Amber Mountain National Park

OVERVIEW

Explore the rainforest that blankets an astonishingly biodiverse national park that is home to some of Madagascar's most unusual plants and animals. You will first pause at Joffreville, an agricultural town that offers sweeping views of the island's lush northernmost area. Amber Mountain National Park lies due south at an even higher elevation and as you will discover it is a natural wonderland where new species are still being recorded. While walking the jungle trails, you may spot fork-striped lemurs, ring-tailed mongooses and red-breasted couas, an endemic cuckoo that inhabits the understory. The park is even more well-known for chameleons, which you may see changing flashy colors for camouflage or to show dominance over other chameleons. The vegetation is just as exotic as it includes rare orchids, flowering vine trees and precious woods used for medicinal purposes. Back in Antsiranana, you will stop to snap photos of the sugarloaf mountain in Diego Suarez Bay.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through a national park where exotic flora and fauna flourishes in the rainforest.
• Observe wildlife that may include lemurs, tropical birds and multi-colored chameleons.
• See an incredible variety of tropical plants and flowers, including endemic species.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.