Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike

The route between Diego and Ambanja is suitable for biking anytime of the year, even at times when the road is in a bad condition as it often is during the rainy season between December and April, which is when the landscapes are the greenest.

Diego to Antsalaka

Start early, ideally around 6am to avoid many passing cars and trucks between warehouses and factories along the stretch between Diego and Arrachart Airport. Thereafter, traffic along the RN6 gradually becomes less frequent.

Passing the French Mountain on the left the route is consistently but not steep uphill. After 60km, at the sign to Antsalaka and Park National d'Ambre, turn right from RN6 and continue 6km to Antsalaka where accommodation can be found after another 1.5km of mostly walking trail leading to West Valley Lodge - a farm with countless flowers and naturally organic fruits and vegetables offering accommodation since 2019.

Alternatively, stay on RN6 and continue for 13km of mostly uphill biking to Anivorano Nord where accommodation at La Reine d'Ankarana is the best available option in town.

Tuesday, March 26, 2019 7:44 AM EAT
Distance: 42.4 miles
Duration: 10 hours, 39 minutes, and 22 seconds
Average Speed: 4.0 mph
Minimum Elevation: 168 feet
Maximum Elevation: 1920 feet
Total climb: 3065 feet
Total descent: 1337 feet

Antsalaka to Ambilobe

Again, an early start is recommended to avoid the heat of the day for much of the ride which starts with an uphill stretch to Anivorano Nord. Beautiful scenery all along the way.

Among various villages you will pass through the gem-trading village of Ambondromifehy.

About one to two hours later you will reach the main entrance for Ankarana National Park and shortly thereafter a high point with amazing views towards Ambilobe and the coast from where a loooooooong downhill stretch follows.

There are few good accommodation options directly in the centre of Ambilobe. The two best are Noor Hotel and Hotel National.

Monday, April 1, 2019 6:32 AM EAT
Distance: 50.7 miles
Duration: 9 hours, 13 minutes, and 48 seconds
Average Speed: 5.5 mph
Minimum Elevation: 101 feet
Maximum Elevation: 1900 feet
Total climb: 1168 feet
Total descent: 2952 feet

Ambilobe to Ambanja

As usual, but especially today, an early start is recommended, partly because it's best to get out of the city traffic before most traffic begins and partly because the longest stretch to Ambanja for a day is ahead.

Close to Ambilobe there are plantations with cashew trees and shortly after leaving town numerous stalls selling freshly roasted cashew are offered in small stalls along the roadside. Unless buying in bulk, each tin-can full of cashew will cost 5,000 Ar (2019).

Tuesday, April 2, 2019 6:17 AM EAT
Distance: 64.4 miles
Duration: 11 hours, 5 minutes, and 55 seconds
Average Speed: 5.8 mph
Minimum Elevation: 43 feet
Maximum Elevation: 177 feet
Total climb: 596 feet
Total descent: 647 feet

Ambanja to Ankify

Sunday, October 14, 2018 10:19 AM EAT
Distance: 13.5 miles
Duration: -32 minutes and -24 seconds
Average Speed: -8.8 mph
Minimum Elevation: 79 feet
Maximum Elevation: 79 feet
Total climb: 0 feet
Total descent: 0 feet