Andringitra National Park
Trek through the Forest
Trek towards the sacred Forest of Tsaranoro and its ring-tailed lemurs. Enter lush vegetation where different species of endemic trees abound that are infected by the “Ficus Strangler” (tall fig trees). You can also observe termite nests. After crossing a small stream, take the path up to the right and do not miss out on climbing up to see a great view of the overhanging vegetation. This forest is now the habitat of the ring-tailed lemurs. You may able to be see them jump from tree to tree.
Tsaranoro’s cliff has a path that leads you in several directions. If you go down the path for a few minutes you will arrive in the grasslands of the lower part of the forest. In the zebu’s grazing areas, you can still make out heaps of stones constituting ancient ruins. Throughout this trip, many tombs are visible. Malagasy tombs are usually far more elaborate than the homes they live in and are topped with carved wooden memorial posts called “aloalo” and often decorated with horns from a sacrificed zebu. This forest is still the cemetery of the inhabitants of the valley.
Enjoy a picnic lunch and continue your visit to the village of Sahanambo to discover the daily life of the inhabitants. Take the path that joins the track and visit the village of Andonaka. Pass through the “Tsaranoro’s School ” where on weekdays, you can visit the students and the two teachers. In the village you will come across women pounding rice in traditional method. See the traditional architecture of the Bara and Betsileo tribes with houses without flooring. Coloured balconies with drying sweetcorn are signs of wealth. You will pass the villages, rice fields and waterfalls to reach Sahanambo River.
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Andringitra National Park
Andringitra National Park is a spectacular and diverse protected area in the southern part of the Central Highlands of Madagascar, renowned for its dramatic granite mountains, extreme altitudinal variation, and exceptional biodiversity.
Key Facts and Highlights:
- Location and Geography:
- Located in the Haute Matsiatra region, about south of Ambalavao.
- The park is centered around the Andringitra Massif, an ancient outcrop of Precambrian granite rock.
- It exhibits a massive altitudinal range, from about to above sea level.
- Pic Boby (Imarivolanitra):
- The highest peak in the park is Pic Boby, also officially known as Imarivolanitra (“close to the sky”), which stands at ().
- It is the second-highest mountain in all of Madagascar and the highest accessible peak for trekkers. The ascent is challenging but rewarding, often done over a -to--day trek.
- Climate and Ecosystems:
- The massif acts as a natural barrier, creating two starkly different ecological zones:
- Eastern Flank: Humid, with tropical rainforests and wet grasslands.
- Western Flank (Tsaranoro Valley): Drier, with dry forests and dramatic granite cliffs, a famous spot for rock climbing.
- The climate is highly varied, from mild to below-freezing temperatures at high altitude. Madagascar’s lowest-ever temperature () has been recorded here, and snow has been observed in some years.
- The massif acts as a natural barrier, creating two starkly different ecological zones:
- Biodiversity:
- Andringitra is a biodiversity hotspot and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 as part of the Rainforests of the Atsinanana.
- It is home to over plant species (including many orchids and unique high-altitude flora), bird species, amphibian species, and over mammal species.
- Lemurs: The park is especially noted for its species of lemur, including the iconic Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta), whose population here has notably thicker coats as an adaptation to the cold. Other species include the Golden Bamboo Lemur and Greater Bamboo Lemur.
- Tourism and Hiking:
- The park is one of Madagascar’s premier hiking destinations.
- The main access points are through the Namoly Valley (eastern side) and the Tsaranoro Valley (western side).
- Visitors can choose from several circuits, including the strenuous Pic Boby ascent, or easier trails that explore waterfalls, natural pools, and the unique lunar-like landscapes of the high plateau.
Andringitra offers a raw, unforgettable experience of Madagascar’s rugged highlands and is a major destination for trekkers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts seeking challenging terrain and extreme natural beauty.
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Andringitra National Park