The Andasibe Encounter
A concise three-day journey into the primary rainforests east of the capital, centred on the search for the indri. This private expedition offers an immersive introduction to Madagascar's iconic wildlife.
This expedition is designed as a concentrated immersion into Madagascar’s eastern rainforests, easily accessible from Antananarivo. It distils the essence of the island’s biodiversity into a focused, three-day private journey, prioritising meaningful wildlife encounters over long-distance travel and offering a seamless, profound connection with the island’s most celebrated ecosystems.
Wake to the haunting, high-pitched calls of the indri echoing through the canopy of Analamazaotra National Park. Days are spent tracking lemur families through dense foliage and observing the minute detail of a Parson’s chameleon navigating a branch; as dusk falls, the forest is transformed, revealing the silent movements of nocturnal mouse lemurs and the camouflaged forms of leaf-tailed geckos during a guided night walk.
Ideal for travellers on a tight schedule, or as an essential prologue to a more extensive Malagasy itinerary, the pace is moderate, balancing guided treks with periods of rest at a premium lodge. It is perfectly suited to those who want a comfortable, expertly guided introduction to the island’s unique fauna without compromising on authenticity.
What's included
- Accommodation at Mantadia Lodge or similar
- Private 4x4 vehicle with a dedicated driver
- Private English-speaking guide throughout
- Expert local guides and park trackers
- Daily breakfast
- Bottled water during excursions
- 24-hour in-country support
What's not included
- International flights
- Lunches and dinners
- Visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
Day-by-day itinerary
A morning departure from the capital leads east through highland landscapes to the Peyreiras Reptile Reserve. After settling into your lodge, a guided night walk reveals the forest's nocturnal inhabitants.
The day begins with the indri's morning call, followed by a trek into Analamazaotra National Park to observe lemurs and endemic birds. The afternoon is spent at Vakôna Reserve, encountering habituated lemurs on a forested island.
A final morning exploration takes you to the community-managed VOI MMA Park for further wildlife viewing. The journey concludes with a drive back to Antananarivo, arriving by early evening.
Your Itinerary
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Explore remote national parks with an expert guide. Seek out iconic lemurs, rare endemic birds, and brilliantly camouflaged chameleons.