Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is one of Madagascar’s most protected areas covering approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) east of the capital, Antananarivo. The Park is renowned for inhabiting extraordinary wildlife like lemurs, colorful chameleons, rare birds, orchids and towering rainforest trees.

The park lies in Madagascar’s Alaotra-Mangoro Region at elevations ranging from approximately 800 to 1,260 meters above sea level. Covering about 155 square kilometers, it consists of two adjoining protected areas which include; Analamazaotra Special Reserve (Andasibe Reserve) known to have indri lemurs and Mantadia National Park with larger, less-visited area containing pristine primary rainforest ideal for experienced hikers and wildlife enthusiasts.

The region experiences a humid tropical climate with abundant rainfall throughout the year, supporting dense evergreen rainforest rich in rivers, streams, waterfalls, moss-covered trees, and lush vegetation.

The Park is known to inhabit the Lemurs with species i.e Indri, Diademed sifaka, Black-and-white ruffed lemur, Common brown lemur, Eastern bamboo lemur, Red-bellied lemur. There are bird species too i.e more than 100 including Velvet asity, Blue coua, Madagascar crested ibis, Nuthatch vanga as well as Reptiles and Amphibians i.e Leaf-tailed geckos, Panther chameleons, Parson's chameleon, Tiny stump-tailed chameleons, Brightly colored Mantella frogs, endemic snake species.

There is also flora in the park which includes Giant hardwood trees, Tree ferns, Bamboo forests, Mosses, Lichens, Pandanus, more than 100 orchid species. The activities to do in the park include Guided rainforest hikes, Early morning indri tracking, Birdwatching, Night walks for nocturnal lemurs and reptiles, Photography tours, Nature interpretation with local guides. On the walks, you shall watch mouse lemurs, dwarf lemurs, chameleons, frogs, and insects.

Best Time to Visit

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park can be visited anytime around the year although the best time to visit the park is during the months of April–October as the weather is cooler, hiking is easier and wildlife can be seen easier. November–March includes verdant green rainforest, Orchids bloom, there are more amphibians and reptiles.