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 MIDLocated 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 1,250 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 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.Hotel Relais du Masoala MIDThis 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.Masoala Forest Lodge HIGH OUR CHOICESet 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 tastefully furnished, some with en-suite facilities. The restaurant serves simple local cuisine and bakes its own bread and pastries.Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com51AFRICA | MADAGASCAR

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 HIGHLocated 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 MIDThis 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 MIDSet 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. Ranomafana National Park Established in 1991 to protect the then newly discovered golden bamboo lemur, Ranomafana is one of the most important wildlife sites in Madagascar and amongst the island's very best rainforest reserves. Its pleasant climate, misty forest slopes, spectacular views, picturesque rushing river and huge diversity of species, make it a deserved favourite. It is one of the best places to see Milne-Edward's sifaka, greater bamboo lemur and red-bellied lemur. Birdwatching is also very good as many rainforest endemics, such as pitta-like ground rollers, are often seen. Reptiles, frogs and invertebrates are also abundant including the bizarre giraffe-necked weevil. Centrest MIDThis is a simple lodge on the outskirts of Ranomafana overlooking the national park, and providing a comfortable base. Rooms are en-suite and there is a nice bar and restaurant.Setam Lodge MIDThis new lodge comprises a series of semi-detached bungalows with well-furnished rooms. The main lodge and restaurant have impressive views across the valley to the forest and early mornings with swirling mists can be particularly atmospheric. The lodge's close proximity to the park entrance make it a convenient base from which to explore the area.Kirindy Forest Kirindy is a couple of hours drive from Morondava via the famous Allé de Baobabs. The dry forest of Kirindy is extremely rich in wildlife and is the best place to see a number of peculiar endemics such as giant jumping rat, narrow-striped mongoose and fosa. Lemur watching is also excellent. By day Verreaux's sifakas and red-fronted brown lemurs are frequently seen and at night you may see Madame Berthe's mouse lemur - the smallest primate in the world. In the summer months in particular, reptiles are extremely numerous - often seen is Labord's chameleon which has spectacular rainbow colours. Kirindy Camping The tourist facilities in Kirindy are at best rudimentary. There is a basic camp and a small restaurant.Zombitse National Park Zombitse, which lies between Isalo and Toliara, is a remnant of transitional forest between the western and southern regions. Despite its isolation and small size, it offers excellent opportunities to see interesting species. This forest is of particular interest to birdwatchers, being home to one of the country's rarest endemics, Appert's greenbul, but also many other species like giant coua, crested ibis and cuckoo roller. Verreaux's sifakas and red-fronted brown lemurs are also seen, as are sportive lemurs. There is nowhere to stay here, so it is generally best to visit early in the morning, while en-route elsewhere.Isalo National Park Isalo is unlike any other place in Madagascar. Its appeal is the remarkable landscape of eroded sandstone outcrops, canyons and rare plants. There are spectacular vistas at every turn - this is a wonderful place for photographers. In the valleys there are ribbons of green where delicate feather palms and Pandanus grow, while on the cliffs and rocks endemic succulents such as the bizarre elephant's foot plant fl ourish. In the gorges where patches of forest thrive, there are also troops of Verreaux's sifakas, red-fronted brown lemurs and ring-tailed lemurs.52Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982