There are two diurnal lemur species, thecommon brown lemur and Coquerel's sifaka,both of which are easily seen. Nocturnal speciesinclude sportive and mouse lemurs. A stay at Anjajavy is as much about the coast asthe forest. Boat trips explore the mysteriousislands of Moramba Bay, where there are sacredbaobab trees and Sakalava tombs tucked high incaves and on ledges in the limestone cliffs.Running the length of the reserve is a series ofsmall coves, each one more beautiful than thelast. Paths lead from one to the other meaningthat you can take a picnic and your snorkellingequipment and spend an afternoon on your own private beach.ANJAJAVYL'HÔTEL, ANJAJAVYPRIVATENATURERESERVEAnjajavy is set in extensive tropical gardens,backed by thick forest and looking out over theturquoise waters of the Mozambique Channel.There are 25 air-conditioned rosewood villas, allof which face the sea and are a step away fromthe beach. Early in the morning, Madagascarlovebirds, red fodys and Madagascar wagtails flitabout the gardens. In the afternoons, groups ofbrown lemurs and Coquerel's sifakas leap throughthe trees to the forest behind. The atmosphere iswarm and relaxed at Anjajavy and it is a perfectplace to lounge by the pool, explore idyllicbeaches and savour the excellent food, especiallythe freshly-baked pastries. There are also plentyof active options, including walks in the forest,village visits, boat trips in the mangroves, sailing,snorkelling, and kayaking. We recommend thatyou stay for at least five days to really explore this remote and idyllic area.Anjajavy Private Nature ReserveWith an idyllically remote location onMadagascar's northwest coast, Anjajavy is reachedonly by air. Flying towards the airstrip you passthick forest that stops abruptly at the sea, shadingwhite sand coves separated by limestoneheadlands. A handful of dhows and pirogues bobin the water and in small clearings you see thethatched huts of the Sakalava fishing villages. The Anjajavy Private Nature Reserve covers anarea of 450 hectares and is predominantly drydeciduous forest. There are over 1,800 floralspecies to be found here, most endemic andseveral medicinal. Wildlife is prolific and a walkthrough the forest reveals chameleons, frogs and spore of bush-pigs and the elusive fossa.124Pirogue offshore from AnjajavyThe pool at Anjajavy L'HôtelA rosewood chalet at Anjajavy L'HôtelSifaka

TSARAKOMBA, NOSYKOMBATsara Komba is a characterful little property setabove an idyllic beach on Nosy Komba. Granitepathways flanked by beautiful tropical flowers lead you from the beach up to the eight thatched bungalows dotted around the hillside.Each bungalow has a large bedroom andbathroom and shady veranda with stunning seaview. Also perched on the hillside are therestaurant and bar, shaded by thatch but open to the sea breeze. The restaurant serves excellentMalagasy and French food with the emphasis onseafood. There is a good selection of wine as wellas Tsara Komba's famous coconut rum punch.www.audleytravel.com/madagascar ?01993 838 585 ?Madagascar125Baobab BeachBaobab Beach is a remote stretch of coastline onthe furthest tip of the Anjanojano Peninsula, onlyaccessible by boat from the small fishing village ofAnkify or the island of Nosy Be. There is a longstretch of beach, backed by forest and dottedwith baobab trees. The forest is home to anumber of lemurs including a troop of fifty whichare seen most days. Turtles use the beach to nest and visitors can often watch the youngturtles hatch. Offshore, humpback whales may beseen during the seasonal migration from July toSeptember and dolphins are present year-round.EDENLODGE, BAOBABBEACHEden Lodge is built on the edge of Baobab Beachin grounds of 20 acres. It prides itself on its eco-credentials with 90% of its energy providedby solar panels. There are eight tents set undermakuti thatch. At the front of each tent, a shadyveranda has ocean views whilst at the back, an en suite bathroom opens onto a private massagearea. An open air dining room serves goodMalagasy and Oriental cuisine. Snorkelling fromthe beach at Eden is particularly rewarding asthere is abundant healthy coral and a goodnumber of turtles. Chameleons and lemurs arereadily seen in the gardens.Eden LodgeTsara Komba, Nosy KombaNosy KombaNosy Komba is a beautiful island a few kilometresaway from the mainland, known for its populationof habituated black lemurs. Hills fold dramaticallyinto the water, creating sandy coves and shelteredharbours for fishing villages. The island's mainsettlement is Ampangorinana, where the villagersnow have a keen eye for business: the dusty lanesare lined with embroidered tablecloths, wovenbaskets and wood carvings. Outside the village,island life is quiet. There are numerous desertedcoves to explore as well as paths that leadthrough tavy farms and into the hills where youwill find birds, chameleons and black lemurs.View from a chalet at Tsara KombaOne of Anjajavy's beachesBaobab Beach