Andringitra National Park

About this place

Andringitra National Park lies in the Haute Matsiatra region, south of the town of Ambalavao, established in 1999 and managed by Madagascar National Parks. It joined the World Heritage List in 2007 as part of the Rainforests of the Atsinanana. It covers 31,160 hectares and contains Madagascar's second highest mountain. Its tall granite walls above the valleys make a scene that calls to anyone who loves to walk. The park holds four rivers and a variety of plants, birds and frogs, along with thirteen species of lemur. Three peoples live in the region, the Bara, the Bara Haronga and the Betsileo, with terraced rice fields and mud houses around it. The habitats change sharply with height, from forest below to grass and rock above, so no day here is like another. You walk grassy trails looking onto huge rock walls reflected in clear pools, past waterfalls and natural basins in the rock. The best-known trip climbs Pic Boby, usually over two days with camping. Easier one-day walks cross the valleys. The mountain weather is changeable, and nights can get very cold, above all in the dry season. It is about 42 km in a straight line from Ambalavao, along a rough road, above all after rain. Bring warm clothes and walking boots, and arrange guides and porters at the park office. The best time is April to October.