IT08-A-Madagascar The North: Montagne D’Ambre, Ankarana East and Nosy Be

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Montagne D’Ambre National Park is a long-extinct volcano covered by primary tropical forest, including craters and waterfalls. A 45 minutes drive to the south-west of Diego takes you to the more popular hiking venues on the island offering splendid scenery, including lush rainforest, crater lakes and the island’s two best-known waterfalls. A bewildering array of animals and plants are specially adapted to thrive in this moist 'island' of biological diversity. Lemurs, birds, chameleons, geckos, and truly immense rain forest trees are among the natural wonders you will encounter.

Ankarana is one of the most bizarre places in Madagascar and subject of a National Geographic video as well as the book “Lemurs of the Lost World” (Jane Wilson/ Impact Books). Ankarana is a 5km x 20km limestone plateau comprised of razor-sharp pinnacles which the Malagasy call “Tsingy”. Beneath this, are 100’s of kilometres of caves, passages and subterranean rivers. In-between the sheer walls and cliffs are sunken tropical deciduous forests, where lots of rare wildlife finds sanctuary in virtual isolation. Species present include high concentrations of Crowned, Sportive and Sanford’s Brown Lemurs.

Ankarana is located along the road south from Diego-Suarez to Ambanja, RN6. This road extends over to Ankify (the port village where boats depart to Nosy Be. We organise hikes according to your personal interest and your physical ability. You can choose between three canyons, several caves and the Tsingy plateau. Two basic variations of visiting Ankarana are proposed:

1 – Only for the fit nature enthusiast (West Ankarana):
Please refer to our Itinerary 08b.

2 – This is the regular option which we include in this standard itinerary (East Ankarana):
Hike in from the eastern side of the reserve. The entrance is at Mahamasina after a 3-hour drive on a blacktopped road. This option is open year-round. You will be able to overnight in one of the very basic Tsingy Lodges instead of camping.

Itinerary: 12 nights

Day 1: Fly to Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the Central Highlands. On arrival at Tana International airport (Ivato) please proceed through immigration and customs, collect your luggage and then proceed to the arrivals hall. Here our Malagasy agents will meet you. Look out for your name on a hand-held notice board. You will then be assisted with your transfer to Palissandre Hotel and Spa or Residence Lapasoa (Bed & Breakfast).
Day 2: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Diego Suarez /Antsiranana, to the far north of the island. At Diego airport, you will be met and then transferred by car to your hotel near to Montagne d’Ambre. If you arrive early enough you will be taken to the park. Overnight at Le Domaine de Fontenay or Nature Lodge (Full Board).
Day 3: Montagne D’Ambre National Park is the focus for the day. The forest guides will show you around the trails, taking in some of the park’s scenic highlights. If you are up in the early morning, you may see birds like the gorgeous Pitta-like Ground-roller, the Spectacled Greenbul, Madagascar Crested Ibis and White-throated Oxylabes among others. You will see several different lemurs including Crowned and Sanford’s Brown Lemurs and various chameleons and lizards. You can enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pool at the base of Grand Cascade waterfall. Overnight stay at Le Domaine de Fontenay or Nature Lodge (Full Board).

Please note:
No matter how hot it may be in Diego, it is always at least 10 degrees cooler in Montagne D’Ambre and nights can be really cool here. Pack appropriately, including rain gear and hiking boots with a good grip.

Day 4: Transfer from Montagne d’Ambre, southwards to the remarkable Ankarana Reserve, some 130km south of Diego. Days in the unworldly Ankarana. Overnight at Tsingy Lodge or Le Relais de l’ Ankarana. (Full Board).
Day 5: Transfer to the northwest coastal settlement of Ankify (about 4 hours). Your accommodation for the night is Le Dauphin Bleu situated on the hill of Ankify. (Full Board).
Day 6: Transfer by boat from Ankify to the holiday island of Nosy Be (about 1½ hours). Nosy Be is one of the better-known holiday venues of Madagascar, mainly because its tropical climate is always pleasant. The secret to getting maximum value for one’s money and time in this area, is to visit some of the idyllic surrounding islands, where one can go snorkelling, diving, fishing, hiking, lemur watching and relaxing on sun-drenched beaches. Overnight stay at hotel of your choice.
Day 7 – Day 11: Nights on Nosy Be island at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel of your choice.
Day 12: Transfer to the airport in time for your return flight to Antananarivo. Transfer to the Palissandre Hotel & Spa or Residence Lapasoa (Bed & Breakfast).
Day 13: Transfer to Tana airport and assistance with check-in. Return flight to Johannesburg.12

Prices include
International (departure from Johannesburg with Air Madagascar) and internal Malagasy flights, all accommodation and meals as indicated, all excursions with car and driver, guides in the reserves, entry permits and all airport-hotel transfers.

Not included
Meals not indicated, drinks, tips to guides, porters etc., any personal expenses, travel insurance, internet access, airport taxes and visa fees.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2010):
upmarket: with Le Domain de Fontenaie and Vanila (Nosy Be): EUR2810
mid range: with Nature Lodge and Vanila (Nosy Be): EUR2574

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