Litchi Tree

The Litchi Tree is a unique, restored colonial mansion built in 1902 at the foot of the national park with 5 rooms. The Litchi Tree is located on the heights of Joffrevile and was the colonial home of Marshal Joffre (for whom the town is named) and the French admiralty. A 45-minute drive from the town of Diego Suarez, this charming guest house has stunning views of the Diego Suarez Bay and the Mozambique Chanel. The guest house opened its doors in 2008 after two years of meticulous renovation. All of the furniture was made locally using sustainably harvested wood.

This environmentally and socially conscious hotel uses solar power and employs only local staff, expertly trained by the owner. Montagne D' Ambre was established by the French in 1958, this 18,500 ha volcanic massif and its surrounding forests are now one of the country’s best examples of ecotourism which invites local community participation in planning and management. Thousands of acres of montane rainforest are home to extraordinary plant and animal life. Huge ferns and strangler figs flourish in the forest, while several indigenous species of lemurs, including Sanford’s Lemur and the Crowned Lemur, are also found here. You may even see Ring-Tailed Mongoose and Fossa. Magnificent birdlife includes Crested Ibis, Paradise Flycatcher, Forest Rock Thrush and Ground-Rollers. You may wish to make one of the waterfalls the destination of your trip – as you make your way to one of the three dramatic falls (Cascade Sacré, Cascade d’Antankarana and Cascade d’Antomboka), you will spot the abundant wildlife and incredible flora while learning about the local Malagasy customs from your guide. This is one of the most visitor-friendly of the island’s protected areas with broad trails and a cooler climate