Andrafiamena - Andavakoera

Paysage Harmonieux Protégé d’Andrafiamena Andavakoera, also known as Andrafiamena, Andrafiamena Andavakoera protected area, is a protected area in the northern part of Madagascar located some 100 km south of the town of Antsiranana.

Andrafiamena Andavakoera, just like most protected areas in Madagascar, is accessible seasonally by means of four-wheel drive vehicle. Indifferently of the season, the dirt track leading to the village of Anjahakely for accommodation and arrangement of guides for the visit of the protected area is permanently bumpy making the journey adventurous should there rain…

Wide 73319 ha, the Paysage Harmonieux Protégé d’Andrafiamena Andavakoera encompasses moist semi-deciduous and mainly dry deciduous forests growing from north to south on marine limestone, clayey-limestone, and marl, sandstone, sandy limestones, dolomites, shales and conglomerates all of sedimentary origin. Parts of the protected ares are underlain by fossiliferous schist, silica rich orthogneiss which is part of the cristal basement of the highlands and east coast of Madagascar. Plains and degraded areas are occupied by secondary grasslands and thickets. The geologic formation accounts for the scattered known and unknown caves and karst within the protected area of Andrafiamena-Andavakoera.

In term of wildlife, Andrafiamena-Andavakoera is so far the sole confirmed protected areas in Madagascar to contain a population of Perrier’s Sifaka, Propithecus perrieri, which as classified Critically Endangered by the 2008 IUCN Red List assessment has clearly became an icon. Yet, the protected area is also home to other species of lemurs, Microcebus tavaratra, Lepilemur ankaranensis, Lepilemur milanoii, Eulemur coronatus, Eulemur sanfordi, to name but the most likely to be encountered in one of the couple of guided visits to the protected area for an acquaintance with the local dwellers. Other vertebrates from different groups, reptiles, birds, amphibians, etc… are likely to be encountered and sought after by nature lovers.

Dedicate a minimum a couple of night-stay at Andrafiamena-Andavakoera to fully enjoy nature and wildlife. Exploration of the protected area is carried out hiking, therefore, be ready to set out for three to four hours hike daily. Trekkers can enjoy longer distances although the main purpose of the stay is to discover wildlife and the local population along with their culture. Take any chance given and arranged to set out for a night walk which is a uniquely memorable experience should you pack with luck. Please note that night walks and visits are prohibited in protected areas managed by Madagascar National Parks thus making any other protected areas special for nocturnal wildlife rendezvous.