Mandrare River Camp
Mandrare River Camp is a seasonal camp on the banks of the Mandrare River, located on the southern tip of Madagascar, some 3km from Ifotaka village. The camp is nestled under a shaded grove of indigenous trees, a stone's throw away from a lovely sandy beach.
Mandrare River Camp Highlights
Mandrare River Camp is a seasonal camp on the banks of the Mandrare River, located on the southern tip of Madagascar, some 3km from Ifotaka village. Ifotaka is home to the Antandroy people, a tribe that still herd cattle and practise fadi (taboo) and ancestor worship. The camp is nestled under a shaded grove of indigenous trees, a stone's throw away from a lovely sandy beach, and opposite the sacred ancestral forests with burial tombs and a variety of endemic flora and fauna species. A large terrace extends from the lodge towards the water's edge, allowing guests to enjoy panoramic views while sipping on a refreshing sundowner.
Mandrare River Camp offers six canvas safari tents, spread out high up on the shady river bank, all with views across the tranquil water and the mountains beyond. Each tent is spacious with large windows and roof vents to allow the air to flow in and mosquito nets to keep the bugs away. The interiors are elegantly equipped with decadent 4-poster beds, a canvas covered wardrobe, dressing table with mirror and bedside tables with lamps. The tent extends onto an open-air veranda where guests are invited to relax and savour the beauty of their surroundings. The bathroom area is linked to the back of the tent with a shower, toilet and wash stand with basin.
- The camp is accessible by road (about a 3 hour drive) from Fort Dauphin.
- Mandrare River Camp operates from 1 April - 15 November with a minimum stay of 3 nights.
- Set in the grounds of an old colonial sisal plantation house and opposite the sacred ancestral forests of the Antandroy Tribe.
- Delectable cuisine prepared on site and fresh Parisian pastries prepared fresh every morning.
Mandrare River Camp Activities
The Mandrare River is a lush oasis in this otherwise barren and dry region, attracting a great diversity of wildlife. The Sacred Forests of Ifotaka are home to burial tombs and 4 species of lemur: Ring Tailed, Verreuxs Sifaka, Mouse and White Foot. There is fantastic bird-watching with over 15 resident species that can all be spotted on guided walks, by day or night. Stargazing on the beach at night is incredibly memorable, miles from any sign of civilisation. Visits can be arranged to the sisal plantations, the 70ft sand dunes of Lac Anony and the neighbouring lake, which is home to flamingos between the months of September and October. Experience a traditional ringa competition in a local village, where local Antandroy men show their physical strength. Visit Gallery Forest with its excellent sifaka and ring tailed lemur populations, picnic by a waterfall or sample local markets.
