Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Circuit Mangatsiaka
is a gentle loop of 4km (two hours) in bird-rich dry forest. From
Fort Dauphin, follow the RN13 for 54km, then turn right and proceed 4km on a dirt road.
The park also has an
interpretation centre
along the RN13 at Ankazofotsy, about 40km
west of Fort Dauphin. At the time of research this had been closed for six months due to
lack of funding, but it may reopen by the time you read this.
To visit one of the three main circuits, go directly to the park entrance at those sites and
purchase tickets there. Entry permits are Ar10,000 per day, and camping permits Ar8000
per day. Guide fees are time dependent. If you are interested in longer treks across the rain-
forest mountains visit the MNP office in Fort Dauphin.
With an early start, it is possible to visit the park on a day trip, but it is advisable to camp
overnight.
PARC NATIONAL D'ANDOHAHELA
Best time to visit
April-December, ie outside cyclone season
Key highlight
Circuit Tsimelahy
Wildlife
Three-cornered palm (only found here), spiny iguanas, harrier hawk
Habitats
Humid forest, spiny forest, transitional forest
Gateway town
Tsimelahy village
Transport options
Rental 4WD (Ar150,000); taxi-brousse and hike in
Things you should know
Best to stay overnight at Tsimelahy to give yourself
enough time
Fort Dauphin (Taolagnaro)
POP 52,000
Fort Dauphin occupies a striking location between sea and mountains, as pictured on the
back of the 5000 ariary note. The town is more prosperous than most, as a major mining
operation is based here; after driving for days through the spiny forest, the sight of paved
roads and streetlights is a wonder to behold. Apart from some great in-town beaches, the
city proper has little to offer the traveller, but there is much to see in the surrounding area,
particularly if you have a car. So while this isn't a tourist town, it is a good base of op-
erations, with some decent accommodation. That said, the mining wealth is not trickling
down, and crime is up. One has to be careful here, particularly when off on one's own.
