+44 (0)20 8741 7390 Taking you up into the far reaches of Northern Madagascar, this unforgettable journey encompasses a remarkable richness of landscapes and wildlife. Beginning with one of the world s largest deep-water ports, you ll venture into primeval forests in search of endangered sifakas, walk across unique Jurassic limestone spires and relax on beaches lapped by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Flying north from Antananarivo, your adventure begins in Diego Suarez, your gateway into the spectacular wild beauty of the Amber Mountain National Park and the Andrafiamena Special Reserve. Here you will walk amongst landscapes that are a haven for rare birds, breathtaking waterfalls and an array of endemic flora and fauna. From there you then turn south, towards the unique limestone scenery of the Ankara Special reserve and one of the highlights of the journey, its extraordinary red tsingy spires. The final leg of the journey then sees you crossing by boat to the island paradise of Nosy Be, where the climax of the adventure affords a chance to enjoy golden beaches, fresh seafood and an opportunity to swim and snorkel in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean before taking the return flight back to Tana. HIGHLIGHTS: Learn about the fascinating history of Diego Suarez Spot lemurs in the Amber Mountain National Park Walk across the extraordinary red tsingy of the Ankarana Special Reserve Enjoy the palm-fringed beaches of Nosy Be Sample delicious seafood, freshly grilled over an open fire TOUR INCLUDES: 14 nights accommodation in traditional hotels and lodges 14 breakfasts and 14 dinners Private road transport throughout the trip Shared boar transfer from Ankify to Nosy Be Two internal flights (baggage restrictions will apply) Locally guided activities where indicated All local taxes and charges
*Please note, the prices shown above are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: ANTANANARIVO Arriving in the Madagascan capital this afternoon you will be collected from the airport and transferred to a nearby hotel for an overnight stay. (D) DAY 2: ANTANANARIVO - DIEGO SUAREZ After breakfast this morning you will be transferred back to the airport in time to catch the Air Madagascar flight up to Diego Suarez. Situated on Antsiranana Bay, in the far north of the island, the town is home to one of the largest deep-water harbours in the Indian Ocean and was greatly prized by both the Allies and the Japanese during the Second World War. On arrival there should be time this afternoon to explore this surprisingly interesting town at your leisure. (B,D) DAY 3: DIEGO SUAREZ - AMBER MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK This morning your adventure begins in earnest, with a drive through the captivating countryside of Northern Madagascar. Your destination is the volcanic landscapes of the Amber Mountain National Park, one of Madagascar's most biologically diverse reserves. Renowned for its endemic flora and fauna, after lunch at the lodge, this afternoon provides an opportunity to head out in search of, amongst others, crowned and Sandford's brown lemurs. (B,D) DAY 4: AMBER MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK Covering an area of some 45,000 acres, the park is home to several crater lakes, spectacular waterfalls and towering montane rainforests that provide a haven for 75 different species of birds. In the company of your guide you'll head out to explore some of its extensive walking trails today, many of which lead up to the cascading falls. There will also be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the spectacular views and abundant wildlife that assail you at every turn. (B,D) DAY 5: AMBER MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK - ANDRAFIAMENA SPECIAL RESERVE Following a leisurely morning the journey continues later today with a drive on towards the Andrafiamena Special Reserve. Sandwiched between the eastern coast, the central plateau and the northwestern corner of the country, the reserve is remarkably well blessed with a huge diversity of resident flora that provide shelter for one of the world's most endangered primates, the Perrier's sifaka. After lunch and a chance to settle in, the rest of the day is free to relax and prepare for the next stage of the adventure. (B,D)
DAY 6: ANDRAFIAMENA SPECIAL RESERVE This much under-visited reserve is the perfect setting for wildlife enthusiasts and birders alike, with plenty of lemurs on display, as well as ring-tailed mongoose, white-breasted mesites and the possibility of a rare sighting of a Van Dam's vanga. Returning to the lodge later this afternoon, there will then be time to freshen up and relax before dinner. (B,D) DAY 7: ANDRAFIAMENA SPECIAL RESERVE - ANKARANA SPECIAL RESERVE To the south lie the spectacular limestone tsingys and dense tropical jungles of the Ankarana Special Reserve, home to one of the highest concentrations of primates on the planet. Poor roads mean this could be a long drive though, so a packed lunch will be provided for the journey and on arrival the rest of the day will be free to relax and take stock before tomorrow's walk across the limestone escarpment. (B,D) DAY 8: ANKARANA SPECIAL RESERVE One of the highlights of any trip into the dramatic landscapes of Northern Madagascar, today sees you undertaking a walk along the hauntingly beautiful and fantastically eroded limestone spires that make up the area's unique tsingy. Starting early this morning, you will receive a full safety briefing before setting out to scramble and hike along the sharp rock formations of this remarkably ancient natural fortress, with ample opportunity to marvel at the stunning views and take some memorable photographs. (B,D) DAY 9: ANKARANA SPECIAL RESERVE - ANKIFY - NOSY BE Departing Ankarana early this morning you will then be transferred on to the coastal town of Ankify from where you will take a boat out towards the tropical paradise of Nosy Be. Located in the Indian Ocean, just off the northwestern coast, this is home to Madagascar's premier resort and, arriving in time for lunch, the rest of the afternoon is then free to make the most of the clear, sheltered waters and golden beaches. (B,D) DAY 10: NOSY BE With a variety of watersports on offer at the lodge, you can spend today enjoying a range of activities from sailing and windsurfing, to kayaking and stand-up paddle boards. In between activities you can enjoy the stunning sea views and lapping waters of the Indian Ocean with a good book and a welcome drink. (B,D)
DAY 11: NOSY BE If you feel like venturing a little farther afield, Nosy Be has a few spots of interest to explore, including the town of Hell-Ville and the nearby island of Nosy Komba, a veritable Garden of Eden that is home to an abundance of lemurs, chameleons, birds and tortoises. Occupying the waters of the Mozambique Channel, a tour around Nosy Be provides a fascinating insight into the easy pace of island life which, if you can believe it, is even slower than on the mainland. (B,D) DAY 12: NOSY BE Its prime coastal location means that superb seafood is a feature of practically every meal here and, for those so inclined, a fishing trip can be arranged to provide you with the chance to catch your own supper. For those looking for a more relaxing time on terra firma, the lodge offers the benefits of a small and expertly staffed spa with a range of treatments on offer. (B,D) DAY 13: NOSY BE A final day on the island provides one last chance to soak up the sun and atmosphere of this idyllic setting, perhaps with a stroll along the golden sands followed by some specially arranged sundowner drinks to ensure that your final evening on Nosy Be will be one that will last long in the memory. (B,D) DAY 14: NOSY BE - ANTANANARIVO Transferring to Nosy Be's airport this morning you will take the Air Madagascar flight back down to Antananarivo, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel for a final evening in the capital. Depending on your arrival time, it may be possible to enjoy a fascinating afternoon city tour of historic old "Tana". (B,D) DAY 15: ANTANANARIVO After a relaxing morning, you will be transferred back to the airport today for your onward flight. (B)
ACCOMMODATION AMBER MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK NATURE LODGE Nature Lodge occupies is just seven kilometres from the stunning Amber Mountain National Park and thirty kilometres from the airport at Diego Suarez. The lodge has twelve spacious bungalows which are dotted around the lush grounds full of mango and litchi trees. Inside the rooms are comfortable and simply furnished with hardwood floors, mosquito net draped beds and well-appointed en-suite bathrooms. They all have a private terrace at the front which affords guests wonderful views out across the surrounding countryside. The main area of the lodge has a lovely open-plan lounge area and an intimate dining room where a variety of local and international dishes are served. There is also a lovely outdoor terrace, ideal for meals when the weather is fine, and the vibrant bar is a lovely place for a nightcap. The lodge is ideally located for exploring the nearby Amber Mountain National Park and day trips to the Tsingy de Ankarana are also possible, with the lodge able to provide delicious picnic lunches for day trips and also onward travel days. ANDRAFIAMENA SPECIAL RESERVE BLACK LEMURS CAMP Tucked away in a quiet forested area of the Andrafiamena Special Reserve, the simple yet functional Black Lemurs Camp is the best option in the area for a few nights stay and the explore this stunning and much under-visited part of Madagascar. There are just 10 Bungalows at the camp, including two very large Family Bungalows, all of which are raised up on wooden decks with tented sides and folding glass doors at the front. Inside they are spacious and comfortable with mosquito net draped beds, plenty of storage space and en-suite bathrooms. The main area of the lodge is a large thatched roof dining room, lounge and bar area which commands stunning views out across the forest which surrounds the camp. The restaurant serves a range of local and Western cuisine with a focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. A number of fantastic walks are on offer in the area surrounding the camp as well as treks to some beautiful natural swimming pools which are found in the forest. ANKARANA SPECIAL RESERVE
ANKARANA LODGE Found just off the National Route 6 on the approach to the Ankarana Special Reserve, Ankarana Lodge is the most comfortable accommodation option in the area and the ideal spot from which to explore the extraordinary reserve with which it shares its name. There are 12 bedrooms in total at the lodge, with 8 Bungalows, 3 Standard Rooms and a larger Family Apartment. The rooms are all spacious and well-appointed with stone floors to help keep them cool, mosquito net draped beds and en-suite bathrooms. There is a covered terrace at the front of each room with chairs and a small table. The rooms do all have air-conditioning, however this only works in the evenings when the electricity is functioning. The main part of the lodge is an open-plan lounge, dining and bar area which looks out over the sparkling swimming pool. The food here is very good, with a variety of traditional Malagasy and Western dishes on offer. With easy access in to the park this is a great spot for explore the stunning tsingy for which the area is known as well as for spotting the diverse and abundant wildlife which is such a strong characteristic of Northern Madagascar. ANTANANARIVO GASSY COUNTRY HOUSE The charming Gassy Country House is found just a five minute drive from Antananarivo International Airport making it the ideal spot to spend arrival nights as well as any pre-flight nights to avoid battling through Tana s notoriously awful traffic. The property is set down a side street and has 13 Standard Rooms as well as 11 Suites. All of the rooms are spacious and comfortable with en-suite bathrooms, tiled floors, TV screens and mosquito net draped beds. The suites have separate sitting areas and balconies looking out across the swimming pool so are a great choice. There is a lovely restaurant adjacent to the pool which serves a wide selection of local and International dishes whilst the wide veranda with its sofas and comfortable chairs is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon with a good book. Owned and run by a reputable local tour operator, whose office is next door, this is an excellent option for overnight stays in Tana. Many itineraries, especially those which involve a lot of flights, all of which route through Tana, will include several nights at Gassy Country House and although this may seem like overkill, the unreliability of internal flight schedules do mean that these nights are necessary. DIEGO SUAREZ ALLAMANDA HOTEL NOSY BE
MANGA SOA LODGE Manga Soa is a lovely small lodge overlooking Befefika Beach on the tropical island paradise of Nosy Be. There is a very relaxed feel to a stay at the lodge and guests are able to spend their time here being pampered to their heart s content. There are five Bungalows here as well as a larger Suite and a Villa, so the lodge can house a maximum of 20 people at any one time, which provides a wonderful feeling of intimacy. The rooms are all very spacious and comfortable with hardwood floors, large windows which open up to provide wonderful sea views and spacious en-suite bathrooms. The main area of the lodge is found down towards the beach and this is where one finds the restaurant and bar area. For those not wanting to swim in the sea there is a lovely rim-flow swimming pool and sun loungers although the beach and warm waters of the Indian Ocean are just a few steps away. Manga Soa is certainly one of the more charming and traditional lodges on Nosy Be and is a wonderful spot to spend a few nights relaxing after a busy tour through Northern Madagascar. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Fax +44 (0) 20 8741 3610 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com