Africa

Perinet (Analamazaotra) – Mantadia

This montane rainforest harbours the largest of the lemurs, the indri, with its black and white markings and eerie, wailing cry. Eight other species of lemur inhabit the reserve. Four nocturnal species (woolly lemur, sportive lemur, greater dwarf lemur and rufous mouse lemur) are commonly encountered. Pack a torch for night walks.
The 810- hectare reserve claims a world record for frog diversity, with over 100 documented species. Reptiles include the enormous Parsons chameleon. Birders can expect to see blue coua, coral-billed nuthatch vanga and many more. We recommend that birders visit one of the nearby marshes for localised endemics.
About 37 km from Perinet, Mantadia is a spectacular national park spanning 10 000 hectares of primary rainforest inhabited by rare wildlife not found in Perinet. Star attractions include the diadem sifaka, ruffed lemur and all four rainforest-dependent ground-rollers.
These rainforest reserves are about 3 hours from Antananarivo. Trails are gentle in Perinet, steeper in Mantadia.