Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is the ideal introduction to Madagascar's extraordinary biodiversity. Just three hours from the capital, the park's montane rainforest protects some of the island's most iconic wildlife, including the indri — Madagascar's largest lemur, whose powerful, haunting territorial calls carry for kilometres through the misty forest canopy.
The park is divided into two sections. The smaller Analamazaotra Special Reserve (often called Perinet) is where most visitors encounter the indri families, which are habituated and relatively easy to locate with experienced guides. The larger Mantadia section offers more challenging terrain with sightings of the beautiful diademed sifaka and black-and-white ruffed lemur.
Night walks along the park boundaries reveal Madagascar's nocturnal world: tiny mouse lemurs with enormous eyes, leaf-tailed geckos perfectly camouflaged against tree bark, and a parade of chameleons from the minute Brookesia to the imposing Parson's chameleon.
Everything you need to know before booking your Andasibe-Mantadia safari — from the ideal season to budget expectations and logistics.
September to November for warm weather, wildflowers, and active lemurs. April to October for the dry season with easier forest trails. Indri calls can be heard year-round, loudest in early morning.
Park entry $15/adult. Mandatory guide fees $15-25 for half/full day. Budget lodges from $15-40/night. Mid-range eco-lodges (Andasibe Hotel, Mantadia Lodge) $50-150/night. Night walks $10-15/person. One of Madagascar's most affordable wildlife experiences.
September to November for warm weather, wildflowers, and active lemurs. April to October for the dry season with easier forest trails. Indri calls can be heard year-round, loudest in early morning.
3 hours by road from Antananarivo on the well-maintained RN2 highway. Regular shuttle services available. Often the first stop on a Madagascar circuit. The nearby Vakona Private Reserve offers additional lemur encounters.
Andasibe-Mantadia is known for incredible wildlife viewing. Top experiences include: Indri — Madagascar's largest lemur, Night walks for mouse lemurs and chameleons, Accessible from Antananarivo (3hrs), Diademed sifaka sightings, Rich orchid and fern diversity. The specific species you'll encounter depend on the season and exact location within Andasibe-Mantadia.
Park entry $15/adult. Mandatory guide fees $15-25 for half/full day. Budget lodges from $15-40/night. Mid-range eco-lodges (Andasibe Hotel, Mantadia Lodge) $50-150/night. Night walks $10-15/person. One of Madagascar's most affordable wildlife experiences.
3 hours by road from Antananarivo on the well-maintained RN2 highway. Regular shuttle services available. Often the first stop on a Madagascar circuit. The nearby Vakona Private Reserve offers additional lemur encounters.