Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Wildlife

The star of the park is the indri, the largest living lemur. Indri live in small family groups, and their haunting, wailing song, which can carry for kilometres through the forest, is one of the most memorable sounds in Madagascar. Several habituated groups can be visited in Analamazaotra.

Indri have never been successfully kept in captivity, so places like Andasibe are the only way to see them. They are most active and vocal in the morning, so early walks give the best chance of hearing their song at close range.

The park is home to around a dozen lemur species, including the beautiful diademed sifaka, common brown lemur, eastern lesser bamboo lemur and black-and-white ruffed lemur in Mantadia. Night walks reveal tiny mouse lemurs and woolly lemurs.

Reptiles and amphibians are a highlight. Look for Parson’s chameleon, one of the largest chameleons in the world, as well as leaf-tailed geckos, boas and a remarkable variety of colourful frogs. Birdlife includes endemic species such as the velvet asity, blue coua and several vangas, and the forests are full of insects, from giraffe-necked weevils to stick insects.

Key wildlife

• Indri
• Diademed sifaka
• Common brown lemur
• Black-and-white ruffed lemur
• Eastern lesser bamboo lemur
• Mouse lemur
• Parson’s chameleon
• Leaf-tailed gecko
• Velvet asity
• Blue coua

Best Time to Visit

Short answer: Sep–Nov. Also good: Apr–Aug.

Peak Good Quieter

Andasibe-Mantadia is a rainforest, so rain can fall at any time of year. The drier, cooler months from about April to November are generally the most comfortable for walking, with September to November particularly good, as many animals are active and some lemurs have young.

The wettest period is from about December to March, when heavy rain can make trails muddy and slippery, and the cyclone season can affect eastern Madagascar. However, the forest is lush, and frogs and reptiles are especially active. Nights can be cool at any time of year, so bring warm layers and a waterproof jacket.

Getting There

Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo is the gateway to Madagascar, with flights from Johannesburg, Nairobi, Paris and other hubs. From Antananarivo, Andasibe is around three to four hours by road along the main highway towards the east coast, a scenic journey through rice paddies and highland villages.

Most visitors travel with a private driver and guide, as is usual in Madagascar. Andasibe is often the first stop on a longer itinerary that includes other national parks and the beaches of the north or west coast.

Fees & Access

Entrance fees

Madagascar National Parks charges foreign visitors around 45,000 ariary per adult per day (about 25,000 ariary per child), with one ticket covering Analamazaotra and Mantadia on the same day. A certified local guide is compulsory, and guide fees are paid separately, depending on the trail. Fees are paid in cash in ariary at the park office.

Gate hours

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Health

Malaria risk: Moderate. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarials before you go.

Fees and gate times change. Check the latest rates with the park authority before you travel.

Things to Do

Guided forest walks in Analamazaotra to see the indri and other lemurs. A local guide is compulsory in Madagascar’s national parks.

Mantadia hikes into the wilder northern section, for ruffed lemurs, diademed sifakas and quieter trails.

Night walks in community-run reserves near the park, to spot mouse lemurs, chameleons and frogs.

Birdwatching with specialist guides for Madagascar’s endemic birds.

Visits to community conservation projects around Andasibe, which support reforestation and local livelihoods.

See our Madagascar lemurs, rainforests and beach tour, explore Isalo National Park, browse all safaris, or plan your safari with us.