Montagne d’Ambre
Established by the French in 1958, this 18,500 ha volcanic massif and its surrounding forests are now one of the country’s best examples of ecotourism which invites local community participation in planning and management. Thousands of acres of mountain rainforest are home to extraordinary plant and animal life. Huge ferns and strangler figs flourish in the forest, while several indigenous species of lemurs, including Sanford’s Lemur and the Crowned Lemur, are also found here. You may even see Ring-Tailed Mongoose and Fossa. Magnificent birdlife includes Crested Ibis, Paradise Flycatcher, Forest Rock Thrush and Ground-Rollers. You may wish to make one of the waterfalls the destination of your trip – as you make your way to one of the three dramatic falls (Cascade Sacré, Cascade d’Antankarana and Cascade d’Antomboka), you will spot the abundant wildlife and incredible flora while learning about the local Malagasy customs from your guide. This is one of the most visitor-friendly of the island’s protected areas with broad trails and a cooler climate.
Ankarana
Ankarana is an island of limestone Tsingy amidst dry deciduous and riverine forest. The limestone massif is penetrated by numerous caves and canyons. Some of the largest caves have collapsed, forming isolated pockets of river-fed forest with their own perfectly protected flora and fauna. The reserve is known for its many lemur species, including Crowned and Sanford’s Brown Lemurs as well as the ever-playful Ring Tailed Lemur. It is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with nearly 100 species. If you are lucky you may even spot Fossa and Tenrec. The Tsingy are sharp limestone formations caused by erosion from acid rain to form otherworldly cathedrals of stone. In addition to the Tsingy and forest, you will want to visit the Lac Vert (a beautiful crater lake), Andrafiabe Cave and Crocodile Cave, home to the world’s only cave-dwelling crocodiles.
Your guide will recommend the best trails to follow depending on your physical aptitude and interests.
Other points of interest include:
- Baobab forest
- Ampondrabe river
- the abyss where the three rivers of Ankarana disappear
- Bat’s cave
- Masoala
The densely forested Masoala Peninsula contains the largest remaining block of protected rainforest in Madagascar and harbours a wealth of rare and unique species including the Red-Ruffed Lemur, seen only in Masoala. The national park covers 240,000 ha of the peninsula as well as three marine areas. This is the wettest place in Madagascar with an annual rainfall exceeding 500cm. The trails can be quite steep and muddy so it is best to visit this area if you are physically fit. The peninsula can only be conveniently accessed by boat across Antongil Bay. This is a wonderful destination for photographers, with golden sandy beaches and lush rainforests. Combine night and day walks through the primary forest and trips up the river in traditional pirogues with beach activities such as snorkelling and guided sea kayaking for a chance to spot Bottlenose Dolphins and Green Turtles. Birdwatchers will relish the opportunity to see the Helmet and Bernier’s Vangas, Scaly Ground-Roller and other rare endemic birds. The very lucky visitor may even be able see the elusive Aye-Aye, surely Madagascar’s strangest lemur species.
Anjajavy
A beach paradise on the Mozambique Chanel, Anjajavy L’Lodge protects 450 ha of dry deciduous forest with unique baobabs and other endemic plants. Wildlife viewing here is effortless, including Coquerel’s Sifakas and other lemurs. There are flocks of bright green Grey-Headed Lovebirds, Sickle-Billed Vangas, Crested Ibises, Crested Couas, Madagascar Fish Eagles and Vasa Parrots. There are a few spectacular caves to visit along with tsingy limestone formations, mangroves, outstanding coral reefs and pristine beaches.
Tsingy de Namoroka
Namoroka National Park, a captivating natural wonder in northwestern Madagascar, is one of the least visited National Parks in Madagascar due to its remote location. This also ensures that guests who visit the only camp in that area – Namoroka Tsingy Camp, can be assured of a very intimate and exclusive experience. This Park showcases razor-sharp limestone formations called Tsingy. It offers an awe-inspiring landscape from narrow canyons, vertical spires, lush forests and unique flora.
The otherworldly beauty of Namoroka Tsingy exemplifies Madagascar’s remarkable and diverse natural heritage, drawing in fascinated adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The highlights of Namoroka includes – 220 square km of unspoilt national park, with a rock forest called the Tsingy. A variety of 6 different ecosystems. With over 100 km of caves the largest cave system in Africa, dry forest, bamboo forest, riverine forest and wetlands. 10 different lemur species including the Van der Decken’s sifaka and the rare Aye Aye , over 21 species of bat, 2 species of carnivore including the fossa – Madagascar’s apex predator who prey’s on lemurs, 10 species of other mammal and more than 100 species of birds.
