Nestled in the Moramanga District of eastern Madagascar, Andasibe is a bustling village surrounded by protected rainforests and parks, providing a haven for unique wildlife encounters. In the Analamazaotra special reserve, an easy 2 to 3-hour hike through the secondary rainforest unveils the world of Madagascar’s largest lemur, the “Indri Indri.”
Amidst the lush landscape, we encountered two groups of Indri Indri, along with a diverse array of lemurs, birds, chameleons, and endemic flora and medicinal plants. The hike, though generally easy, takes an adventurous turn as guides may go off the beaten path to follow wildlife, making it less suitable for elderly travellers, very young kids, or those with mobility issues.
Further enhancing the Andasibe experience is the Vakona reserve—an island surrounded by freshwater and explored by canoe, serving as a home to habituated lemurs. Ideal for families with young children, this reserve offers a very close wildlife encounter where lemurs remain unfazed by human proximity.
As the area ticks so many wildlife boxes, there are plenty of accommodation options in and around the rainforests and national parks. Two noteworthy accommodations in the region include the recently opened Manjarano Lodge and Spa, owned by the Vakona reserve and lodge proprietors. Positioned as the top-tier option in the area, it offers modern and minimalistic industrial design, and self-contained cottages situated along the banks of a natural lake. The stay is enhanced by potentially the best food experienced during the trip. The second pick in the region is Mantadia Lodge perched high on the hills, offering breathtaking views of the rainforest. With 29 rooms, including 4 family rooms and 1 suite, the lodge features wonderful modern amenities like a spa and pool with a view.
