Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Alaotra Mangoro
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is a 155 square kilometer protected rainforest area located about 150 km east of Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo, in the Alaotra-Mangoro Region. The park features a humid climate with elevations ranging from 800 to 1260 meters and receives abundant rainfall, sustaining its rich biodiversity. It comprises two main parts: Mantadia National Park and the Analamazoatra Reserve, the latter famed for housing the indri, Madagascar's largest lemur species. The park shelters 11 lemur species, many of which are endemic and endangered, alongside diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the park via hikes lasting from one to six hours, guided by local experts, through primary growth forests that remain relatively intact despite regional deforestation pressures. The park's accessibility from Antananarivo via a paved road makes it one of the easiest Malagasy parks to visit. Conservation efforts include a successful lemur reintroduction program, enhancing species survival and community engagement. This unique ecosystem offers an immersive experience into Madagascar's famed rainforest biodiversity and cultural heritage.
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Tip: The best time to visit Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is during the dry season for easier hiking conditions and better wildlife spotting. Booking a local guide is mandatory and recommended to enrich the experience and support community livelihoods. Arrange transport ahead of time, especially if visiting Mantadia, as it requires special travel arrangements. Consider purchasing tickets in advance where possible. Visitors can benefit from guided tours that increase chances of spotting rare lemurs. Respect park rules to help preserve this fragile ecosystem.
Interesting facts
- •The park is home to 11 species of lemurs, including the indri, the largest lemur species.
- •Andasibe-Mantadia experiences rainfall on about 210 days per year, contributing to its lush rainforest environment.
- •A reintroduction program has successfully brought back endangered lemurs like the diademed sifaka and black-and-white ruffed lemur since 2006.
- •The park is accessible by a paved road (RN 2) about a 3-hour drive from Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo.
- •In 2025, the park was designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, highlighting its global ecological significance.
History
Originally part of a larger forest complex including Mantadia and Maromizaha, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park has faced fragmentation due to logging and agricultural expansion.
The Analamazaotra Special Reserve, locally known as Andasibe, was once contiguous with these areas but now stands isolated.
The park's establishment aimed to protect the remaining primary rainforest and its endemic species.
In 2007, it was nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status but was not selected.
However, in 2025 it was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve, recognizing its ecological importance and ongoing conservation efforts.
The park has also hosted a reintroduction program since 2006, successfully restoring populations of endangered lemurs.
Place Guide
Analamazoatra Reserve
This reserve is renowned for its population of indri lemurs, Madagascar's largest lemur species. It is easily accessible from the main road and offers guided short hikes through primary rainforest with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Mantadia National Park
The larger and more remote part of the park, Mantadia offers longer hiking trails (up to 6 hours) through pristine rainforest. Access requires special transport arrangements. It is rich in biodiversity and less frequented by tourists, providing a more immersive wilderness experience.
Contact
Phone: 033 14 440 31
