Discover Amber Mountain National Park — a lush rainforest nestled in the heart of a semi-arid savanna landscape, dotted with extinct volcanoes, crater lakes, and rivers. This unique blend of ecosystems makes it a true paradise for birdwatchers, botanists, and hikers. Peaking at over 1,400 meters in altitude, the park is home to three distinct forest types: dry forest, montane forest, and mid-altitude rainforest.
Your visit will also take you to Joffreville, a peaceful village that once served as a retreat for French colonial officers fleeing the heat of Antsiranana. On a clear day, enjoy panoramic views of Antsiranana Bay and the Mozambique Channel, visible from over 20 km away.
Price and Practical Information
Departure: 7:00 AM from your hotel in Antsiranana (Diego Suarez)
Journey: Approx. 1 hour to Joffreville and the park entrance
Duration: Full day with a guided hike of 4 to 5 hours
The excursion includes private transport, park entrance fees, and a local guide.
Add a complete three-course lunch in Joffreville for a supplement.
Optional Add-ons:
The Red Tsingy (+ supplement, ask us)
The Three Bays (+ supplement, ask us)
Combine and save while discovering more of Northern Madagascar’s wonders!
Highlights
Guided exploration of Amber Mountain National Park, famous for its waterfalls, chameleons, lemurs, and lush tropical forests.
Discovery of Joffreville, a mountain village with colonial charm offering spectacular views of the Mozambique Channel.
Immersion in varied volcanic landscapes, between crater lakes, forests, and mountainous terrain.
Possibility to extend the adventure with the Red Tsingy or the Three Bays.
Why Choose This Excursion
This day trip combines nature, hiking, and local culture in an exceptional setting.
You will discover one of Madagascar’s richest parks, enjoy breathtaking viewpoints, and explore Joffreville, an authentic and welcoming village.
1 traveler: €280
2 travelers: €160
3 travelers: €145
4 travelers: €120
5 travelers: €105
6 travelers: €95
For other options, please contact us.
Amber Mountain
Amber Mountain National Park is one of the most significant natural sites in northern Madagascar. Created in 1958, it spans over 23,000 hectares and protects a tropical rainforest situated between 800 and 1,450 meters in altitude. The park is considered an ecological refuge: isolated from the rest of the region’s forest massifs, it harbors a unique microclimate, much cooler and wetter than the surrounding areas. This specificity allows for the presence of exceptional biodiversity, with a high rate of endemism.
Amber Mountain is known for its numerous water sources, waterfalls, and natural lakes formed by ancient volcanic craters. Visitors discover several well-maintained circuits leading to major points of interest such as the Sacred Waterfall, the Antakarana Waterfall, Lakes Maudit and Ravelobe, as well as panoramas offering views of the Diego Suarez region and the surrounding forest. The trails are accessible at different levels, ranging from a simple two-hour circuit to longer hikes to explore the upper part of the park.
The park’s fauna is particularly remarkable. There are eight species of lemurs, including the crowned lemur, Sanford’s brown lemur, and the rufous mouse lemur. The park is also renowned for its chameleons, including the famous Brookesia tuberculata, one of the smallest chameleons in the world. Numerous species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians complete this diversity, making Amber Mountain a site appreciated by naturalists and wildlife photographers.
The flora is just as impressive: tree ferns, palms, orchids, mosses, and century-old trees form a dense and permanent canopy. This natural setting allows the park to remain green all year round, even during the dry season that affects the Northern region.
Access to Amber Mountain National Park is mainly from Joffreville, a small town located a few kilometers from the entrance. Visits must be conducted with an authorized guide, and the park has basic tourist infrastructure with a reception office, parking, and several orientation points.
Amber Mountain National Park is a must-see for travelers wishing to discover a preserved rainforest, easily accessible from Diego Suarez, and offering pleasant weather conditions throughout the year.
Joffreville (Ambohitra)
Joffreville, also called Ambohitra, is a small municipality located at the foot of Amber Mountain, about 30 kilometers from Diego Suarez. Founded at the end of the 19th century by French General Joseph Gallieni, the town served as a resting place for settlers and administrators coming from Diego Suarez, attracted by its temperate climate and altitude. Even today, Joffreville retains a particular charm with its old colonial houses, quiet streets, and abundant vegetation.
Joffreville is primarily the gateway to Amber Mountain National Park. The majority of visitors traveling to this region choose to stay in one of the small hotels or lodges established in the vicinity. The atmosphere is quiet, and the tourist infrastructure, while not extensive, is well suited to travelers looking for accommodation close to nature. The locality also has a few supply points, restaurants, and independent guides working in collaboration with the park.
The village is surrounded by dense forest and various plantations, including mango, banana, and coffee trees. Temperatures are pleasant all year round, making it a popular spot for multi-day stays. Joffreville is also a strategic point for visiting other natural sites in northern Madagascar, such as the Ankarana region or the Emerald Sea, even if these excursions require a return towards Diego Suarez.
The history of Joffreville still appears through certain old buildings: former barracks, administrative houses, and remnants of military structures. Even though several of these buildings are now in ruins, they testify to the region’s colonial past. The inhabitants live mainly from agriculture, livestock farming, and tourism, and the general atmosphere of the village is peaceful.
The immediate proximity of Amber Mountain National Park makes Joffreville an ideal starting point for hikes. Many travelers appreciate being able to leave early in the morning when the climate is cool, and return to the village to enjoy a calm environment in the late afternoon. Some lodges also offer complementary activities such as night walks around the gardens, where one can sometimes spot chameleons, mouse lemurs, or geckos.
Joffreville thus constitutes an essential stopover for tourists wishing to visit northern Madagascar. Its geographical location, its calm, and its direct access to one of the most beautiful parks in the country make it a privileged place to discover nature while enjoying an authentic setting.
