Rainforests of the Atsinanana
Location: Eastern Madagascar
Year of Inscription: 2007
Criteria:(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The site comprises six national parks and covers a total area of over 370,000 hectares. It is home to a wide range of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to Madagascar and some of which are critically endangered.
Prominent Features: The Rainforests of the Atsinanana are characterized by their exceptional biodiversity, with over 2,000 species of plants, 50 species of mammals, and 120 species of birds. The site is also home to several species of lemurs, including the Indri, the largest of all lemurs, and the critically endangered Greater Bamboo Lemur.
History: The Rainforests of the Atsinanana have been recognized as an important site for conservation since the early 20th century. They were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007, in recognition of their exceptional biodiversity and significance for the conservation of threatened species.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Rainforests of the Atsinanana offer several family-friendly activities, including guided nature walks, birdwatching tours, and lemur spotting tours. Children will also enjoy seeing the reserve's diverse wildlife, including the iconic lemurs of Madagascar.
Fun Fact: The Indri, a type of lemur found in the Rainforests of the Atsinanana, is famous for its unique call, which is said to resemble a whale song.
Entry Fees: Visitors are required to obtain a permit from the local forestry department, which costs around $10-$20 per person. Additional fees may be charged for activities such as hiking and camping.
How to Reach it: The Rainforests of the Atsinanana are located on the eastern coast of Madagascar, and can be reached by car or by plane from the capital city of Antananarivo. The nearest major airport is the Toamasina Airport, which is served by several domestic airlines. Visitors can also take a taxi-brousse, or shared taxi, from Antananarivo to the nearby town of Andasibe, which serves as a gateway to the national parks.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodations available in the nearby towns. Some popular options for visitors include:
Hotel de la Gare - located in the town of Andasibe, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and is situated close to the entrance of the Mantadia National Park.
Vakona Forest Lodge - situated in a private reserve near Andasibe, this lodge offers luxurious bungalows and is surrounded by rainforest, providing a unique and immersive experience.
Eulophiella Forest Lodge - located in the town of Ambositra, this lodge offers rustic bungalows with stunning views of the surrounding rainforest.
Andasibe Hotel - located in Andasibe, this hotel offers basic but comfortable accommodation at an affordable price.
Mantadia Lodge - situated near the entrance to the Mantadia National Park, this lodge offers spacious rooms with views of the rainforest.
Next Stop: Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
Year of Inscription: 2007
Criteria:(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The site comprises six national parks and covers a total area of over 370,000 hectares. It is home to a wide range of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to Madagascar and some of which are critically endangered.
Prominent Features: The Rainforests of the Atsinanana are characterized by their exceptional biodiversity, with over 2,000 species of plants, 50 species of mammals, and 120 species of birds. The site is also home to several species of lemurs, including the Indri, the largest of all lemurs, and the critically endangered Greater Bamboo Lemur.
History: The Rainforests of the Atsinanana have been recognized as an important site for conservation since the early 20th century. They were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007, in recognition of their exceptional biodiversity and significance for the conservation of threatened species.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Rainforests of the Atsinanana offer several family-friendly activities, including guided nature walks, birdwatching tours, and lemur spotting tours. Children will also enjoy seeing the reserve's diverse wildlife, including the iconic lemurs of Madagascar.
Fun Fact: The Indri, a type of lemur found in the Rainforests of the Atsinanana, is famous for its unique call, which is said to resemble a whale song.
Entry Fees: Visitors are required to obtain a permit from the local forestry department, which costs around $10-$20 per person. Additional fees may be charged for activities such as hiking and camping.
How to Reach it: The Rainforests of the Atsinanana are located on the eastern coast of Madagascar, and can be reached by car or by plane from the capital city of Antananarivo. The nearest major airport is the Toamasina Airport, which is served by several domestic airlines. Visitors can also take a taxi-brousse, or shared taxi, from Antananarivo to the nearby town of Andasibe, which serves as a gateway to the national parks.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodations available in the nearby towns. Some popular options for visitors include:
Hotel de la Gare - located in the town of Andasibe, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and is situated close to the entrance of the Mantadia National Park.
Vakona Forest Lodge - situated in a private reserve near Andasibe, this lodge offers luxurious bungalows and is surrounded by rainforest, providing a unique and immersive experience.
Eulophiella Forest Lodge - located in the town of Ambositra, this lodge offers rustic bungalows with stunning views of the surrounding rainforest.
Andasibe Hotel - located in Andasibe, this hotel offers basic but comfortable accommodation at an affordable price.
Mantadia Lodge - situated near the entrance to the Mantadia National Park, this lodge offers spacious rooms with views of the rainforest.
Next Stop: Royal Hill of Ambohimanga