Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Andasibe-Mantadia  is separated into two parts. The most accessible part is the Indri Special Reserve. But its also still known as the Perinet Special Reserve which was its old colonial name. (It’s also known as  Speciale d’Analamazaotra. The Malagasy like to give everything 2 or 3 names!)

The 810 ha ‘reserve within a reserve’ has several well-maintained forest paths, which are mostly gentle in terrain.  Typically you visit the Perinet Special Reserve at dawn to see the Indri lemurs when they are most active. Walking through the rainforest, as its distinctive siren-like calls emanate from the mist-covered canopy is one of the most memorable experiences of your Andasibe safari.

The Indri looks more like a teddy bear or bizarre panda than a lemur. He stands about a meter high, with a stump for a tail, black-and-white markings and a beguilingly startled expression. You will see them relatively easily, even if you stay on the marked trails. But for longer sightings you must scramble after them through the forest, craning up as they execute balletic leaps from tree to tree. Their long back legs are immensely powerful; an indri can propel itself 10 meters (30ft)!

As well as the amazing Indri lemurs you may also see the Eastern grey bamboo lemur and red-fronted brown lemur. There are also impressive reptiles like Malagasy tree boa and two foot long Parson’s chameleon on show. You might even be fortunate enough to see the giraffe-necked Weevil, the golden Mantilla frog or the leaf-tailed gecko.

Night Expeditions