top of page
Let the Lemurs entertain you
Ifotaka Community Forest
The endemic spiny forest is like nothing else on earth. The tall spikey Octopus Trees are amongst the unique flora which are home to Verreaux’s Sifakas and the Nocturnal, Whitefooted Sportive Lemurs and Mouse Lemurs.
The sacred spiny forest is protected by the local community in association with WWF.
Night Walks
As the sun sets the dynamic of the the spiny forest changes. The Ringtail Lemurs and Verreaux’s Sifaka bed down for the night as a whole host of different and interesting creatures start to stir. Torchlight unveils the shining eyes of White-footed Sportive Lemurs and Grey and Grey-Brown Mouse Lemurs scurrying through the trees looking for their next meal.
Let’s not forget the nocturnal birdlife, chameleons, geckos and of course the unbelievably clear starry skies.
Birdwatching
Mandrare River Camp and the surrounding area are excellent for bird watching.
A gentle walk from the camp to the nearby wetlands always proves fruitful, with, Painted Snipe, Teal, Malachite Kingfishers and various egrets. Early morning walks in the dry season can be very rewarding with large flocks of Sand Grouse, Herons and Egrets.
River Bank Sundowner
With views over the Mandrare River the camp is the ideal place to watch the sunset. With snacks and refreshments in hand reminisce on the day’s activities as the sun sets over the river.
Sacred Spiny Forest
In the late afternoon, head for a walk through the Sacred Spiny Forest filled with the ancestral tombs of the local Antandroy tribe, as well as an extraordinary array of flora and fauna, unique to the spiny forest. Your English speaking guide and a tracker from the local community will give you an introduction to Antandroy culture and customs.
A trip through the spiny forest offers more than just wildlife, but a rich cultural experience too.
Village Walk and Market Visit
Let one of Mandrare’s experienced guides take you on a walk through Ifotaka to experience the life of the Antandroy. Explore the tombs of the ancenstors and absorb the colours and fun of village life.
A special highlight is the lively and colourful market on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Baobab Sundowner
A short drive from the camp leads to a forest of Baobab trees. Over one hundred Baobabs provide a spectacular photo opportunity for a Malagasy sunset.
As the sun sets and stars come out the local village perform their traditional dances around the bonfire. The perfect end to the day.
Lac Anony
A day trip to Lac Anony shows off another dimension to this fascinating area. This salt water lake is separated from the Indian Ocean by a series of large sand dunes and is home to Greater Flamingos and a variety of salt water birds. Walk along the lake shore stopping for a picnic lunch, scale the 70ft high sand dunes for an incredible view over the lake and sea, even jump in for a swim if the mood takes you.
Sacred Gallery Forest
Cross the Mandrare River to this largely deciduous Tamarind forest. The vast canopy is home to inquisitive groups of Ringtailed Lemurs and the ever entertaining Verreaux’s Sifaka. If you are lucky enough you might even see the Sifaka’s dancing across the ground.
bottom of page