Montagne d'Ambre National Park Located towards the island's northern tip, Montagne d'Ambre was Madagascar's fi rst national park and derives its name from the coloured resin that oozes from some of the trees. It is reached by fl ying to Antsiranana ( Diego Suarez), from where it is less than an hour by road. It is a cool green mountain oasis in an otherwise parched landscape with a well- maintained and labelled trail system that make it particularly rewarding, especially as crowned lemurs and Sanford's brown lemurs are frequently seen. Reptiles, especially a wonderful array of chameleons, and numerous leaf- tailed geckos are abundant. Nature Lodge MID Located a short drive from the park entrance, Nature Lodge provides comfortable accommodation with marvellous views across to the Indian Ocean. Individual thatched chalets, each with its own deck area, are simple but well- appointed, while a tasteful central restaurant and bar provides a focus. Marojejy National Park Marojejy towards the northern extreme of the rainforest belt comprises some remote and unexplored areas. This is the best place to look for the rare silky sifaka and no fewer than nine other lemur species. Other species include ring- tailed mongoose, helmet vanga plus countless reptiles and frogs. Marojejy is the last remaining place where it is possible to walk through unbroken forests from sea- level to the top of a high mountain. The view from Marojejy peak at 2,132 metres is spectacular, however not for the faint- hearted. It is reached by air into Sambava then a drive to Manantenina. It is then two hours on foot. Camps Mantella, Marojejia & Simpona Three basic but well maintained camps ( huts with bunks and separate fl ushing toilets) are located on the trail leading to the summit. Camp Mantella at about 450 metres is two- hour's walk from the park boundary; Camp Marojejia at 750 metres is an hour beyond and has one of the most impressive views across rainforest and mountains imaginable. Camp Simpona at 1250 metres is a three- hour steep hike further still. Masoala National Park The Masoala peninsula supports the largest remaining area of lowland rainforest and the greatest collection of species in Madagascar. The park occupies around 230,000 hectares of mountains and valleys cloaked in primary forest on the western side of the peninsula and in many places it drops down to glorious sandy beaches that fringe the Bay of Antongil. This is the last refuge of the beautiful red- ruffed lemur, together with numerous chameleons including panther, chameleon and tiny stump- tailed leaf chameleon. Bird rarities include helmet vanga, Bernier's vanga and Madagascar serpent eagle. On nocturnal forays you may see mouse lemurs, woolly lemurs and possibly even the extremely rare aye- aye, as seen on the recent BBC wildlife programme Last Chance to See. Hotel Relais du Masoala MID This is the fi rst stop for most trips to Masoala National Park and Nosy Mangabe. This spacious and stylish hotel comprises 12 elegant thatched bungalows, each with two double beds, set in large gardens and coconut groves adjacent to the beach. The restaurant creates a relaxed ambience and serves excellent food, with the emphasis on local produce and seafood. AFRICA | MADAGASCAR Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com51

Masoala Forest Lodge HIGH OUR CHOICE Set next to the beach, this up- market lodge brings comfortable African safari- style camping to Madagascar. Large furnished tents are set on thatched shelters, with en- suite toilets and showers with hot water. In addition to exploring the forest you can take out kayaks and snorkel in the nearby marine reserve. In July and August there are humpback whales that come into shore to breed and calve - spectacular to see from a kayak! Arol Lodge MID Located just behind the beach and near to some of the best areas of forest, Arol Lodge is simple but comfortable. Individual chalets are appropriately furnished, some with en- suite facilities. The restaurant serves simple local cuisine and bakes its own bread and pastries. Anjozorobe Part of a natural corridor that is amongst the last vestiges of forest on the high plateau. It is only about three hours drive from Antananarivo and provides a quieter and easily accessible alternative to Andasibe for those wishing to look for indris, diademed sifakas, brown lemurs and numerous chameleons. Mananara Camp MID Located adjacent to the forest, this well- run camp offers extremely comfortable accommodation in spacious safari- style tents set on permanent wooden platforms, with en- suite facilities, showers and hot water. The main lodge and restaurant is cosy and offers excellent hospitality. Andasibe- Mantadia National Park With easy access and excellent wildlife watching, this is arguably Madagascar's premier rainforest reserve. It combines the small Indri Reserve ( Analamazaotra) close to the village of Andasibe, with the much larger Mantadia National Park to the north. Close views of indri are virtually assured in the forest at Andasibe where groups of these spectacular lemurs have been habituated and there are regular sightings of brown lemurs. The superb forests of Mantadia have an extensive trail network which is very rewarding for diademed sifakas, indri, black- and- white ruffed lemurs and grey bamboo lemurs. Frequently seen birds include red- fronted coua, tylas, nuthatch, blue vanga and pitta- like ground roller. Vakona Forest Lodge HIGH Located between the two main parts of the reserve, Vakona offers a high standard of hospitality and accommodation. Set in a natural ampitheatre, that echoes to the sound of birds, the lodge is built overlooking a small lake and the restaurant is renowned for its excellent cuisine. There is also a small swimming pool. A short walk from the lodge is a private lemur reserve set on a nearby island. It will give you some wonderful close- up photographic opportunities. Hotel Feon'ny ala MID This friendly lodge is situated next to a small lake, close to the reserve entrance and has a wonderful view facing the forest. Lemurs, including indris, can often be seen directly in front of the lodge. The thatched bungalows are basic but comfortable, while the often vibrant restaurant serves good food. Eulophiella Lodge MID Set amongst spacious grounds and next to its own private area of forest, Eulophiella comprises ten A- frame bungalows and a large bar and restaurant area. The private forest here offers the chance to see indri, diademed sifakas, red- bellied lemurs and good birdwatching. Nocturnal walks in the forest are also very productive, especially for dwarf and woolly lemurs. 52 Fact! In the Bay of Antongil, the idyllic island of Nosy Mangabe offers excellent wildlife watching. It has steep forested slopes and there is a glorious golden sand beach. It has proved a safe- haven for aye- ayes that were released in the 1960s and have subsequently thrived. Far easier to see are large leaf- tailed geckos, groups of black- and- white ruffed lemurs and white- fronted brown lemurs. The island is easily reached by a short boat ride from Maroantsetra or en- route to or from Masoala National Park. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982