Amber Mountain National Park Vacations

Just 27km south of Diégo Suarez in the very far north, savannah gives way to an isolated block of evergreen montane forest as featured in David Attenborough's series 'Life in Cold Blood'. The Montagne d’Ambre National Park covers 18,200ha and is often regarded as the island's most scenically attractive park, with features including four crater lakes and three waterfalls. An abundance of wildlife is also a large draw card for those wanting an Amber Mountain tailor made holiday.

With a well-planned system of trails covering about 25km and fanning out from the picnic spot Les Rousettes, the massif is one of the best places to go hiking in Madagascar. While most trails are graded as easy, some, such as the trail to Cascade d’Antomboka and beyond, can take half a day covering some relatively arduous terrain. Climate in the park is on average at least 5°C cooler than in Diego Suarez, with higher, unpredictable rainfall. Most visitors see Sanford’s and crowned lemurs, and the animated northern ring-tailed vontsira (mongoose) is easily seen by day. Birders may see Madagascar crested ibis, spectacled greenbul, Ambre Mountain rock-thrush and white-throated oxylabes. The rich reptile and amphibian life includes many species of chameleon, leaf-tailed geckoes and snakes. The park is also usually included in the itineraries of butterfly enthusiasts.