Andasibe-Mantadia is the most visited rainforest in Madagascar, about four hours' drive east of the capital, and the easiest place to meet the indri, the largest living lemur. Their haunting, whale-like calls carry for kilometres through the misty forest at dawn, and with a guide you can often get close to a family group in the trees.
The area is made up of the Analamazaotra reserve, with its easy forest trails, and the larger Mantadia National Park, with more remote primary rainforest. Besides the indri, the forest has diademed sifakas, brown lemurs, bamboo lemurs and the little mouse lemurs on night walks, as well as chameleons, tree frogs, orchids and a wealth of birds.
It is a gentle introduction to Madagascar's wildlife, and works well as a one or two night stop on the way to the west or south.
The indri is the star, and the forest also has diademed sifaka, common brown lemur, eastern woolly lemur, grey bamboo lemur and nocturnal mouse lemurs. Chameleons, leaf-tailed geckos, tomato frogs and many butterflies can be found on guided walks, and night walks add a different set of species.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
Misty rainforest with giant ferns, orchids and bamboo, small lakes and rolling hills. Mornings are often wrapped in cloud.
Activities here
Andasibe lies in the humid east, where rain can fall at any time of year and mist is common. It is cooler than the coast, especially in June to August, when nights are cold. The wettest months are December to March, and this is also cyclone season.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27 | 17 | 350 |
| Feb | 27 | 17 | 350 |
| Mar | 27 | 17 | 280 |
| Apr | 26 | 15 | 200 |
| May | 23 | 13 | 130 |
| Jun | 21 | 11 | 120 |
| Jul | 20 | 10 | 130 |
| Aug | 21 | 10 | 110 |
| Sep | 23 | 11 | 90 |
| Oct | 25 | 13 | 100 |
| Nov | 26 | 15 | 190 |
| Dec | 27 | 16 | 320 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
April to November is drier, with cooler days. Forest trails are easier, but showers are still possible, so bring a rain jacket.
December to March is hot, wet and humid. Trails are muddy, and cyclones can disrupt travel on the east coast.
September to December is a good time, as the lemurs are active and babies appear. Indri are seen year-round. Be ready for rain whenever you go.
Best time to visit May to Nov
Andasibe is about four hours by road from Antananarivo on the RN2, a drive of around 140 kilometres on a busy, winding road. Most guests go by private vehicle and driver.
Park entry and a guide are required and are included in our tours. Please see the Madagascar page for visa details.
Andasibe is a malaria area, so please take advice. Trails are muddy and slippery, so wear shoes with a good grip. Bring insect repellent and a rain layer.
City & TownAntananarivoThe highland capital
National ParkIsalo National ParkSandstone canyons and natural pools
Scenic AreaMorondava and the Avenue of the BaobabsGiant baobabs at sunset
Beach & CoastNosy BeIslands, reefs and turquoise water
National ParkRanomafana National ParkRainforest and the golden bamboo lemur
National ParkTsingy de BemarahaA forest of stone needlesOur take
“Our take”
Be in the forest at dawn, when the indri sing, and give Andasibe two nights, so you can walk twice.
Safaris from
US$1,034 per person
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