Excursion A hike in the montagne d'ambre national park rainforest tour at Antsiranana

Depart for the Montagne d'Ambre National Park for a half day excursion in a 4WD vehicle.

A lush tropical forest surrounded by semi-arid savanna, a series of extinct volcanoes, lakes and rivers, make up Amber Mountain National Park a paradise destination for birders, botanists and hikers. Beginning from lower altitudes, the park comprises of 3 different types of forest: the dry deciduous forest, the montane rainforest and the mid-altitude rainforest that peak at 1400 mt. To visit the park, you drive through the village of Joffreville, an old French outpost used by the French military to spend the warmest time of the year, away from the heat of Antsiranana. The park covers an area of 18,200 hectares (45,000 acres) on an isolated volcanic massif, of mostly basaltic rock, above the surrounding dry region. Attractions include spectacular waterfalls and several crater lakes. There are numerous rivers and streams and the park is a water catchment area for the town of Antsiranana.

You have the opportunity to possibly see lemurs, splendid scenery, birds and waterfalls, as well as rare epidemic plants.

The park is rewarding for walkers with several beautiful trails threading through the forest. Two trails lead to waterfalls, the Cascade d'Antomboka and Cascade Sacrée. On foot you have the chance to discover the smaller wildlife such as the leaf-mimic chameleons, tree boas, leaf tailed geckos, butterflies and pill millipedes which curl up into perfect balls. There are seven lemur species in the park, including the crowned lemur and Sanford's brown lemur, and you will have the chance to see at least one if not two of the diurnal species.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Montagne D'Ambre (Amber Mountain) National Park

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking/hiking (approx.2 to 4 km or 1.2 to 2.4 miles) over uneven surface with some steps to negotiate. This tour is is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight comfortable clothing, and flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. The guide will move between 3 vehicles to be with guests as drivers don't speak English. Tourism infrastructure is limited in Madagascar; local vehicles may not have air-conditioning nor PA system. We urge flexibility.