Today is devoted to the flora and fauna of Amber Mountain National Park (Montagne d'Ambre), the first national park ever established in Madagascar, with many lovely waterfalls and streams.
Extending over 18,000 hectares, this rainforest is most famous for its insects and reptiles - including many species of chameleons, frogs, lizards and other amphibians, which are most active in the wet season. This is the place to see the large colourful Panther Chameleon and the amazingly camouflaged Leaf Tailed Gecko. Also the tiny Pygmy Stump-Tailed Chameleon, one of the smallest in the world, that so enthused TV naturalist David Attenborough when it perched on the tip of his thumb.
The flora in this park are also spectacular, with over 1,000 different plant species. You can see strangler figs, birds’ nest ferns, many beautiful orchids and rare cycads. And for the true enthusiast, because it’s a long walk, the rarest of all baobabs is found here - the massive Rainforest Baobab.
Here you can also hope to see two species of lemurs found only in this region - the pretty Crowned Lemur and Sanford’s Brown Lemur - although seven different species live here (5 diurnal and 2 nocturnal).
If you are up in the early morning, you will see many birds such as the gorgeous ground-roller, the spectacled greenbul, Madagascar crested ibis, white-throated oxylabes and much more. On one of the longer walks, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pool at the base of the Grande Cascade waterfall.
In the dry season you can drive right up to the picnic area, giving those who cannot walk far the opportunity of seeing some wildlife without venturing onto the longer trails. A short, level walk from here brings you to the Sacred Waterfall, a fern-fringed grotto where bats roost.
March to April (i.e the end of the wet season) are the best moths to see reptiles.
Note: Tracking lemurs is done on foot. Some trails are demanding, but your guide will be mindful of your level of fitness and adapt your route accordingly. Wear walking boots with good tread and carry proper rain gear, including lightweight waterproof trousers. Gardening gloves are useful to protect your hands when scrambling through the rainforest and a head torch for night walks is essential. As the climate in the mountains is much cooler than at the coast, especially at night, also pack a fleece.