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 along the stretch from Diego to Arrachart Airport. Thereafter, traffic along the RN6 is less frequent.

The route passes the French mountain on the left and goes consistently but not steep uphill. After about 6..km at the crossing with the sign to Antsalaka, turn off the RN6 and continue for another ...km to Antsalaka where accommodation at West Valley Lodge is recommended. Follow a 1.5km mostly walking trail from Antsalaka to reach the valley. Alternatively, don't leave the RN6 and continue for another ...km of mostly uphill until road to Anivorano Nord where accommodation is offered by La Reine d'Ankarana.

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

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

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