Andasibe-Mantadia
Just a few hours to the east of Antananarivo, Andasibe-Mantadia is where the majority of people come to get their lemur fix.
Andasibe-Mantadia Safaris
Lemurs can be seen in most of Madagascar’s parks, but there’s nothing like the close up look you’ll get in Andasibe-Mantadia.
The area is a morning’s drive from the capital and home to 14 species of lemur including black and white ruffed lemur, the ethereally beautiful diademed sifaka and, most famously perhaps, the endangered indri. All these creatures have an almost magical ability to leap enormous distances between trees with astonishing grace and speed.
The area comprises a number of different parks and reserves, the main ones being Mantadia National Park and Analamazoatra (confusingly also known as Perinet). “Andasibe” is the name given to a village that lies between the various parks and reserves. Mantadia covers around 160 km².
Analamazaotra Reserve is home to a habituated population of indris who go about their daily lives entirely oblivious to your presence. To stand a few metres below a tree in which a group of Indris are bellowing loud siren-like calls somewhere between whale song and an air horn is an experience that will stay with you for life.
As well as the National Parks, it’s well worth visiting one of the reserves where rescued lemurs have been relocated. The lemurs may be a little tamer, but the experience is just as authentic and special as if spotting them in the wild.
+ Read More
- Encounter habituated Indris in Analamazaotra
- Walks in Madagascar’s primary rainforest
- Numerous indigenous lemurs in the wild
- Brightly coloured chameleons, geckos & bugs
-
ATOL Protected
-
24/7 Guidance & Support
-
20+ Years of Experience
-
We take care of the leg work
-
We find you the best deal
A print anthology of safari and wilderness travel with over 220 pages of travel inspiration.
Best time to go visit Andasibe-Mantadia
The dry season falls between June and October and is often a popular time to visit. July is a good time for trekking in the normally hot and humid rainforests as temperatures are lower. Many lemurs and other animals are active and most of the coastal regions have ideal weather for relaxing in the sunshine, swimming and snorkelling.
September becomes much quieter as the European school holidays end. The cooler season ends and temperatures increase again bringing chameleons, snakes, lizards, small lemurs and rodents out of hibernation. Outside of the European summer months, April, May and November are fantastic months to visit the park. The park is generally quieter meaning lots of stunning scenery to yourself.
Best time to go visit Andasibe-Mantadia
Talk to our Experts
They’ll be happy to let you in on their travel secrets, and help you plan a tailor-made trip that’s truly unforgettable.
Andasibe-Mantadia (FAQS) NEED TO KNOW
How many days do you need in Andasibe-Mantadia?
To explore the area properly, we would recommend a minimum of three days which would allow you to visit various reserves and explore a few walking trails at your own leisure. If you plan on exploring more of Madagascar’s riches beyond Andasibe, make sure to leave plenty of time for travel as many parts of the country are completely cut off from the rest of the island and reachable only by plane or boat.
What is the best way to explore Andasibe-Mantadia?
Access to the parks is on foot, with many different routes and loops of varying lengths available. For the most part walking isn’t arduous and – as well as the lemurs, which materialise as if by magic from the forest, only to evaporate back into the vegetation as quickly – there are a host of other species ready to surprise you. These range from colour-changing chameleons, brightly coloured geckos and frogs and a plethora of exotic birdlife.
Am I guaranteed to see lemurs in Andasibe-Mantadia?
Though no trip or safari can guarantee spotting your ‘must-see’ animal, you are highly likely to see lemur (even en route, lemur are known to line the trees) when visiting Andasibe-Mantadia. If you would like to see idris, it’s best to visit in the early morning. We would also recommend a night-visit, to get a different perspective of the park and spot some different wildlife.
From our Travel Guides
Meet Our Travel Experts
It takes genuine local knowledge to craft trips that go beyond the ordinary. The Natural High team have unrivalled experience and will take your ideas and turn them into your trip of a lifetime.
Into The Wild Brochure
Need some more inspiration? Request a copy of Into The Wild, our comprehensive anthology of safaris and wilderness travel.
A print anthology of safari and wilderness travel with over 220 pages of travel inspiration.