Mandrare River Camp

At Ifotaka Community Forest, Mandrare River Camp is Madagascar’s first and most highly-praised luxury tented camp. The camp is accessed either by a four and a half-hour drive from Fort Dauphin or, in the high season, by means of a very scenic charter flight from Antananarivo via Fianarantsoa to Mandrare air strip.

Accommodation consists of seven large, tented rooms, each with a comfortable four-poster bed (netted); attractive hand-crafted wooden furniture, electric lighting and private, en- suite facilities. Each tent has a comfortable, furnished veranda with a panoramic river view. The rooms are equipped with fans and solar panels provide electricity. There is a welcome swimming pool in which to cool off from the desert heat. Superb meals are stylishly presented, and the chef bakes fresh bread, croissants and pain au chocolate daily; lunches are often a barbecue with a variety of salads.

Under proprietor Edward Tucker-Brown, the Madagascar Classic Camping properties place a strong emphasis on the culture of the Antandroy or ‘people of the thorns’ who inhabit this harsh region. The camp has accomplished guides who will provide fascinating information about the people of this compellingly unique part of the country. You will, for example, see colourful tombs, learn about local beliefs and see an Antandroy dancing and music performance which here, is done to entertain resident people as well as visitors. A four night stay here is ideally combined with four or more nights at the camp’s sister property, Manafiafy Rainforest & Beach Lodge on the south-eastern coast. Ask us for details.