MG
Andasibe
Misty rainforest where the indri, the largest living lemur, sings at dawn
Misty rainforest where the indri, the largest living lemur, sings at dawn
Indris live in family groups and sing most loudly in the morning. Guided walks track habituated groups.
Go early in the morning to hear them call.
Photo: Heinonlein, CC BY-SA 4.0
The smaller, more accessible part of the park, next to the village, with well-used trails and good chances of seeing indri and other lemurs.
Photo: Zoubl, CC BY-SA 4.0
Further north, Mantadia is wilder primary rainforest with steeper trails, waterfalls and rarer species such as the diademed sifaka.
The access road is rough; a 4×4 helps in wet weather.
Photo: Smiley.toerist, CC BY-SA 4.0
Community reserves around the village, such as Mitsinjo, run night walks to spot mouse lemurs, chameleons, frogs and insects.
Bring a headlamp and waterproof clothing.
Photo: Sitrakiniavo261, CC BY-SA 4.0
Lodges around the village serve set menus of Malagasy and French dishes, often with rice, zebu and fresh vegetables.
Choices are limited, so most visitors eat at their lodge.
Andasibe is about 150 km east of Antananarivo, usually 3–4 hours by road on the RN2 depending on traffic. Most visitors travel with a private driver; minibuses (taxi-brousse) are cheaper but slower.
Guides are compulsory in the park and are hired at the park office. Most visitors need a visa, available online or on arrival for short stays; check current rules and fees before you travel.
Madagascar uses the ariary (MGA). Cash is king outside cities; ATMs are found in larger towns, and some lodges and tours price in euros. Park entry fees and guide fees are charged separately at national parks.
Park and guide fees change; check current rates.
Lemurs by day and night.
Walk in Analamazaotra in the morning to find indri, then take a night walk in a community reserve.
Spend a day in Mantadia for wilder forest and waterfalls.
It rains often, even in the dry season; bring a rain jacket.
Nights in June to August can be chilly.
Wear long socks in wet weather.
Use licensed guides; they find animals far more easily.
Quick answers for planning time in Andasibe.
Yes, Andasibe is the best-known place to see and hear indri.
About 150 km, or 3–4 hours by road.
Yes, guides are compulsory in the national park.
Night walks run in community reserves around the village.
September to December is good for wildlife; it rains year-round.
French and Malagasy are the main languages; English is limited outside hotels.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Madagascar travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.