Andasibe & Mantadia National Park

This national park, 154km2 in size, lies in the central/eastern part of the country. It is the easiest park to get to from the capital city of Antananarivo, being only a few hours drive away along relatively good roads that are passable all year round.

The park is divided into the small and easily accessible southern section, the Special Reserve of Andasibe, and the larger and slightly harder to reach northern section, Mantadia.

The park lies in the more humid part of the country with green, luxuriant rainforests with large trees and many lianas, mosses, ferns and bamboo, as well as circa. 100 species of orchids that flower here from September to January . Amongst the parks animals the biggest attraction is the biggest lemur species of all, the Indian. Its characteristic call can be heard throughout the forest and a couple of family groups have become accustomed to the presence of humans and are relatively easy to approach. The park is also home to 13 other species of lemur including the beautiful black and white sari, and the very unusual aye-aye, 15 other species of mammals including the hedgehog-like tenrec, circa 100 species of birds, around 50 species of reptile including the largest species of chameleon, 80 amphibians and many colourful butterflies.

There are marked paths in both districts, in the relatively flat terrain around Andasibe and in the more hilly terrain of Mantadia. If you are on holiday on Madagascar then a visit to Andasibe must not be missed.