Madagascar Andasibe-Mantadia National Park Travel Postcard

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (≈ 155 km²) lies about 150-200 km east of Antananarivo, in the Alaotra-Mangoro region of eastern Madagascar. It is made up of two contiguous protected areas: the Analamazaotra (or Perinet) Reserve, which is more accessible and visited, and the more rugged, less developed Mantadia section to the north. The forest is montane tropical rainforest, with elevations around 900-1,250 meters, lots of rainfall (≈ 1,700 mm annually), cool, humid conditions, deeply forested hills, rivers and waterfalls, abundant undergrowth including orchids, mosses, ferns and large trees draped with lianas. The park is especially famous for its rich biodiversity and high endemism, especially among lemurs, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The indri (largest living lemur) is almost guaranteed to be seen and heard in Analamazaotra, thanks to habituated groups and guides. Other lemur species include the diademed sifaka, black-and-white ruffed lemur, common brown lemur, bamboo lemurs, and various nocturnal species. Night walks are a must for spotting frogs, tiny mouse lemurs, chameleons, and leaf-tailed geckos. Access is relatively easy via the RN-2 road from Antananarivo (about 3-4 hour drive), making Andasibe-Mantadia one of the more visitor-friendly rainforest parks of Madagascar.