#15 Montagne d’Ambre
The Montagne d’Ambre national park is located in north Madagascar, 70 km from the city of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez). It encompasses 18.500 Ha. This park is a mountain with Crater lakes and waterfalls. The altitude is 800-1500 m. The vegetation consists of mountaneous rainforest.
Some target species are: Crowned lemur (Eulemur coronatus), Sanford’s lemur (Eulemur sanfordi), Black-striped sportive lemur (Lepilemur dorsalis), Amber mountain fork-crowned dwarf lemur (Phaner electromontis), Arnhold’s mouse lemur (Microcebus arnholdi), Northern ring-tailed mongoose (Galidia elegans dambrensis), Ambre rock-thrush (Monticola erythronotus), Amber white-bellied snake (Compsophis albiventris), Ambre brook snake (Pseudoxyrhopus ambreensis), Short-tail leaf chameleon (Brookesia ambrensis), Amber chameleon (Calumma amber), the critically endangered tuberous plant Colletogyne perrieri, Bosser’s glory flower (Clerodendrum bosseri), and Amber cheesewood (Pittosporum ambrense).
There are lodging facilities in the town of Ambohitra (Joffreville).
THE LITCHI TREE***
Situated in a 5 Ha LITCHI and mango plantation, about 4 km of the entrance of the Amber Mountain national park. There are 5 bungalows and a kolonial-style main house. A nice bar and a restaurant are available.
The park can be reached by car from the city of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez).
#16 Forêt d’Ambre
The Forêt d’Ambre special nature reserve is located in North Madagascar, adjacent to Montagne d’Ambre national park, and near de village of Ambohitra (Joffreville). The area encompasses 4.810 Ha. This reserve is the lowland part of the much larger national park of Montagne d’Amre. The vegetation consists of lowland forest.
Some target species are: Perrier baobab (Adansonia perrieri).
There is hotel accomodation in Ambohitra (Joffreville) and a large choice in the city of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez).
The reserve can be reached by car from the city of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez).
#17 Ankarana
The Ankarana special reserve is located in north-west Madagascar, about 30 km North of the town of Ambilobe, about 110 km south-west of the city of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), and some 10 km south-west of Montagne d’Ambre national park. The reserve encompasses 18.225 Ha with an adjacent zone of 48.301 Ha across the 20 by 5 km long Ankarana-Analamerana Massif. There are eroded limestone and basalt rock formations, canyons, 120-160 km of caves and underground streams and pathways. The altitude is 50-409 / 500 m. The annual rainfall is 1500-1890 mm. The vegetation consists of somewhat humid forests in the canyons, and dry scrubland and woodland on the eroded plains.
Some target species are: Sambirano woolly lemur (Avahi unicolour), Black lemur (Eulemur macaco macaco), Ankarana sportive lemur (Lepilemur ankaranensis), Northern reddish-brown mouse lemur (Microcebus tavaratra), White-breasted mesite (Mesitornis variegata), Madagascar sparrowhawk (Accipiter madagascariensis), Blind goby (Glossogobius ankaranensis), Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus), Madagascar cave snake (Alluaudina mocquardi), the primitive tree Asteropeia amblyocarpa, the critically endangered trees Delonix velutina and Erythrophysa belinii, and the Ankarana penis plant (Amorphophallus ankarana).
There are bungalows near the reserve.
ANKARANA LODGE ***
Situated in a small forest near the entrance of the reserve. There are 10 comfortable bungalows, a restaurant, and a swimmingpool.
IHARANA BUSHCAMP ****
Situated along a lake in Ankarana. There are 18 authentic Malagasy cabins. It has a restaurant.
Ankarana has entrances on different sides and the nearest entrance From Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) is along the road to Ambanja, near the village of Matsaborimanga, via the village of Anivorano, 110 km From Antsiranana. The eastern entrance is 15 km from the town of Ambilobe, near the village of Mahamasina.
Interesting things in the Ankarana area: Caves with bats, the crocodile cave in the south-west of the reserve near Mahamasina, the crater lake, the central iron lake.
#18 Lokobe
The Lokobe national park is located in the south-east of the island of Nosy Be along the coast of north-west Madagascar. It encompasses 152.300 Ha. The altitude is 0-100 m. The annual rainfall is about 2000 mm. The vegetation consists of lowland somewhat humid woodland and forest.
Some target species are: Black lemur (Eulemur macaco macaco), Hawks’ sportive lemur (Lepilemur tymerlachsonorum), Claire’s mouse lemur (Microcebus mamiratra), Madagascar sparrowhawk (Accipiter madagascariensis), Panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis), various mangroves (Bruguiera gymnorhiza e.a.), and Bat plant (Tacca birkinshawii).
There is a wide choice in hotel accomodation.
MANGA SOA LODGE *****
Situated in a beautiful garden near the airport, the entrance of the Lokobe park, and the boat to Constance Tsarabanjina. There are 7 luxury bungalows on the beach, a restaurant and a swimmingpol.
L’HEURE BLEUE ****
Situated on the Ambatoloaka bay near the town of Hell ville. There are luxury bungalows, and several restaurants.
RAVINTSARA *****
Situated on a private beach and in a beautiful garden with channels and tropical vegetation. There are 20 luxury bungalows and a popular restaurant,a Spa, and a large swimmingpool.
LE ZAHIR LODGE ****
Situated in a beautiful garden in the Ambatoloaka bay on the southern tip of the island. There are 8 luxury bungalows, a restaurant, and a large swimmingpool.
LE ZAHIR DE L’ILE Iranja ****
Situated on the tiny island Nosy Iranja, 12 km from Nosy Sakatia, 2-3 hours by boat from Nosy Be. There are 7 bungalows with a terace with sea view, and a restaurant.
NOSY LODGE ***
Situated 200 m from the Ambondrona beach in the middle of the bay. There are 10 comfortable bungalows with sea view, a restaurant and a swimmingpool.
ARC EN CIEL ***
Situated along the beach. There are 10 rooms with sea sight, a resturant and a swimmmingpool.
The Lokobe park is situated in the southern part of the island and can easily be reached by car.
Interesting things in the Lokobe area: The many nearby islands, the coral reef.
#19 Marojejy
The Marojejy national park is located in the Sava region of north-east Madagascar, somewhat between the Tsaratanana strict reserve in the west and the Masoala national park in the east. The park encompasses 60.050 Ha. The altitude is 75-2133 m. The annual rainfall is about 3000 mm. There are high granite and gneiss peaks, valleys, cliffs, and waterfalls. Several rivers start at Marojejy, e.g. the Manantenina and the Sambava. The vegetation consists of lowland rainforest, somewhat humid scrubland, and mountaneous rainforest.
Some target species are: Silky sifaka (Propithecus candidus), Red-bellied lemur (Eulemur rubriventer), Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis), White shrew tenrec (Microgale fotsifotsy), and the endemic mouse Voalavo gymnocaudus, the latter occurs only at Marojejy, Madagascar serpent eagle (Eutriorchis astur), Black-headed nocturnal snake (Pararhadinaea melanogaster marojejyensis), Casqued chameleon (Calumma peyrierasi), Leaf chameleon (Brookesia karchei), the froglet Mantella manery, Juracic tree (Takhtajania perrieri), Cooke’s dwarf palm (Dypsis cookei), Menamosona palm (Dypsis marojejyi), the Dwarf palms Dypsis pumila and D. spicata, Tree fern (Cyathea alticola), Marojejy screw pine (Pandanus marojejicus), and Phyllanthus marojejiensis with rudimentary leaves.
There are camping facilities and basic bungalows on different locations in the park, and the nearest hotel accomodation is in the town of Andapa, and more luxury accomodation in the city of Sambawa.
The entrance of Marojejy is located along the road from Sambawa to the town of Manampenina, 60 km from Sambawa, and 40 km from Andapa.
#20 Masoala
The Masoala national park is located along the Masoala peninsula in north-east Madagascar, south of the city of Antalaha and north of the city of Maroansetra. The park encompasses 217.500 Ha within a larger protected area of 520.000 Ha. There are hills toward the western mountains, and rivers, gorges, waterfalls, swamps, coastline and marine reserves.
The altitude is 0-633 m. The annual rainfall is about 5000 mm. The vegetation consists of lowland rainforest.
Some target species are: Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), East woolly lemur (Avahi laniger), Red-ruffed lemur (Varecia rubra), Northern ring-tailed mongoose (Galidia elegans dambrensis), Madagascar serpent eagle (Eutriorchis astur), Short-legged ground-roller (Brachypteracias leptosomus), Brown mesite (Mesitornis unicolor), Eastern greater vasa parrot (Coracopsis vasa vasa), Dusky greenbul (Phyllastrephus tenebrosus), Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus), Tomato Frog (Dyscophus antongilii), Dransfield’s feather palm (Dypsis dransfieldii), Fan palm (Orania trispatha), Satranabe palm (Satranala decussilvae).
There are camping facilities in the park and basic and luxury hotel accomodation in the towns of Cap Est and Cap Masoala.
MASOALA FOREST LODGE *****
Situated in the middle of the rain forest, adjacent to the Tampolo Marine Reserve and reached by boat from Maroansetra. There are 6 luxury safari tents, a bar and a restaurant.
The Masoala entrance is located 40 km south of Antala, but most visitors start from Maroantsetra and take a boat to the peninsula. The best months for visiting are October-December.
Interesting things in the Masoala area: The Bay of Antongil between the north and east sides of the peninsula, Cap Est (the eastern tip of Madagascar), 3 marine parks, the nearby island reserve of Nosy Mangabe.
#21 Nosy Mangabe
The Nosy Mangabe special reserve is located on the Mangabe island in the Bay of Antongil, east of the city of Maroantsetra in north-east Madagascar. The reserve encompasses 550 Ha. There are beaches and a rocky hill. The altitude is 0-331 m. The annual rainfall is about 4000 mm. The vegetation consists of rainforest.
Some target species are: Diademed sifaka (Propithecus diadema), Black and white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata variegata), White-fronted brown lemur (Eulemur albifrons), Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis), Four-fingered rice tenrec (Oryzorictes talpoides), Short-legged ground-roller (Brachypteracias leptosomus), Madagascar white-eye (Zosterops maderaspatana), Webb’s frog (Gephyromantis webbi), Baron’s climbing rosewood (Dalbergia baronii), and Narrow-leaved tree (Aspidostemon microphyllum).
There are very basic camping facilities on the island.
The reserve can be reached by boat from Maroantsetra, which will take 25-45 minutes.
#22 Analamerana
The Analamerana special reserve is located in North-east Madagascar, south-east of the city of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez). The reserve is bordered by steep rocks and the Irodo river in the north, by the Loky River in the south, by the mouth of the Irodo River in the east, and by streams toward the Anivorano River in the west. The reserve encompasses 43.700 Ha. There is an eroded limestone plateau near the ocean, and the Ankarana/Analamerana Massif, with valleys and streams, and includes part of the Bobakindro river.
The altitude is 10-608 m. The annual rainfall is 980-1500 mm. The vegetation consists of dry woodland, forest, some mangrove forest, but also river vegetation along the 8 streams.
Some target species are: The all-black Perrier’s sifaka (Propithecus perrieri), Indri (Indri indri), Crowned lemur (Eulemur coronatus), Northern reddish-brown mouse lemur (Microcebus tavaratra), Madagascar fish-eagle (Haliaeetus vociferoides), Madagascar pond-heron (Ardeola idae), White-breasted mesite (Mesitornis variegata), Van Dam’s vanga (Xenopirostris damii), Petter’s chameleon (Furcifer petteri), Analamerana rosewood (Dalbergia pseudoviguieri), 3 species of Baobab (Adansonia ssp.), the endangered tree Hilsenbergia labatii, and the poorly known shrub Cladogelonium madagascariense with its flattened green branches for photosynthesis.
There are many hotels in the city of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez).
KITE PARADISE ****
Situated on the Sakalava Bay, 20 km from Antsiranana. There are With budget rooms with shared facilities, luxury bungalows with sea view, and glamping options in this kitesurfing and windsurfing as well as kitefoiling resort.
ALLAMANDA ***
Situated in the city near the sea. There are 24 modern and comfortable rooms, and a restaurant.
SUAREZ HOTEL ***
Situated on a hill with sea sight. There are 12 comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a swimmingpool.
NATURE LODGE ***
Situated about 7 km from the entrance of the Montagne d’Ambre park in a beautiful natural environment. There are 12 comfortable bungalows on poles, a cosy bar and a restaurant.
The entrance is near the village of Menagisy, 20 km south-east of Montagne d’Ambre national park, 36 km south-east of the town of Anivorano, and 70/100 km south-east of Antsiranana. It is reached from Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) along the Rn 6 to the village of Sadjoavato, 60 km, followed by a very poor quality road to Ankarongana, another 25 km, and finally by foot to the entrance.
Interesting things in the Analamerana area: The Tsingy de Terre Rouge, close to the Irodo river, the Andrafiamena classified forest, the sacred crocodiles in the Anivorano lake.
#23 Bora
The Bora special nature reserve is located in the Sofia region of North Madagascar, between the villages of Antsohihy and Bealalana, about 35 km from Antsohihy. The area encompasses 4841 Ha. The reserve consists of lowlands with hills of modest height, volcanic rock, and the Anjingo river in the east.
The vegetation consists of dry savanna, woodland and forest, a substantial area of degraded land, and some humid forest.
Some target species are: Ambarijeby mouse lemur(Microcebus danfossi), Brown lemur (Eulemur fulvus), Western woolly lemur (Avahi occidentalis), Coquerel’s sifaka (Propithecus coquereli), aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis), Humblot’s heron (Ardea humbloti), Madagascar lesser cuckoo (Cuculus rochii), Ashy cuckoo-shrike (Coracina cinerea), Long-billed greenbul (Phyllastrephus madagascariensis), Madagascar bulbul (Hypsipetes madagascariensis), Common new- tonia (Newtonia brunneicauda), Common jery (Neomixis tenella), Madagascar paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone mutata), Madagascar white-eye (Zosterops maderaspatana), Blue vanga (Cyanolanius madagascarinus), Crested drongo (Dicrurus forficatus), Madagascar sandgrouse (Pterocles personatus).
There is hotel accomodation in Antsohihy.
SOFIA BELLEVUE ***
Situated in the village of Antsohihy. There are 30 large and comfortable rooms and a restaurant with outstanding panorana. A swimmingpool is available.
The reserve can be reached from the north via Rn 31, which runs between Antsohihy and Bealalana, and also from the south, via the road between North Befandriana and Antsohihy.
Notes: The period between May and October is dry and the nights chilly.
#24 Tampoketsa-Analamaintso
The Tampoketsa-Analamaintso special nature reserve is located in the Sofia region of north Madagascar, 42 km of the village of Sahalentina. The area encompasses 17.150 Ha. It has both humid eastern and dry western influences. The vegetation consists of rainforest as well as dry forest, savanna, and dry plants and succulents on the higher altitudes.
Some target species are: Brown lemur (Eulemur fulvus), Medium dwarf lemur (Cheirogalus medius), Rufous mouse lemur (Microcebus rufus).
There is basic hotel accomodation in Sahalentina. The reserve is difficult to reach and is not accessable in the rainy season as the whole area can be inundated.
#25 Marotandrano
The Marotandrano special reserve is located in north Madagascar, near the town of Mandritsara and South of the town of Marotandrano. The reserve encompasses 42.200 Ha. There are steep-sided hills, valleys, swamps, savanna,and parts of the Amboaboa, Andranokelilalina, and Andramy rivers which flow to the Indian Ocean, and the Vatolahy and Mahatsara rivers, which flow to the Mozambique Channel. The altitude is 700-1200 m. The annual rainfall is about 2000 mm. The vegetation consists of humid and somewhat humid grassland, scrubland, and forest.
Some target species are: Diademed sifaka (Propithecus diadema), Black and white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata variegata), White-fronted brown lemur (Eulemur albifrons), Small-toothed sportive lemur (Lepilemur microdon), Hairy-eared dwarf lemur (Allocebus trichotis), Northern bamboo lemur (Hapalemur occidentalis), Red-bellied lemur (Eulemur rubriventer), Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis), Madagascar serpent eagle (Eutriorchis astur), Madagascar red owl (Tyto soumagnei), Madagascar Hog-nosed snake (Leioheterodon madagascariensis), Palm Fern (Cibotium madagascariensis).
The nearest basic hotel accomodation is in the town of Mandritsara. The entrance is situated 10 Km south of the town of Marotandrano, 6 km from Ambodifano, and 4 km south of Mandritsara. Access is only possible with a four-wheel drive car and in the dry season.
#26 Manongarivo
The Manongarivo special nature reserve is located in the Diana region of north-west Madagascar, 35-60 km North of the town of Ambanja. It encompasses 32.700 Ha. The annual rainfall is about 2096 mm. There is the Manongarivo river running through the reserve and many streams toward the Sambirano and other rivers.
The landscape is full of hills, valleys, huge bolders and mountaneous areas. The vegetation consists of somewhat humid forest.
Some target species are: Northern bamboo lemur (Hapalemur occidentalis), Black lemur (Eulemur macaco macaco), Sambirano woolly lemur (Avahi unicolor), Brown lemur (Eulemur fulvus), Sambirano fork-crowned dwarf lemur (Phaner parienti), Gray’s sportive lemur (Lepilemur dorsalis), Northern giant mouse lemur (Mirza zaza), Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis), Sambirano mouse lemur (Microcebus sambiranensis), Madagascar sparrowhawk (Accipiter madagascariensis), Madagascar green pigeon (Treron australis), Velvet asity (Philepitta castanea), Schlegel asity (Philepitta schlegeli), feather palm (Dypsis acuminum).
There is basic hotel accomodation in the town of Ambanja.
The entrance can be reached by four-wheel drive car, a 60 km trip from the town of Ambanja.
Interesting things in the Manongarivo vicinity: the Mahamanina waterfall with a height of 60 m.
#27 Bemarivo
The Bemarivo special nature reserve is located in north-west Madagascar, about 5 km of the Mozambique Channel. The area encompasses 32.090 Ha. The annual rainfall is about 1000 mm. The Bemarivo river flows through the reserve, just as smaller streams like Ampandra and Marotondro that dry up in the dry season between May and December. There are several lakes. The vegetation consists of savanna and dry deciduous forest.
Some target species are: Sambirano woolly lemur (Avahi unicolour), Madagascan fish eagle (Haliaeetus vociferoides), Bernier’s teal (Anas bernieri), Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus), Madagascar ground boa (Acrantophis madagascariensis), and Bismarck palm (Bismarckia nobilis).
The nearest basic hotel accomodation is in Besalampy.
The reserve can be reached by four-wheel drive car from Besalampy.
#28 Zahamalaza
The Sahamalaza national park, locally named Îles Radama, is located on a peninsula in the Sofia region of north-west Madagascar, about 100 km South of the island of nosy Be. It encompasses 15.3200 Ha across the Sahamalaza peninsula. The altitude is 0-400 m. The vegetation consists of dry forest and some mangrove forest (the Berara forest).
Some target species are: Blue-eyed black lemur (Eulemur macaco flavifrons), Sahamalaza sportive lemur (Lepilemur sahamalazensis), Madagascar fish eagle (Haliaeetus vociferoides), the newly described treefrog Boophis ankarafensis and other rare frogs, i.e. Cophyla berara, and all 8 different Malagasy mangrove species.
There is no hotel accomodation in the vicinity.
ANKARAFA CAMP *
Situated in the Ankarafa Forest in Sahamalaza Peninsula.
There are 8 safari tents ents basic meals can be served. By using this camp guests support the survival of the critically endangered Blue-eyed black lemur.
The park is difficult to access by four-wheen drive car from the town of Analalava.
#29 Daraina
The Daraina nature reserve is located in the utmost north-east of Madagascar. It encompasses 25.000 Ha. The altitude is 0-400 m. The reserve includes small islands and a coral reef. There are the Loky and Manambato rivers flowing through the reserve. The vegetation consists of savanna, scrubland and dry deciduous forest.
Some target species are: Gold crowned sifaka (Propithecus tattersalli), Crowned lemur (Eulemur coronatus), Sanford’s lemur (Eulemur sanfordi), Daraina sportive lemur (Lepilemur milanoi), Petter’s chameleon (Furcifer patteri), Leaf-tail gecko (Uroplatus henkeli), the feather palms Dypsis acuminum, D. gauteri and Ravenea beentjei, the latter 2 occur nowhere else.
There are camping facilities in the reserve, but visitors should bring their own equipment and enough food and drinks. The nearest hotel accomodation is in the town of Vohemar.
The Daraina reserve is reached via Rn 5A, 120 km from Ambilobe and 40 km from Vohémar. The road is extremely poor and can’t be used after rain.
#30 Tsaratanana
The Tsaratanana strict nature reserve is closed to the public and located in the Diana area of north-west Madagascar, 57 km of the Bealanana village and about 80 km south-east of the town of Ambanja. The area encompasses 48.622 Ha. The altitude is 300-2876 m with the Maromokotro as the highest peak of Madagascar. The vegetation consists of humid and mountaneous plants and trees. There are several rivers, among them the Bemarivo, Sambirano and Ramena. With waterfalls and thermo baths.
Some target species are: Black lemur (Eulemur macaco macaco), Red-bellied lemur (Eulemur rubriventer), Greater dwarf lemur(Cheirogaleus major), Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis), Crossley’s ground-roller (Atelornis crossleyi), Cryptic warbler (Cryptosylvicola randianasoloi), Yellow-bellied sunbird-asity (Neodrepanis hypoxantha), Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus), Feather palms (Dypsis oreophila, D. ankaizinensis, D. tsaratanensis).
Notes: Visitors require a special permit. This isolated reserve is very difficult to access.