16 Oct: Montagne d’Ambre

I can’t say it was a pleasure to have such an early flight but all went well.

Richard, the guide, and Sebastian, the driver, awaited us at the Antsiranana airport for a short transfer to Montagne d'Ambre National Park.

Already along the way Richard showed us some big chameleons and this was the first time ever I’ve seen the jackfruit.

Montagne d'Ambre National Park is an isolated forested volcanic massif in northern Madagascar that rises from the surrounding dry region.

It’s wetter, cooler and lusher than its surroundings. That’s why in the beginning of the 20th century the French colonists built Joffreville, a pleasure resort for the French military.

The park is known for its waterfalls, crater lakes, and wildlife.

Maarten got a bit jealous at Richard who saw chameleons on every tree. Maarten found a baby boa but still wasn’t satisfied.

We saw a group of brown lemurs but for Maarten geckos and chameleons were still by far the most preferred animals probably because he could touch them.

Without Richard we would never be able to see this mossy camouflaged leaf-tailed gecko

or find the tiny Brookesia micra, the world’s smallest chameleon.

We spent a night at another charming little hotel in a beautiful natural setting in Joffreville.