ANDRINGTRA NATIONAL PARK.
Andringitra National Park, an extraordinary mountain range, park since 1993, it is of one of the most beautiful hiking destination of the Big Island. With its tropical rain forest and also its peak culminating at 2,658m, the mountain range extends from north to south acting as a topographic and climatic barrier.
Presenting an undeniable natural richness, Andringitra National Park is open to mountain hikers who appreciate the great outdoors. For the more athletic, a hike to the second highest peak in Madagascar is a must: Pic Boby! An accession which will also allow you to discover an endemic fauna and flora in the park.
The Park can be accessed from Namoly, 40 km (3/4 hours’ drive) East from Ambalavao or from Tsaranoro Valley, 70km South-East of Ambalavao. (2 hours’ drive). Tsaranoro is a great place to begin the long trek (3 days) to Pic Boby.
Like all mountain ranges in the world, the weather changes very rapidly and, due its high elevation, temperatures are very cold for Madagascar. On the same day temperature can reach 25 degrees during the day the fall below 0 degrees in the evening. The coldest temperatures in Madagascar are registered here. Bring warm clothing, sleeping bag and comfortable shoes.
Andasibe Hotel is situated in the forest near the entrance to Analamazoatra Reserve, which is part of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. Lodging is in 20 bungalows built along two ridgelines and back dropped by high, dense forest. The spacious rooms are simple but stylish, with clean lines and bright accent colors. Modern comforts include en suite bathrooms with hot showers, heaters for cool winter evenings, charging outlets in every room, mini bar, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi is available in the reception and restaurant areas. Each room is individually decorated and has a small private veranda for taking in the surroundings, with the call of rare endemic birds echoing just beyond. In the central area, a bar and restaurant serve elegant cocktails, fine French-Malagasy cuisine and international fare. Enjoy a swim in the large outdoor pool, and kayak excursions nearby are possible, too, if time permits. After an exciting trek looking for Indri and other lemurs, guests may enjoy relaxing with a massage, available at an extra cost
Flora.
The ecosystem of the massif is divided into three categories, including a tropical forest at low altitude, a mountain forest and vegetation at high altitude. Andringitra literally means where there are stunted plants. The vegetation of the high mountains is shorter and the leaves smaller. Between the forests are scattered orchids, aloes, epiphytic plants, tree ferns, palm trees, Pachypodium and bamboos.
Fauna
In Andringitra are counted over 100 different species of birds, 55 species of frogs, over 50 species of mammals including 13 of lemurs, such as the ring tailed lemur, the golden bamboo lemur, the greater bamboo lemur, the common brown lemur, the red bellied lemur and the aye-aye to mention few.
Walk the slopes of Andringitra
Go on trek for 2-3 days in an exceptional setting. The massif offers various activities to do including trekking, in an exuberant and incredible nature. Camping, birdwatching, and trekking are the main activities to do in the park. The Pic Boby climb is also a must-do when you go to Andringitra. However, you should wear warm clothes because it can be very cold when the night comes out. For the most adventurous, the site offers climbing. A sporty trip, rich in adventure and discovery. Note that you also have the possibility to bivouac under tents.
SOME OF THE SPECIES TO BE SEEN IN ANDRINGITRA NATIONAL PARK.
You’ll discover an unsuspected wealth in this region of the Andringitra. 14 species of lemurs, but also many non-venomous snakes, chameleons and many birds with flamboyant colors.
ACCOMMODATIONS.
Tsara guest house
You’re eligible for a Genius discount at Tsara Guest House! To save at this property.
Set in Fianarantsoa, 300 m from Ambozontany Cathedral, Tsara Guest House offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Certain units at the property feature a balcony with a garden view.
At the hotel, the rooms are equipped with a desk. At Tsara Guest House every room has bed linen and towels.
Continental and buffet breakfast options are available every morning at the accommodation.
Maromby Monastery is 6 km from Tsara Guest House.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.2 for a two-person trip.
Matsiatra guest house.
You’re eligible for a Genius discount at Residence MATSIATRA! To save at this property.
Set in Fianarantsoa, Residence MATSIATRA offers free WiFi, and guests can enjoy a restaurant, a bar and a garden.
There is a fully equipped private bathroom with shower and free toiletries.
A terrace is available for guests at the bed and breakfast to use.
Ambozontany Cathedral is 1.8 km from Residence MATSIATRA, while Maromby Monastery is 6 km away.
