Andasibe-Mantadia National Park lies in Madagascar, on the island's eastern side, and is often described as the country's most accessible rainforest park. For many visitors it is the first place to see the island's extraordinary wildlife up close.
The park is known above all for its indri lemurs, the largest living lemurs. Their songs carry far through the misty forest, a sound that many visitors remember long after they leave. Guided walks give you a good chance of hearing and seeing them in the trees.
What you can see
- Lemurs: 11 species live in the park, so there is more to look for than the indri alone.
- Reptiles: the forest holds countless reptiles, many of them found nowhere else in the world.
- Birds: more than 100 bird species have been recorded here, which makes it rewarding for birdwatchers.
What kind of visit it makes
This is a place for slow, attentive walking under the forest canopy rather than a quick stop. Mornings and misty conditions tend to bring out the wildlife and the sounds that define the park. Because the forest is dense and the animals move freely, a local guide is valuable for spotting them and understanding what you are seeing.
Andasibe-Mantadia suits travellers interested in nature, wildlife and rainforest landscapes. It works well as a gentle introduction to Madagascar, since it is easier to reach than many of the island's more remote parks. If you enjoy quiet forest walks and the chance of a rare encounter with wildlife, it is well worth including in your plans.