Montagne des Francais, Antsiranana Province, Madagascar
4.5 (116 reviews) Spent Ranking #4 in Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) Mountains
A breathtaking view worth every drop of sweat
It took us 1h10mins to climb our way up. There are 3 resting points. If you want to enjoy the best of the hike, it is best to arrive on top while the sun is setting down. Watching the sunset from there is absolutely magical. And climbing after 3pm is better with the December heat in Antsiranana. Bring water a stick to help you go back down, there are some fairly steep slopes.
Address
, Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), Madagascar.
Current local date and time now
Saturday, May 04, 2024, 7:25
User Ratings
4.5 based on (116 reviews)
Excellent
51%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Reviews
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5Andre H 5:00 PM Oct 9, 2019
Beautiful jungle and great trails. Definitely take trekking shoes. Lots of Baobabs
The trail of the Perroquets starting from the Jungle Park is just idyllic. Lots of shade and a well managed trail. One of the highlights of my trip. We were rock climbing here which was also fantastic as was staying in the Jungle Park
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4tom3sen 5:00 PM Oct 13, 2014
Amazing views at the top
This is a rewarding hike up the Montagne des Français near Antsiranana. It barely gets a mention in the guide books due to alleged safety issues but if there ever were they have been resolved now. The tourism office is actually in the stages of properly developing this area for tourism by preparing hiking trails and adding explanatory signs along the way. The only trail that is ready now is the hike up French Mountain but more will be added in the coming months. It takes maybe 1 to 1,5 hours to make it to the top where you can walk around in the ruins of a French fortification. The views of the city, the bay and mountains are amazing. In total this walk takes maybe 3 hours if you take it easy. Don't forget to take water because the hike up can get very hot and it gets very steep near the end where you walk through a passage way through the mountain which was dugout by slaves in the 19th century. Apart from the views you will also see an endemic baobab species and Sandford's brown lemurs. The entrance fee is 10000 Ar/person + 10000 Ar for the guide. Perfect halfday trip from Diego which you can organise yourself. This makes it also one of the very few cheap activities you can do in the area.
