Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Park Fees & Guides
The
MNP office
( 75 340 81, 033 12 340 81, 034 49 400 96;
www.parcs-madagas-
mits
(per 1/2/3/4 days Ar10,000/15,000/20,000/25,000). Here you can hire guides, port-
ers, cooks, and equipment. Food can be arranged too, if you call one day ahead. Otherwise
arrive with your own provisions, which will further give you your own choice of meals.
Don't bring any pork as it is
fady
(taboo) in the park. Guide fees start at Ar15,000 and
cooks and porters about half that, with prices dependent on how long you want to hike.
In the winter, temperatures fall into the cold-as-hell zone, reaching as low as -7°C at
night. You will definitely need extra-warm clothing and a good sleeping bag if camping
during the winter. If renting a sleeping bag, confirm it is sufficient. The park is officially
closed from January to March, when heavy rains make access difficult. Afternoon mists
are common, and you should be prepared for bad weather at any time of year. If you are
climbing Pic Boby, you will need a flashlight with several hours of battery life.
The Tsaranoro Valley has a tiny
MNP office
in Morarano, near Camp Catta, where you
can buy a permit and find a guide - if staff are present. Guides tend to look for business at
Camp Catta too.
PARC NATIONAL D'ANDRINGITRA
Best time to visit
October to November during orchid bloom; park closed Janu-
ary to March.
Key highlight
Sunrise from the summit of Pic Boby.
Wildlife
Ring-tailed lemurs, multicoloured grasshoppers.
Habitats
High plateau, meadows, rocky peaks, some primary rainforest
(Imaitso).
Gateway town
Ambalavao; head from there to either park entrance.
Transport options
Private car, transfer to Camp Catta, intermittent taxis-
brousses.
Things you should know
Water freezes at night during winter.
SIGHTS & ACTIVITIES
Wildlife
Andringitra is mainly about hiking in spectacular scenery; it is not primarily a wildlife des-
tination. Ironically, 14 lemur species have been identified here, more than in any other park
