Madagascar The North & Beach: Nosy Be & Montagne d'Ambre Reserve

You visit the Montagne D'Ambre National Park, a well preserved section of northern montane rainforest. The park is about 1 hour's drive south-west of Diego. It is a popular hiking venue on the island. Splendid scenery, including lush montane rainforest, crater lakes and the island's two best-known waterfalls. You will see Crowned and Sanford's Brown lemurs and birds like Madagascar Crested Ibis, the endemic Montagne d'Ambre Rock-thrush and White-throated Oxylabes). It is also good for various reptiles including the tiny stump-tailed chameleons which being terrestrial may be found underfoot and if your eyes are sharp the remarkable master of camouflage, the Leaf-tailed Gecko may spring into view.

Nosy Be's tropical climate and 'Indian Ocean holiday island' appeal make it one of Madagascar's leading sea, sun & sand destination. To make the most of your time on Nosy Be, make sure you visit the surrounding islands. Deservedly the most popular of these, is Nosy Tanikely, a marine reserve around which the reefs offer astounding snorkelling and diving opportunities. Then there's Nosy Komba, an unofficial 'sanctuary' for a thriving population of endangered Black Lemurs.

Itinerary: 7 nights

DAY 1: Fly to Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the Central Highlands. On arrival proceed through customs and immigration and make your way to the Domestic Terminal for your flight to Nosy Be Island. You will be met on arrival by a representative of the hotel. Transfer to the hotel of your choice.
DAY 2: Day at leisure. Overnight stay at the Hotel of your choice.
DAY 3: Day at leisure. Overnight stay at the Hotel of your choice.
DAY 4: Day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel of your choice.
DAY 5: Transfer to the airport and fly to Diego Suarez. Transfer to the Hotel of your choice (Le Domain de Fontenay or Nature Lodge) (dinner, bed and breakfast)
DAY 6: Whole day to explore Montagne d'Ambre. Overnight stay at Le Domain de Fontenay or Nature Lodge) (dinner, bed and breakfast)
DAY 7: Transfer back to Diego Suarez and fly to Antananarivo. Transfer to the Palissandre Hotel & Spa for the last night (B&B)
DAY 8: Transfer to the airport for return flight to Johannesburg.

** For descriptions of hotels scroll down to Important links
** For an accurate online quote see links to online quoting below

Prices include:
International (ex Johannesburg) and internal Malagasy flights, all accommodation and meals as indicated, all excursions with car and driver, guides in the reserves, entry permits and all airport-hotel transfers

Prices Do Not include:
Meals not indicated, drinks, tips to guides, porters etc., any personal expenses, travel insurance, airport taxes and visa fees.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2007):
upmarket option: about US$ 2043 Euro 1687
middle market option: about US$ 1978 Euro 1634