Madagascar – Mandrare River Camp

Tribal culture, Varied and unique wildlife; Lemurs, Chameleons and birds of course. Gigantic and majestic Baobabs and of course the incredible Spiny Forest.

When to go: Honestly, I think any time of year would be good here! There are only 2 seasons: Hot, rainy season is November to April, Cooler dry season, May to October. Although the camp is closed from January through to the end of March, when it can be really rainy

Not only are you on the banks of the river, which is a lifeline for the local tribes, you are also close to forests (Dry, deciduous), Sacred forests, the amazing Spiny forests and tribal burial areas. The wildlife we saw here was truly amazing, not just for it’s range of species, but also for the intimacy. The creatures here are so well protected in places, that they are just plain curious. Lemurs bound to see who you are and what you are doing. They stay a safe distance from you but are seemingly unafraid, making this a perfect place to take great shots of these beautiful and graceful creatures. We saw Sifakas, ring tailed, sportive and mouse lemurs in abundance here although thee are more species to see. We were even lucky enough to see one Sifaka dance.We saw scorpions (don’t panic they are small, reclusive and not deadly), chameleons and a plethora of birdlife, both during the day and at night. There were several Owls around the camp and one in particular, the white browed owl, was a regular attendee after dinner.There are no major dangers in Madagascar, their largest predator is the Fossa, which is in decline and rarely seen and there are no deadly snakes to worry about. Even the huge Golden Orb spiders are friendly! No the most dangerous thing about the Madagascan wildlife is tearing yourself away from it.

You can do day and night walks here, both are equally rewarding as there are plenty of nocturnal and diurnal animals here, some you even get the chance to see in both scenarios (sleeping birds and huddled up lemurs). 

What to take: 
• Torches and plenty of spare batteries
• Cool, quick drying clothes
• A fleece (you will be up before the sun sometimes)
• Mossie repellent, although there aren’t many around here
• Binoculars – you will need them for the birds
• Waterproofs and a dry sack to keep your gear safe
• A hat, it can get very hot here
• Basic medi-kit (plasters and the like) you are out in the sticks here
• Comfy walking shoes
• Sun cream

This area is generally hot and dry, so expect to have to protect yourself from that and keep drinking those fluids. Expect to be amazed, captivated and surprised. I guarantee that every day you will learn something new.

The food really is exceptional, and you will be astounded at just what these guys produce for you from what seems like a fairly basic location.

In the morning you will hear the local tribe singing on their way down to the river, distant and melodious, it is the perfect wake up call.

Expect the ultimate in warm hospitality from Tom and Danielle and the rest of their local team who are knowledgeable and sociable and, of course, expect to be thinking about your return, before you have even left!

Flights/Travel: You can transfer from Fort Dauphin by car or by private plane, which can be organised at the time of booking. The trip to the camp itself is on a very rugged road and can take a long time, but it is interesting and not unbearable – just a little uncomfortable at times. The private plane takes you to just a few minutes away from the camp itself.

For 3 nights, you would be looking to pay between £1,000 to £1,200, which includes 4×4 transportation (transfer by small plane is optional and additional), full board, all drinks, meals and guided excursions (including national park entrance fees) and a donation towards local community and environmental projects.

This article was written in 2014 – please note that on average costs go up each year by between 10 and 20%

You can find the Mandrare River Camp website here >