Lemurs, Chameleons, and TsIngy of Northern Madagascar
Ankarana & Amber Mountain National Parks Extension
Overview
Explore Madagascar's northern reaches at Ankarana and Amber Mountain National Parks—with their vast diversity of wildlife including Sanford's brown lemurs, ring-tailed mongoose, chameleons, and more than 1,000 species of flora! We'll enjoy walks near crater lakes and giant fern trees and discover the wonders of the Tsingy Forest on this 6-day excursion.
Arrive: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Depart: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Highlights
- Visit Madagascar’s remote northern national parks
- Look for endemic species of the north, explore the limestone landscape
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Antananarivo (“Tana”), Madagascar's capital, you will be met and transferred to the Le Relais des Plateaux, conveniently located near the airport...Meals on your own
After a flight to Diego Suarez, a 2.5-hour drive brings you to Ankarana. After lunch, enjoy the afternoon at Ankarana National Park, a reserve with spectacular landscapes, including the unique eroded limestone towers known as "tsingy." The next morning, you can head out for a 3-hour hike on a flat, easy trail in Ankarana National Park. Another option is a more challenging hike of approximately 4-5 hours that rewards you with superb views of the tsingy formations. This option departs earlier (6:30 am) and follows a path to a hanging bridge. Please note the path is exposed as you hike amid the tsingy and the sun can be very hot. While on the park's trails, you should see many crowned lemurs (the reserve harbors one of the largest and least disturbed populations of this distinctive primate, endemic to northern Madagascar) as well as Sanford's brown lemurs, and the inquisitive ring tailed mongoose, fossa, tenrecs, and Madagascar striped civet. The park is also outstanding for reptiles, with 50 species including some endemic and threatened snakes and geckos and 10 species of frogs. Overnights at Ankarana Lodge...BLD on Day 2, BL on Day 3
A 3-hour drive brings you to Amber Mountain National Park, a biologically diverse reserve whose montane rainforests offer huge green tree ferns, crystal clear crater lakes, picturesque waterfalls, and a wealth of wildlife, including endemic species not found in the south of Madagascar. Here you'll see crowned lemurs as well as Sanford's brown lemurs, and a varied flora—1,000 species, a botanist's delight! There are 60 reptiles, such as tiny stump tailed chameleons, leaf tailed geckos and snakes, 35 frog species and more than 40 butterflies. This is also the best place to see chameleons. Afterwards, drive to Diego Suarez. The following day, visit the Bay of Sakalava, a popular kitesurfing destination, as well as the Bay of Dunes, and Bay of Pigeon out to the Orangea beach. An endemic species of baobab called “Andasonia surenzensis” is found in this region, and a 700 year old specimen of “Andasonia Madagascariensis” nicknamed Bozy. This is an opportunity to see some sea birds as well. Arrive at the hotel before sunset. Overnights at Allamanda Hotel...BLD on Day 4, BL on Day 5
In the morning, fly back to Antananarivo. Transfer to the Hotel Carlton, with the remainder of the day at leisure. Lunch and dinner are on your own. Overnight at hotel...B
Join the first day of the Madagascar: Off the Beaten Path trip...B
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.