Fxlopes
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (Reserve of Perinet)
Location and Access: 145 km east of Antananarivo (Tana) . This morning we drive , eastwards to the world-renowned upland rain-forest reserve of Perinet - four hours east on a good road , RN2. Our time here will be spent in the Perinet reserve and the Mantadia National Park and our overnights at the hotel Feony'ala . The protected rain forest here exceeds 10,000 hectares and is vital for the survival of many of the island's unique species. The forest is characterised by humid climate, huge trees, and a lush, dense understorey, but there is good access along a number of footpaths. At Perinet the main attraction is the Indri, the world's largest (and noisiest) lemur, a tailless lemur found in family groups and often heard moaning and wailing. Among others, we may also see Grey Bamboo Lemur and Brown Lemur, as well as many birds - specials here include Madagascar Woodrail and Coral-billed Nuthatch Vanga. The bird-life includes six species of Vangas : Red-tailed, Hook-billed, White-headed, Chabert's, Blue and Nuthatch. Also likely to be encountered species include Madagascar Little Grebe, Madagascar Buzzard, Madagascar Blue Pigeon, Blue Coua, Madagascar Spine-tailed Swift, Broad-billed Roller, Madagascar Bulbul, Ward's and Madagascar Paradise Flycatchers, Souimanga and Madagascar Green Sunbirds, Madagascar White-eye, Crested Drongo, Madagascar Starling and Nelicourvi Weaver. Reptiles abound, including Parson's chameleon and Madagascar Tree Boa. A night walk [a flashlight is essential] usually reveals four species of nocturnal lemur, as well as a plethora of reptiles and frogs - including chameleons galore. Trails into the forest are easy to negotiate and because the wildlife in Perinet is highly habituated, animals tend to allow close approach. In Mantadia, which is primary rain forest and home to many species not found at Perinet, the wildlife is more reclusive and the trails are more difficult. Star mammal attractions in Mantadia include the Diadem Sifaka and Ruffed Lemur, while sought-after birds include Pitta-like Ground-roller, Short-legged Ground-roller, Forest Rock-thrush, Yellow-bellied Sunbird-asity and Pollen's Vanga - among others.
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (Reserve of Perinet)
Location and Access: 145 km east of Antananarivo (Tana) . This morning we drive , eastwards to the world-renowned upland rain-forest reserve of Perinet - four hours east on a good road , RN2. Our time here will be spent in the Perinet reserve and the Mantadia National Park and our overnights at the hotel Feony'ala . The protected rain forest here exceeds 10,000 hectares and is vital for the survival of many of the island's unique species. The forest is characterised by humid climate, huge trees, and a lush, dense understorey, but there is good access along a number of footpaths. At Perinet the main attraction is the Indri, the world's largest (and noisiest) lemur, a tailless lemur found in family groups and often heard moaning and wailing. Among others, we may also see Grey Bamboo Lemur and Brown Lemur, as well as many birds - specials here include Madagascar Woodrail and Coral-billed Nuthatch Vanga. The bird-life includes six species of Vangas : Red-tailed, Hook-billed, White-headed, Chabert's, Blue and Nuthatch. Also likely to be encountered species include Madagascar Little Grebe, Madagascar Buzzard, Madagascar Blue Pigeon, Blue Coua, Madagascar Spine-tailed Swift, Broad-billed Roller, Madagascar Bulbul, Ward's and Madagascar Paradise Flycatchers, Souimanga and Madagascar Green Sunbirds, Madagascar White-eye, Crested Drongo, Madagascar Starling and Nelicourvi Weaver. Reptiles abound, including Parson's chameleon and Madagascar Tree Boa. A night walk [a flashlight is essential] usually reveals four species of nocturnal lemur, as well as a plethora of reptiles and frogs - including chameleons galore. Trails into the forest are easy to negotiate and because the wildlife in Perinet is highly habituated, animals tend to allow close approach. In Mantadia, which is primary rain forest and home to many species not found at Perinet, the wildlife is more reclusive and the trails are more difficult. Star mammal attractions in Mantadia include the Diadem Sifaka and Ruffed Lemur, while sought-after birds include Pitta-like Ground-roller, Short-legged Ground-roller, Forest Rock-thrush, Yellow-bellied Sunbird-asity and Pollen's Vanga - among others.