The Coast of Virgin Islands

The Coast of the Virgin Islands is situated in the northwest corner of Madagascar, extending from the town of Diego-Suarez to Majunga. The main transportation road is the Antananarivo-Majunga road, in rustic condition, joining the principal towns at the sea front. Difficult access, however, is an essential factor for safeguarding the original beauty of these sites. The Coast is lined with mountains and forests, and contains some of the riches and most unique biodiversity is one on the island. The Parc National de Montange d ’Ambre is located in the northern most tip of the coastline, and offers a splendid display of waterfalls, lush forests, and a variety of lemur sightings. In the port city of Diego-Suarez, one finds a mosaic of people especially in the popular district of Tanambao with its indo-Pakistani shops and its bustling markets where Comorian in djellaba white and Turkish slippers meet Sakalava young women draped in their multicolored fashions. This region profits from pleasant climatic conditions, with quite distinctive wet and dry seasons. It is no surprise that it is known as being the most visited tourist destinations in Madagascar.

1. Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) - The history of   this city is a blend of myths and stories. Just as interesting is its diverse cosmopolitan population where Arabs, Creoles, Indians, Chinese, and Comorans mix into one.
   
2. Nosy Be - may be one of the most fragrant islands in the world. Know affectionately as "Perfumed Isle   ylang-ylang blossoms. Nosy Be is Madagascar's luxury beach resort island, and therefore slightly more pricey.
   
3. Parc National du Tsingy de Bemaraha - Madagascar's only UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most beautiful sites on the island. Most stunning are its towering tsingy (Limestone pinnacles) formed by wind and water of centuries.
   
4. Réserve Spésciale de l'Ankarana - Home to the stunning Ankarana massif the R éserve Spésciale de l'Ankarana is over 18,000 hectars. Stirking limmestone pinnacles, or tsingy are found throughout making for easy viewing of lemurs and other inhabitants.   Lemur fossils can be found in the ancient limestone caves and canyons.
   
5. Parc National de Montagne d'Ambre - Located in the northern region of Madagascar Parc National de Montagne d'Ambre is one of the island's most visited attractions. The park is over 18,200 hectares of volcanic massif and was created in 1958. Lush forest cover a large portion of the park. The park is home to seven lemur species, including the fork-marked lemur which is local to the park. With over 20km of well kept trails the park is excellent for self-guided hikes. Birdwatchers will enjoy over 70 species of birds found in the park. In the most northern part of the park one can find Petit Lac, a small crater lake.
   
6. Parc National d'Ankarafantsika - Home to eight lemur species including the mysterious mongoose lemur. Known for being great for bird watching the parc has over 129 species.   Keep a look out for the sacred crocodiles who inhabit the lake.