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Mandrare River Camp Twin Room

Mandrare River Camp

Luxurious tents on the Mandrare River

Track wild lemurs in southern Madagascar

Mandrare River Camp combines riverside comfort, Antandroy culture and guided forest walks

Location:
Mandrare River Camp lies in deep southern Madagascar on the banks of the Mandrare River, just a few kilometres from Ifotaka village. Framed by sacred high-plateau mountains and shaded tamarind trees, it’s nestled beside the spiny forest and offers serene river views and starlit skies far from the beaten track.

Rooms:
There are seven luxury canvas tents thoughtfully spaced beneath the tamarind canopy. Each has a carved four‑poster bed draped in a mosquito net, handcrafted wooden furniture, an en‑suite bathroom with solar-powered hot water and lighting, and a private terrace overlooking the river and distant hills.

Amenities:
A central communal area offers a raised lounge with hammocks and chairs for sundowners overlooking the river, plus a small pool. Meals, from freshly baked breakfast pastries to three‑course dinners, are served buffet‑style or al fresco beside the river under flickering hurricane lamps.

Activities:
The camp’s experienced guides lead wildlife walks (day and night) through gallery and spiny forest where you can spot five lemur species, reptiles, amphibians and birds. Cultural visits include the local market and the Antandroy tribe for sacred forest tours, traditional dance and community encounters. Optional 4×4 excursions also take guests deeper into the landscape.

Sustainability:
Mandrare River Camp runs entirely on solar-generated electricity and hot water and sources all food locally. The lodge reinvests stays and community levies into reforestation, school support, fuel-efficient stoves, forest guardians and cultural conservation, all staffed largely by trained Malagasy employees.

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When to go to Madagascar

Find out the best time to visit Madagascar with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

The cyclone season in Madagascar is between January and March, which means it's hot and wet and isn't the best time of year to travel. The east coast is generally wetter than the west or south.

February

February is the wettest month, with heavy downpours and the risk of cyclones making travel difficult, and wildlife hard to spot.

March

March remains hot and wet, with high humidity making travel uncomfortable. The south is generally a bit drier and the roads more manageable than the north

April

There are still heavy rain showers during April, May and June, but they don't disrupt too many activities, and the sun often shines in between. Parks are now open to visitors and it's a great time to visit Andasibe and Berenty, with the greenery lush and the wildlife coming out of hiding.

May

The rains have left the landscapes looking green and lush, and now is a great time to try and spot the famous lemurs. The tourists haven't yet arrived en-masse so accommodation is cheaper and easier to find. There are still a few rain showers, but sun prevails, making May an excellent overall choice for travel.

June

With the rain finally subsiding, the air becomes fresh and cool, with sunshine and just a few showers punctuating the day. It's a great time to travel across much of the country, and still outside of peak season it's easier to find accommodation at good prices.

July

July is the beginning of the peak season, with dry weather and lower temperatures meaning this is a great time to go trekking or explore the rainforests. Lemurs and other forest dwellers have come out of hiding, and humpback whales gather to calve offshore, with sightings frequent between now and September. July is one of the best times to visit Madagascar.

August

August is similar to July, with comfortably cool temperatures and sunny skies. It's another good month for whale watching, and for exploring Madagascar's many regions.

September

Want to see a baby lemur? Now is the time to visit, when lemurs give birth. The cooler weather is at an end, and temperatures begin to rise, bringing with them a few showers in anticipation of the approaching rainy season. It's quieter than July and August, and therefore an ideal month to visit Madagascar. Whale watching is still on the cards too.

October

Baby lemurs are still hopping around during October, and the warmer weather means it's an excellent time for the beaches and snorkelling in the turquoise ocean. Keep an eye out for the blooming purple jacarandas, and see if you can spot fossas in the western forests.

November

Increasing temperatures around Madagascar mean hot days, but the arrival of short rain showers helps cool things down. Wildlife is very active during November, so it's a great time for lemur spotting, as well as birds during their breeding season.

December

December is the start of the wet season in Madagascar, with high temperatures (the hottest of the year) and short, sharp rain showers. It's a bit cooler and drier in the south west of the island. It's a quieter time to travel, and if you visit at the beginning of the month, the beaches will still be glorious.

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