At a glance
- Best for
- Lemurs, chameleons, frogs and rainforest walks
- Region
- Eastern rainforest
- Time needed
- Two to three nights
- From Antananarivo
- Around three to four hours by road on the RN2
- Getting around
- On foot with a licensed guide
- Climate
- Cool and often damp, especially at night
Why Andasibe is worth your time
If you see only one rainforest in Madagascar, Andasibe is the best choice for most travellers. It is close to Antananarivo, the trails are well kept, the guides are excellent, and sightings are reliable. In two or three days you can expect to see several lemur species, chameleons, leaf tailed geckos, frogs and orchids, and to hear the indri calling. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is made up of two main parts, the smaller Analamazaotra reserve near the village and the larger, wilder Mantadia forest to the north.
Analamazaotra and the indri
Analamazaotra is where most people meet their first indri. Guides track the family groups early in the morning, and with luck you will stand beneath them as they sing, a sound you will never forget. You are also likely to see common brown lemurs, and possibly diademed sifakas, which have been introduced here. Walks are on fairly easy trails and usually last a few hours, though paths can be muddy and slippery after rain.
Mantadia National Park
Mantadia, a drive north on a rough track, is primary rainforest with steeper trails and far fewer visitors. It is the best place to see the beautiful diademed sifaka in the wild, along with black and white ruffed lemurs and rare birds. There are waterfalls and a sacred pool where you can cool off. A full day trip from Andasibe is ideal; bring a packed lunch.
Community reserves
Around the national park, several community run forests offer excellent walks and help local people benefit from conservation. Association Mitsinjo manages a forest right by the village and runs night walks. Maromizaha, a little further east, has good lemur sightings and quiet trails. Torotorofotsy wetlands, to the west, are home to rare birds and the bright golden mantella frog. These are good options when the national park is busy.
Night walks
After dark, the forest comes alive with a different cast. National park rules limit walking inside the park at night, so guided night walks usually take place in community forests or along the road edges. With a torch, guides find sleeping chameleons, tree frogs, mouse lemurs and sometimes the strange leaf tailed gecko. Bring a head torch and good shoes.
Lemurs up close
Near the Vakôna lodge, a small island is home to rescued lemurs that are used to people and will often jump onto visitors. Children love it, though wild sightings in the national park are the real highlight. On the drive from the capital, the Peyrieras reserve at Marozevo is a good place to see chameleons and other reptiles close up.
Where to stay
Andasibe has lodges for most budgets, from simple bungalows near the park gate to comfortable forest lodges with pools. Nights are cool most of the year, so check that your room has warm bedding and hot water. Browse options on our travel page.
Getting there and around
Andasibe sits just off the RN2, the main road from Antananarivo to Toamasina. The drive takes around three to four hours depending on traffic leaving the capital and on the trucks that use the road. Avoid driving after dark. Most visitors travel with a private driver and guide arranged through a tour operator, while budget travellers use a taxi-brousse to the junction and a short ride to the village. Inside the parks, a licensed local guide is required, and guides can be booked at the park office.
When to go
Andasibe is wet all year, but the drier months from about April to November are more comfortable. September to December is the season of baby lemurs and active wildlife. Pack a rain jacket whenever you go. For more spots nearby, see our places to visit list.
Questions about Andasibe
How many days should I spend in Andasibe?
Two nights is the minimum to visit Analamazaotra, do a night walk and see Mantadia. Three nights lets you add a community reserve at a gentle pace.
Will I definitely see an indri?
Sightings are very likely in Analamazaotra with a good guide, especially in the early morning, but wild animals are never guaranteed.
Do I need a guide in Andasibe?
Yes. A licensed local guide is required in the national park and in the community reserves, and they are excellent at spotting wildlife.
What should I pack for Andasibe?
A rain jacket, warm layers for the evenings, walking shoes with grip, a head torch and insect repellent.
Facts checked . Fees, schedules and entry rules change, so always confirm the latest with the official source.
