The North - Madagascar - page 559

Montagned'AmbreNationalParkisasplendidexampleofmontanerainforest.Themas-
sif ranges in altitude from 850m to 1,475m and has its own micro-climate with rainfall
similar to the eastern region. It is one of the most visitor-friendly of Madagascar's protec-
ted areas, with broad trails, fascinating flora and fauna, a comfortable climate and readily
available information. In the dry season vehicles can drive right up to the main picnic area,
giving a unique opportunity (in Madagascar) for elderly or disabled visitors to see the rain-
forest and its inhabitants.
WARNING! Antsiranana is now firmly on the itinerary of cruise ships, with
Montagne d'Ambre the focus of the day's excursion. This means that a hundred or more
passengers will pour into the park. Independent travellers may wish to visit the port to
check if a ship is due before planning their visit.
PERMITSANDGUIDES Permitsareavailablefromtheparkofficeattheentranceorthe
National Parks office on the outskirts of Antsiranana towards the airport. Guides can also
usuallybefoundattheparkoffice.Alltouroperatorsandmosthotelscanassistinplanning
a visit here.
GETTINGTHERE The entrance to the park is 27km south of Antsiranana, 4km from the
townofJoffreville(Ambohitra). Taxi-brousses takeaboutanhourandcost4,000Ar.Ataxi
to Joffreville costs around 45,000Ar, or 55,000Ar to the park entrance 4km further up the
hill.
WHERE TO STAY AND EAT
Joffreville
Domaine de Fontenay (8 rooms & 1 suite) 82 908 71; m 033 11 345 81;
e [e-mail] ; www.lefontenay-madagascar.com . A delightfully
quirky hotel. In a beautifully furnished & renovated manor house owned & run by couple
Karl-Heinz Horner & Marie-José de Spéville, with brother Raymond. Warm hospitality,
spacious chic rooms & delightful cooking. The house has a library & CD collection (for
use in the car stereos installed in the sides of wardrobes in rooms!) & the gardens are
home to Galileo the giant tortoise. Their 300ha private nature park is particularly good
for reptiles & is running an active reforestation programme.
Nature Lodge (12 bungalows) m 032 07 123 06; e [e-mail] ;
www.naturelodge-ambre.com . Very comfortable dbl & trpl bungalows with en-suite hot