Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The reserve spans rainforest, spiny forest and transition forest, and thus is of major
importance and interest. These three distinct zones make Andohahela unique in its biod-
iversity.
ANDOHAHELA INTERPRETATION CENTRE
Even if you are not able to visit An-
dohahela itself, do spend some time in this beautifully organised centre set up both for
tourists and locals. It is a green building on the left-hand side of the road just after Ran-
opiso. Through clear exhibits (in English, French and Malagasy) it emphasises the import-
anceoftheforestandwatertofuturegenerations,andexplainstheuseofvariousmedicinal
plants. Local initiatives include the introduction of fuel-efficient cooking stoves that burn
sisalleaves.Windpowerisalsobeinginvestigated.Schoolsarebeingbuiltinthearea,with
education on the importance of preserving the environment a priority. For those in need of
accommodation, there are two rooms at the centre and camping is permitted.
VISITINGANDOHAHELA
A visit to most areas of the national park requires a 4x4 and
campinggear(allcanbeprovidedbytouroperators)butfitandproperlyequippedhikersor
cyclists can make it independently. There are campsites with toilets and showers at Tsime-
lahy and Mangatsiaka (5,000Ar/night) and simple campsites without facilities at Malio,
Manangotry and Ihazofotsy (3,000Ar).
From the Interpretation Centre to Tsimelahy is 5km on the main road then a further 8km
from the turn-off. Cyclists would be better to go via Mangatsiaka.
Local tour operators offer packages to Andohahela. They can arrange guides and per-
mits; these can also be obtained from the National Parks office in Taolagnaro (for prices
see
Click Here
). Guide fees are 7,000Ar per group.
THE NATIONAL PARK
Malio (rainforest)
The rainforest area has a trail system and campsites, plus all the rain-
forest requisites: waterfalls, orchids and lemurs (
Eulemur fulvus
), but without the crowds
of Andasibe or Ranomafana. It is also popular with birders who come here looking for the
rare red-tailed newtonia. To get there (dry season only) take the paved road out of Taolag-
naro for approximately 15km, turn north on a dirt road before the town of Manambaro and
go 6km to the nice little village of Malio.
