Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
trails with gorgeous views across the forest and super birdwatching possibilities, including
specials such as the scaly ground-roller, pitta-like ground-roller and red-breasted coua.
There are two main trail areas: the northern Tsokoko circuit at 14km is the toughest and
best for wildlife, and a couple of trails to the south. One is an easy two-hour trail which
leads up through the forest to a waterfall and lake (Cascade and Lac Sacré). Bring your
swimsuit for a cooling dip in the pool beneath the waterfall. The alternative is the longer
Rianasoa circuit.
To do justice to Mantadia you should spend the whole day there, bringing a picnic, and
leave the hotel at dawn. You will need your own transport and, of course, a guide. Most
guides can help you find a vehicle (60,000-80,000Ar) or you can enquire at Mitsinjo's of-
fice.
ASSOCIATION MITSINJO
(
56 832 33;
m
033 14 474 89;
e
mitsinjo@hotmail.com
;
07.00-17.00 & 18.30-21.00
) While offering the same attractions as the national park,
this local NGO is promoting reforestation and other conservation measures. They also op-
erate the reserve of Torotorofotsy and run a handicrafts shop in Andasibe village. They
havesixtreenurseries,someofwhichyoucanvisit.Thousandsofseedlingsof151endem-
ic species are being raised to help reestablish corridors between blocks of isolated forest
(see the box on
Click Here
). In other community work, Mitsinjo has ongoing projects in
family planning and providing clean water. The latter has seen the construction of more
than 20 wells for local communities.
NATURALIST'S PROMISED LAND
Joseph-Philibert Commerson has provided the best-known quote on Madagascar:
C'est à Madagascar que je puis annoncer aux naturalistes qu'est la véritable terre
promise pour eux. C'est là que la nature semble s'être retirée dans un sanctuaire
particulier pour y travailler sur d'autres modèles que ceux auxquels elle s'est asser-
vie ailleurs. Les formes les plus insolites et les plus merveilleuses s'y rencontrent à
chaque pas
.
Here in Madagascar I have truly found the naturalist's promised land. Nature seems
to have retreated into a private sanctuary, to work on models unlike any she has cre-
ated elsewhere. At every step one encounters the most strange and marvellous forms.
Commerson was a doctor who travelled with Bougainville on a world expedition in
1766, arriving at Mauritius in 1768. He studied the natural history of that island, then
in 1770 journeyed on to Madagascar where he stayed for three or four months in the
