AndasibeMantadia

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, commonly referred to as Andasibe-Mantadia, is a protected area in eastern Madagascar that comprises two adjacent zones: Analamazaotra Special Reserve (often called Andasibe) and Mantadia National Park. The combined area lies about 140 kilometers east of Antananarivo, near the town of Moramanga and the village of Andasibe. Analamazaotra is the more accessible portion, well known for its easy trails and frequent wildlife encounters, while Mantadia is larger, more rugged, and less developed, offering a wilder rainforest experience.

The park is renowned for its biodiversity, especially its primates. The Indri indri, the largest living lemur, is a principal draw, along with other lemurs such as the diademed sifaka and the common brown lemur. Birds, reptiles, amphibians, and a rich invertebrate fauna add to the park’s appeal for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers. The flora includes a dense tropical rainforest with a diverse understory, orchids, ferns, and various endemic tree species, supporting abundant insect life and unique microhabitats.

Ecologically, Andasibe-Mantadia encompasses lowland and montane rainforest habitats with elevations ranging roughly from 900 to 1,400 meters, contributing to its high species diversity and endemism. The area experiences a humid climate with a pronounced wet season, and seasonal changes influence wildlife activity and birding opportunities. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, research, and community-based tourism management to balance ecological integrity with local livelihoods.

Visitors typically explore on guided daytime treks in Analamazaotra and more demanding trails in Mantadia, with occasional nocturnal walks to see nocturnal lemurs and chameleons. Access is by road from Antananarivo, making Andasibe-Mantadia one of Madagascar’s most visited and well-known protected areas for ecotourism and biodiversity research.