Andasibe
The eastern part of Madagascar is renowned for its lush vegetation, flourishing rainforests, and amazing wildlife. The charming village of Andasibe lies in the foothills of two national parks and is the perfect base for exploring the rich surroundings.
Tour the village in a “pousse pousse”, a unique Malagasy mode of transport similar to a rickshaw, or stroll the streets to interact with the friendly locals. Whilst staying in Andasibe overnight in comfortable hotels or closer to the park entrance are more up-scale lodges. Formerly a logging village, all of the houses, churches and even the train station is built from wood. The locals cultivate rice and mainly live off the fertile forest which lends an extremely relaxed and peaceful ambiance to Andasibe.
Listen to the music of the forest as it slowly wakes up. Experience the unique call of the Indri, the largest lemur genus endemic to this part of Madagascar. Their magical calls are described as haunting and can be heard early in the morning and late afternoon. Visit the marvellous markets, enjoy the delicious wild mangoes and finger bananas, or discover the talents of the local artisans specialising in stonework and products made from the horns of the Malagasy cow.
Analamazaotra Special Reserve, also known as Perinet, is within walking distance from the village of Andasibe. Walk along the well maintained trails in search of the Indri lemurs and relish the astounding varieties of breathtaking orchids, canopies of rainforests, colourful chameleons and prolific bird life. The bigger wildlife reserve at Mantadia consists mostly of primary forest and offer more advance hiking trails. Both the parks are exceptional and are home to many insect, spider, butterfly, frog, and reptile species. Andasibe is amazing, the people, their way of live, and the environment, all and all the ultimate wildlife experience and a nature lovers’ paradise.
