The Highlands South of Tana - Madagascar - page 333

Camping Therearefivecampsiteswithinthenationalpark,eachwithacapacityofaround
a dozen tents, a cooking hut, running water, and either a long-drop or flush toilet. A couple
of them also have a shower. Pitches cost 5,000Ar per night, and a further 5,000Ar to hire a
tent. Sleeping bags and mats are also available to rent.
ANDRINGITRA NATIONAL PARK Created in 1999, this park protects the flora and
fauna around Madagascar's second highest peak: Pic d'Imarivolanitra (2,658m), meaning
'close to the sky' (formerly known as Pic Boby). Andringitra has some wildlife, but land-
scape, vegetation and trekking are the chief attractions. And what attractions! I would put
Diavolana (see Trekking below) in the top ten of all mountain walks that I have ever done:
thecombinationofgranitepeaksandgneissformations,endemicsucculentplantsandring-
tailed lemurs (though at a distance) makes this an utterly different - and utterly marvellous
- walking experience. Each circuit covers different terrain, from forest and waterfalls to
thefrostypeakofImarivolanitra.Inthewarmer,wetseasonthemeadowsarecarpetedwith
flowers, including 30 species of orchid.
Great care has been taken in creating the trails which are beautifully engineered through
difficultterraintomakethemassafeandeasyaspossible.Althoughthetrailsystemcovers
a variety of ecosystems, the park also protects an area of montane rainforest in the east,
which is closed to visitors. This provides a sanctuary for such rare species as golden and
greater bamboo lemurs.
Localguides Theguidesarewell-trainedandknowledgeable,particularlyonthemedicinal
use of plants, though few speak English. Fees are roughly 15,000Ar per day for guides and
8,000Ar for porters.
Getting there and away Travelling here by public transport is problematic, but for true
backpackers carrying a tent and food, it would be worth the effort. You may find a taxi-
brousse to take you at least part of the way, but be prepared for a lot of walking. Alternat-
ively hire a car and driver in Fianar. The vast majority of visitors arrange an all-inclusive
trip from a Fianar tour operator (see Click Here - Click Here ) .
There are two entry points: east (Namoly) and west (Morarano). Access is usually via
Namoly. All visitors need to go to the gîte where the park office is located to pick up their
permit, which takes around two hours. A map of the trail system and visitor guidelines
are available here. It's another hour or more (depending on the condition of the road, and
whether the four toll booths are manned) to the parking area and a further 20-minute walk
to the campsite, so aim to leave Ambalavao by 14.00 at the latest to avoid setting up your
tent in the dark.