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The North Region |
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Each region has distinctive features with the north arguably presenting paramount sightseeing. It is also the area where the flora and fauna are at their best and where locals still dig for precious stones and gold, hundreds of years on. Don’t miss the Ankara National Park where Lemurs and birds abound. And if you feel you may need an olfactory lift, make for the Nosy Be Archipelago where Ylang Ylang blossoms perfume the air with their heady scent.
This region is characterised by its dramatically changing
weather patterns over short distances and therefore changes
of vegetation and fauna. It also includes Madagascar’s highest
mountain peak and is the domain of the Antankarana people of
Madagascar. The north is amongst the best sightseeing in Madagascar,
from Diego Suarez to Nosy Be. The north west coast combines a region
inhabited by the precious stones and gold diggers before reaching
the wonderful coasts surrounded by primary forests, with exquisite
fauna and flora.
Antsiranana/Diego Suarez
This is one of the world’s most beautiful deep-water harbours and is also the gateway
to Montagne d’Ambre and Ankarana National parks. This colourful port has a cosmopolitan
feel due to its long association with non-Malagasy nationalities. Its crumbling colonial
architecture, vibrant market and the wealth of crafts workshops make it an interesting visit.
Montagne d’Ambre National Park
Consisting of the volcanic massif and forest, the park is a good example of a
rain forest. It was named after the amber-coloured resin which oozes from certain
of the forest trees. (The resin is used by the local people for medicinal purposes).
The French colonial government recognised the unique nature of the region and created
the park in 1958. Today, with the encouragement of ecotourism, the park is a popular
visitor friendly area in Madagascar with broad trails, interesting fauna and flora as
well as good information and facilities available.
Ankara National Park
This popular reserve is just 108 Km south of Antsiranana, and consists of a small
limestone massif. An ‘island’ of tsingy (limestone pinnacles) and forest, the massif
is infuse with numerous caves and canyons. The reserve is known for its many lemur
species as well as a wide variety of bird species.
Nosy Be
Nosy Be Archipelago - These tropical islands off the northwest coast have some of
the region’s finest beaches such as Nosy Be’s Andilana, the reef-ringed Nosy Tanikely,
a marine reserve with a lovely, sunny beach and Nosy Komba. Known as the ‘perfume island’
due to the dominant scent of ylang ylang blossoms, Nosy Be is a popular and touristy region.
It has been blessed with an almost perfect climate, fertile soil, and magnificent beaches,
and is the ideal getaway for a luxury beach holiday with activities such as yachting, diving
and deep sea fishing available. No visit is complete without a visit to two islands which
are part of the Nosy Be Archipelago: Nosy Komba, whose main attraction is the black Lemur
and the marine National park of Nosy Tanikely known for its bird watching and snorkeling.
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