Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A letter from an American adventurer prompts me to point out that national parks in
Madagascar are very different to those in North America or even Europe. They are not
huge areas of wilderness with a network of hiking trails where you can wander at will, but
carefully controlled places which you may visit only with a guide who will require you to
stick to prescribed circuits. If you want to get off the beaten track, don't try to do it within
a national park.
Thereare20orsospecialreserves,ofwhichCapSainteMarie,Beza-Mahafaly,Analam-
era, Andranomena, Manombo, Anjanaharibe-Sud and Nosy Mangabe are described in this
book.
The new areas coming under protection include some vast corridors along the eastern
rainforestbeltsuchasMakira,Ankeniheny-Zahamena,Fandriana-Vondrozo,aswellasim-
portant wetlands at Lake Alaotra, Mahavavy-Kinkony and a plethora of other sites con-
serving important species and habitats. Many are not yet able to accept visiting tourists.
There are also an increasing number of private reserves, the most famous of which
are Berenty and Anjajavy, and the NGO-run protected areas which welcome tourists.
These include Ambodiriana Reserve, Analalava Forest, Anja Park, Anjozorobe, Ankafobe,
Mitsinjo'sAnalamazaotraandTorotorofotsy,BandroPark,Daraina,IalatsaraLemurForest
Camp, Ifotaka Community Forest, Kirindy, Mahavavy-Kinkony Wetland Complex,
Mandena Conservation Zone, Manjakatompo Forestry Station, Maromizaha, Nahampoana
Reserve, Tampolo Forestry Station, Vohibola and Vohimana.
PERMITS
The cost of permits to visit the national parks and reserves varies, according to
which one you are visiting and the number of days spent there. Current permit prices for
adult foreign tourists are shown below. (There are concessions for children, residents, na-
tionals and researchers.)
Forthe'bigseven'-Isalo,Andasibe-Mantadia,Ranomafana,Montagned'Ambre,Ank-
arana, Ankarafantsika and Tsingy de Bemaraha - the rates are more expensive than other
reserves managed by Madagascar National Parks (as shown here with approximate euro
equivalents):
Main Parks Others
1 day 25,000Ar (€10) l0,000Ar (€4)
2 days 37,000Ar (€14) l5,000Ar (€6)
3 days 40,000Ar (€16) 20,000Ar (€8)
4 days or more 50,000Ar (€20) 25,000Ar (€10)
