Mid-range

The Litchi Tree

The Litchi Tree is a charming and well-run small guesthouse in Joffreville in northern Madagascar. Wonderfully friendly service and delicious food make The Litchi Tree the perfect base for exploring the biological riches of Amber Mountain National Park.

Amber Mountain National Park, Northern Madagascar, Madagascar

Get lost in the enigmatic forests of the Amber Mountain, where waterfalls cascade over lush cliffs and chameleons hide in plain sight amist the leaves.
Feast on freshly cooked food in the superb restaurant, where Malagasy spice blends with classic French for a seductive blend.
Catch the gleam of eyes as you walk along the forest edge on a night walk searching for the elusive nocturnal creatures that only emerge when the sun has set.
Live in history's shadow at this historic house where Marshal Joffre lived.

The Litchi Tree is a characterful former colonial home that is now an intimate guesthouse on the outskirts of Joffreville and a pleasant 45-minute walk or ten minute drive from the entrance of Amber Mountain National Park. Enjoying views out across Diego Suarez Bay and the Mozambique Channel, the Litchi Tree has just five rooms, all simply decorated but with luxurious touches and polished palissandre-wood floors. Everything, including the furniture, is hand-made by local craftsmen, and the guesthouse is run following strict sustainable criteria.

There is a small restaurant (and even smaller bar) reminiscent of a small Parisian bistro but with Malagasy décor, and serving tasty French cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Fresh bread is baked daily, and a choice of South African wines is available.

Located in the far north of Madagascar, Amber Mountain National Park is one of the most biologically diverse places in all of Madagascar, home to 75 different species of birds, 25 species of mammals, and 59 species of reptile. Amber Mountain is ideal for wildlife-lovers and remains a favourite with many visitors with its well-established beautiful walking trails that lead through the rainforest to hidden waterfalls. You can also explore the limestone pinnacles of the nearby red tsingy, snorkel or dive the amazing coral reefs of La Mer d'Emeraude, and visit the town of Diego Suarez with its unique colonial architecture, Indo-Pakistani buildings and French-named streets.

When to visit