Description
Located near the Southern tip of Madagascar, Mandrare River Camp offers a fabulous insight into nature and the local culture based on the East African style safari.
Landing in the tropical seaside town of Fort Dauphin you will be met and continue by road to the camp, stopping off on the remote shores of Lake Anony for lunch, before climbing and exploring the giant sand dunes overlooking the Indian Ocean. The journey continues through the “Spiny Forest” and sisal plantations until you reach the camp tucked away in a shady glade on the banks of the Mandrare River.
Set in the shade of Tamarind trees this beautiful tented camp sits on the edge of the Mandrare River. Guests awake to the sound of the local Antandroy tribe singing as they fetch water from the river; or children playing and splashing in the water.
The tents are simple in style but are beautifully furnished and very comfortable. There are bucket showers, which can be filled on request, and there are also chemical loos.
By protecting the sacred forests, where the Antandroy’s ancestors rest in their ornate tombs, the tribe have managed to preserve large wildlife areas and, through their traditions, they not only protect but also seem to genuinely live in harmony with their environment. Guests can go to a local wrestling match known as a “ringa” and the local tribe sometimes come to the camp to show off their traditional dance.
There are four species of lemur in the local area: ring-tailed, Verreaux’s sifaka, mouse and white-footed sportive (the last two are both nocturnal). The birding is exceptional with at least 15 resident species in camp and many more in the surrounding wooded areas.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in 6 large (17m²) tented rooms providing a comfortable, netted, four-poster bed, attractive handmade wooden furniture, electric lighting and private en suite facilities including a biodegradable chemi-loo, safari shower and BioAroma toiletries. Each has a private furnished verandah from which to watch life on the river or birds in the trees. Tents can accommodate an extra bed for a child. Silent, environmentally friendly solar panels provide the electricity.
Childcare
This camp is not suitable for very young children, however older children can be accommodated in an extra bed in their parents tent.
Facilities
There is a main dining tent where delicious meals are served, including fresh bread and pastries every morning.
Activities
From camp guided walks and treks set off into the forest for a mix of wildlife and culture. Alternatively, it is possible to visit the local village and meet the Antandroy people.
When to travel
Any time of year is fine for a visit except from January to March, when heavy rainfall in many areas can make some roads all but impassable, and when there’s a high risk of cyclones in the east and northeast. In general, the best time to travel in most areas is April and October/November. The coolest time to travel anywhere is during the dry season (May to October).
Average maximum temperatures vary from about 30°C in coastal areas (higher in summer) to around 25°C on the hauts plateaux. In Antananarivo and other highland areas, temperatures during winter can drop to 10°C and even lower during the night.
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Best time to visit
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Average time to visit
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Location and directions
Mandrare River, Southern Madagascar
Located in the South of Madagascar near Fort Dauphin, Mandrare River Camp is spread out in the shade of tamarind trees, all with breathtaking views across the tranquil water to the sacred mountains beyond.
How to get there
13 hour international flight (one stop) to Antananarivo Airport. From Antananarivo, it's a 1.5 hour flight to Fort Dauphin. The lodge is a 3.5 hour drive from Fort Dauphin. Madagascar Classic Camping has a Piper Light Aircraft available from Fort Dauphin Airport to service the airstrip at Mandrare River Camp. Transfer time from Ft Dauphin is 30mins to Mandrare River Camp.
