The most beautiful natural sites to discover Vanilla Coast

This camp managed by the Fanamby Association is located in an area of incredible biodiversity: the rate of endemism is estimated at 84% for plants and around 40 to 90% for animals! This includes 1 273 plant species, 74 reptile species, and at least 11 species of lemurs. Moreover, there was little new lémurien, belonging to the genus Phaner. A wonderful immersion in a preserved nature, in contact with the local population.

A haven for many Dutch during the ^17th century, Nosy Mangabe was used to supply ships with food or slaves. In the following century, the French turned it into a trading post. Today, the "very blue island" is home to a 520-hectare special reserve. It is densely covered by secondary forest. The presence of mango and ravenala trees attests to human interference. You can observe 5 species of lemur, tenrecs, chameleons, snakes and fruit bats. An ideal day trip!

The park of Farankaraina with its 1 650 hectares protects in particular the aye-aye, a species of lemur rather rare. Four circuits allow to discover it: one goes to the beach of Vohilingoza, three others follow the river of Farankaraina. Note that this park is twinned with the zoo of Champrépus in France, in partnership with the NGO Antongil Conservation, which works to protect the biodiversity of the bay of Antongil, in collaboration with the 10 villages along the shore. Accessible by pirogue from Maroantsetra. Lodge and camp on site.

4-day tour.

Day 1 - Mantella circuit: linking the park entrance to Camp 1, this circuit takes you through the primary rainforest, with a lovely natural pool for cooling off. Allow 2 to 3 hours' walking for a 4 km circuit. The Humbert waterfall is 30 minutes from the camp. Bamboo lemurs are a regular sight in the mornings. Sports enthusiasts can combine the Mantella and Simpona tours in a single day, starting early in the morning.

Day 2 - Simpona circuit: connects Camp 1 to Camp 2 and allows you to discover the 2 ecosystems of lowland and mountain rainforests. The "Simpona" is in fact the white-furred silky sifaka lemur. Allow 2 to 3 hours' walk for 2 km, as the slope is steep and there are many distractions. Beautiful views of the granite cliffs. The camp is pleasant, surrounded by a river and waterfall, and frequented by mongooses, red-fronted lemurs and reptiles.

Day 3 and 4 - Marojejy summit (2,132 m altitude): it takes 3 hours of steep ascent to reach the^3rd camp. We cross the territory of the silky sifaka. Beautiful panoramas on the ridge and before arriving at camp. Be careful, it's cold here, we're at altitude. It takes another three hours to reach the summit of Marojejy, 4 km away. It's a fairly strenuous climb, but the rainforest and panoramic views over the region and the emerald forest are breathtaking. It's possible to make the round trip from Camp 3 to the summit in the morning, before starting the descent to the park entrance.

Practical tips. A four-day trip to Marojejy is a real expedition. Bring warm clothing. Marojejy is a humid forest, so frequent downpours are not uncommon. What's more, Camp 3 is located at altitude, so if blankets are provided, a good fleece and coat will be welcome. No food on site or on the way. Remember to buy everything you need in Sambava before you leave. Rice, pasta and dried fruit are essential. Please note: meals for guides, porters and trackers will be at your expense, so plan for them too, or pay extra. Don't forget your sleeping bag or comforter, as there are no sheets on the beds. Bring gloves for the ascent to the summit: its flanks are covered with stinging bamboo, which is very useful for clinging to the slopes. Alternatively, wear a pair of socks at the end of your hands. Water purification tablets are also welcome. The presence of a cook, at extra cost, may seem superfluous. However, it's important to bear in mind that night falls early, and so does fatigue, so the task proves more difficult than at home if you're not extremely well organized and equipped. The same goes for the tracker: it's hard to spot animals without one. Don't forget your flashlight. Last but not least, there are leeches in the forest.

Accommodation in the park. There are three campsites in the park: Camp Mantella at 450 m altitude (4h30 walk from the Manantenina entrance gate), Camp Marojejya at 775 m altitude (1h to 2h walk from the previous camp) and Camp Simpona, at 1,250 m altitude (another 3h walk). Allow 4,000 Ar with your own tent, 10,000 Ar to rent an equipped tent, and 15,000 Ar per day per person for a bed in a dormitory. From 8,000 Ar to 25,000 Ar for use of the kitchen, depending on the number of people.

It is nearby; we can walk there from there. For more hiking, enter the park to the Cascade waterfall. For "total", the entire tour of the peninsula will take you to Maroantsetra.