Mandrare River Camp
Ifotaka Community Forest, Southern Madagascar, Madagascar
At a Glance
Take a walk in the sacred Ifotaka Community forest, protected by the Antandroy tribe
View lemurs from the stoop of your tent as they come to visit the camp
Take a walk along the river to find the jewelled malachite kingfisher
Visit the incredible sand dunes at Lac Anony, just crying out to be scrambled up
Marvel at the incredible, lunar landscape of the Spiny Forest
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
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.
Insider's View
Go for the dusk bush walk and see which lemurs are watching you watch them.
Make time to visit Lac Anony - a wonderful day trip!
An early morning walk through the spiny forest accompanied by your guide is magical
Keep your camera handy as you drive through the local colorful villages where markets are often taking place
Learn more about the local clan culture and visit their sacred burial sites
Go for a night walk for the chance to spot nocturnal specials of lemur such as the brown-mouse lemur
Call us on 858 345 1761 to start planning your vacation to Mandrare River Camp or take a look at our itineraries to Madagascar
Description
Madagascar Classic Camping's Mandrare River Camp has six tents and offers a luxury camping experience, with strong focus on local culture and the natural environment. Explore the Ifotaka community forest with its population of ring-tailed lemurs.
Located in Southern Madagascar’s renowned Mandrare Valley, Mandrare River Camp offers a fabulous insight into nature and the local culture based on the East African style safari.
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 and can explore the Spiny and Gallery Forests which are home to troops of ring-tailed lemurs and Verraux sifakas as well as tribal tombs.
The tents are simple in style but very comfortable with an authentic feel to them with beautiful hand-carved wooden furniture. All of the tents have en-suite bathrooms with fully-plumbed in shower and toilet with hot water provided by solar heaters.
By protecting the sacred forests, where their ancestors rest in ornate tombs, the Antandroy tribe have managed to preserve large wildlife areas which are amongst the most unspoiled in Madagascar. With particularly impressive examples of Spiny and Gallery Forest which are home to Verraux sifaka, ring-tailed, sportive and mouse lemurs as well as a variety of amphibians, reptiles and at least 15 species of birds which you will discover under the care of your expert guide. The camp also has strong links with the local community and a visit to the weekly market is well worth considering for the chance to have an insight to their traditional way of life.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in six 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 veranda 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.
Reviews
Annie Foot (Staff)
Manadrare offers such an exciting and varied stay with gallery and spiny forests where you spot ring-tailed, Verrauxs sifaka as well as a number of nocturnal species. When not on the look-out for lemurs, explore the local area with your expert guide who will educate you on the traditions on the Antandroy tribe and in particular their burial practices. The camp also has a pool overlooking the river which is the perfect spot to while away an afternoon with a good book.
Experiences
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Antandroy traditional culture
During your stay at Mandrare River Camp, spend time discovering the fascinating traditions and cultures of the local Antandroy people. Your guide will explain more on an unobtrusive tour, offering a fascinating insight into their culture.
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Explore the spiny forest
Madagascar's spiny forests are one of the island's most unique and distinctive habitats. Explore the local forest near Mandrare with your guide to learn more, looking out for wildlife including lemurs along the way.
Vacation Ideas
Location & directions
Ifotaka Community Forest, Southern Madagascar, 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.
- 24/7 concierge service
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator