The Northern Region

From Mgias

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Features of the Northern Region 2.1 Landscapes and Geological Formations 2.2 Lemurs 2.3 Cultural History 2.4 Plant Life 2.5 Beaches and Marine Life 3 Internal flights and transport

Introduction

A region of "Breathtaking contrasts", the north is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the east and the Mozambic channel to the west. Its western coastline offers white sandy beaches and beautiful large bays with lagoons, which are excellent for water sports such as surfing.

The Northern Region boasts a fascinating landscape ranging from forested volcanic mountain to striking limestone range which includes a variety of landscapes and geological formations. Like the Western Region, the northern part of the country is composed by sedimentary rock, which is characterised by the karst formation of Montagne des Français, the Windsor Castle and the impressive Tsingy of Ankarana massif with its spectacular eroded spikes or "Tsingy" .

Features of the Northern Region

Landscapes and Geological Formations

The landscapes and geological formations are related to four different vegetation types:

1. The humid forest of the volcanic Montagne d'Ambre national park, Nosy Be island, Lokobe reserve and Marojejy national park, Zahamena reserve, and Anjanaharibe.
2. The high mountain forest of Tsaratanana massif the country’s highest point is 2876 meters high and receives heavy rain frequently, and Marojejy national park.
3. The dry deciduous forest of the Tsingy of Ankarana, a special reserve or National Park situated on limestone cliffs and limestone and sandy soils.
4. The transition forest of Daraina which is a mixture of half dry and half humid forest, is an unprotected area near Vohémar.

Breathtaking "TSINGY" refers to sharp limestone pinnacles; this eroded karst mountain range with unusual geological structure is unique on earth. It is a remnant of a coral reef system laid down 250 million years ago. It has been eroded by rain into jagged peaks, grooves and crevices, beneath which are networks of subterranean rivers, lakes, numerous large caverns of several kilometres and large caves with stalactites and stalagmites. One of the most popular caverns is the large Andrafiabe cave with inhabits some other indigenous creatures in particular, bats.

Lemurs

The northern native vegetation is home of rich biodiversity and endangered species of lemurs which are restricted to this region. These include

1. the golden crowned sifaka lemurs(propithecus tattersalli)an endangered lemur of Daraina
2. the northern fork marked dwarf lemur
3. the rare black sifaka lemurs
4. the indigenous black lemurs which live in the lush vegetation of Lokobe Reserve on the offshore Island of Nosy Be and also on Nosy Komba

Cultural History

Some caves in the "Tsingy" Ankarana are rich in cultural history because they are considered sacred, sheltering the old burial places of the local Antankarana kings. In the Northern Region, for cultural history, Tsangantsaina is the most important traditional event for Antankarana people.

Plant Life

The humid forest of the volcanic Montagne d'Ambre national park holds not only a variety of animals, but also unusual plant life including the 3 species of Madagascar’s 7 baobabs : Adansonia perrieri, Adansonia suarenzis and Adansonia madagascariensis. The dry deciduous forest has 3 of the country’s 7 baobab species and succulent plants. Some spices ( vanilla, coffee, cocoa, cloves ) and perfumed plants (ylang-ylang and palmarosa) are grown in the northern Madagascar and Nosy Be.

Beaches and Marine Life

In the West of the northern region there is excellent beaches and marine life. In particular, the resort Island of Nosy Be, is a favourite tourist destination where game fishing and water sports are very popular. Surrounding Nosy Be are the coral islands of Tsarabanjina, Ankarea and Nosy Tanikely marine reserve, which have a micro-climate with heavy rain and sunshine all year round. These coral islands are influenced by the Tsaratanana massif on the mainland, and offer visitors excellent opportunities for snorkelling and diving.

Internal flights and transport

Fly from Antanarivo to Diego-Suarez and then there are two roads to reach the Tsingy of Ankarana:

1. from Mahamasina on the eastern entrance, on a sealed road which is accessible during all year round.
2. from Matsaborimanga on the western entrance, accessible only with a four wheel drive vehicles during dry season from April to November.

There is no hotel in Ankarana, but there are some campsites with very basic facilities.

For those who want to visit Daraina forest, it lies in a very remote area and is difficult to access because of the bad road. However, you can stay at Fanamby gite d’étape or camp at Fanamby yard. Fanamby is a non-government organization, a group of people who are are dedicated to the preservation of last remaining virgin forests against illegal forestation and gold miners.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES IN THE NORTHERN REGION for your Trip Planner

1. Antananarivo fly to Diego-Suarez, Montagne d’Ambre National park, explore the Tsingy of Ankarana then travel to Ankify , Nosy Be, Nosy Komba + Nosy Tanikely or Lokobe, fly back to Antananarivo: 9 days. This can be extended by: Cruising in the Nosy Be surrounding islets:( Iranja, Mitsio) +4 days; Diving : Nosy Tanikely,Ankarea, sakatia, and Tsarabanjina.
2. Antananarivo fly to Diego-Suarez, Montagne d’Ambre, explore the Tsingy of Ankarana, then travel to Daraina forest, Vohemar ,Sambava , Marojejy national park(camping) fly back to Antananarivo: 12 to 13 days