IT08-A-Madagascar Discovery: The North

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IT08-A-Madagascar Discovery: The North

On this itinerary you will experience some of Madagascar's magnificent habitat diversity. The itinerary is best in spring and early summer (late August to December) as the Ankarana reserve may be inaccessible between January and April. Ankarana is the most bizarre place in Madagascar and subject of a National Geographic video as well as books like the excellent 'Lemurs of the Lost World' (Jane Wilson/ Impact Books). You may have to sacrifice some of your creature comforts to experience the limestone karsts of Ankarana, as you may have to camp to get the most out of the area. Ankarana is a 5 km x 20 km limestone plateau surrounded by formidable cliffs and walls, on which there are fields of razor-sharp pinnacles which the Malagasy call 'tsingy'. Under all this, are 100's of kilometres of caves, passages and subterranean rivers. In-between the sheer walls and cliffs are sunken tropical deciduous forests, whererare wildlife finds sanctuary in virtual isolation. Species present include high concentrations of Crowned Lemur and Northern Ring-tailed Mongoose.

You visit the Montagne D'Ambre National Park, a well preserved section of northern montane rainforest. The park is about 1 hour's drive south-west of Diego. It is a popular hiking venue on the island. Splendid scenery, including lush montane rainforest, crater lakes and the island's two best-known waterfalls. You will see Crowned and Sanford's Brown lemurs and birds like Madagascar Crested Ibis, the endemic Montagne d'Ambre Rock-thrush and Cuckoo-roller. It is also good for various reptiles including the tiny stump-tailed chameleons which being terrestrial may be found underfoot and if your eyes are sharp the remarkable master of camouflage, the Leaf-tailed Gecko may spring into view.

Nosy Be is the most well known of all of Madagascar's islands offering a wide choice of accommodation from budget to exclusive private island resorts. With plenty to offer in terms of excursions, the most popular of these is Nosy Tanikely, a marine reserve with reefs offering astounding snorkelling and diving opportunities. Then there is Nosy Komba, an unofficial 'sanctuary' for a thriving population of the threatened Black Lemur.

Itinerary: 14 nights

DAY 1: Fly to Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the Central Highlands. At the airport our English-speaking Malagasy agents will meet and assist you with formalities. Transfer to the Palissandre Hotel & Spa (B&B).

DAY 2: Transfer to the airport for your flight up to Diego Suarez (Antsiranana), on the far northern coast. From the Diego airport, you will be met and transferred by car to the Nature Lodge near the Montagne d'Ambre Reserve. If you arrive early enough you will be taken to the reserve. Overnight stay at the 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 will be astounded by the variety of the endemic bird life and you may see birds like the gorgeous Pita-like Ground-roller, Spectacled Greenbul, Madagascar Crested Ibis and White-throated Oxylabes among others. You will see several different varieties of lemurs (Crowned and Sanford's Brown) and various reptiles. You can enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pool at the base of Grand Cascade waterfall. Stay overnight at the Nature Lodge (full board).

Note that no matter how hot it may be in Diego, it is always at least 10 degrees colder in Montagne D'Ambre and nights can be really cold there. 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 65-km south of Diego. Organised camping overnight in one of the camp-sites (full board).

Please note that these camp-sites are very basic: No running water and no flushing toilets. All equipment is provided. Inspect your clothing and shoes carefully in the mornings, as scorpions are common in the massif and often crawl into things like shoes or boots. Be sure to have hiking boots with strong grip. Strap-on water bottles are a sound idea. Pack sun block, a strong torch and insecticide.

DAY 5: All-day in the unworldly Ankarana: The guides will take you to places like the green Lac Vert, which is in a deep natural sink-hole. You will also see some spectacular areas of pinnacle fields, as well as the odd assortment of drought resistant plants, which grow on them. Then there are the lemurs, the birds, reptiles and so much more. Organised camping (full board).

DAY 6: Another day in the wilderness of Ankarana reserve. It will be quite unlike anywhere else you have ever been. Three nights is the perfect length of stay to enable visitors to get a good feel for the place. Organised camping (full board).
DAY 7: Transfer to the Northwest coastal settlement of Ankify. (4 hours approximately). Your accommodation for the night is the Hotel La Mer situated on the hill of Ankify (B&B).
DAY 8: Transfer by boat from Ankify to the holiday island of Nosy Be. (Approx. 1-1/2 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 ones 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 the hotel of your choice.
DAY9 - DAY 14: 4 nights on Nosy Be island at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel of your choice.
DAY 14: Transfer to the airport and fly back to Antananarivo. Transfer to the Palissandre Hotel & Spa (B&B).
DAY 15: Transfer to the airport and assistance with check-in. Flight back to Johannesburg.

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.

Prices Do Not include

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