascar
- Toaka Gasy: a traditional Madagascar spirit made from sugarcane juice
Where to Stay in Antsiranana Province: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- La Belle Aventure: a guesthouse with good food, located near Ramena Beach
- Hotel de la Plage: a mid-range hotel with a pool and sea views
- Hotel Colbert: a luxury hotel in Antsiranana town
What to Buy in Antsiranana Province: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Handmade baskets and textiles
- Vanilla (Madagascar is one of the world’s top vanilla producers)
- Moraingy art: traditional wooden sculptures carved by the Antakarana people
Local Culture and Customs of Antsiranana Province
- The people of Antsiranana Province are known for their hospitality and warm welcome.
- Politeness and respect for elders are highly valued.
- Respect religious and cultural traditions, such as the Malagasy Famadihana (a traditional burial ceremony).
Best Time to Visit Antsiranana Province
The best time to visit Antsiranana Province is from May to November, during the dry season.
Do’s and Don’ts of Antsiranana Province
Do:
- Do try the local food and beverages.
- Do bargain at local markets.
- Do respect local customs and traditions.
Don’t:
- Don’t swim in areas with strong currents or rip tides.
- Don’t disrespect religious or cultural traditions.
- Don’t take pictures of people without their permission.
Safety and Health
Safety in Antsiranana Province
- Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas.
- Beware of pickpockets and street crime in crowded areas.
Health in Antsiranana Province
- Make sure to bring a mosquito net and insect repellent, as malaria and dengue fever are present in the region.
- Drink bottled water, and avoid uncooked or improperly cooked food.
Getting to Antsiranana Province: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Antsiranana Province
- Arrachart Airport in Antsiranana town
Bus Stations Near Antsiranana Province
- Antananarivo bus station (from the capital)
- Ambilobe bus station (from the south)
Other Options
- Private taxi services and car rentals are available.
How to Get Around in Antsiranana Province
- Taxis and bike rentals are common.
- Hire a private driver for day trips to nearby attractions.
Where to Go Next from Antsiranana Province: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
- Nosy Be island
- Ankarana National Park
Conclusion
Antsiranana Province offers travelers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Plan your trip according to your interests and use this guide to make the most out of your visit to this remarkable part of Madagascar.