Mangerivola

Mangerivola is a protected area in Madagascar.

Mangerivola at a Glance

Location
Central Highlands & Eastern Rainforest Corridor, Madagascar, Indian Ocean Islands
Coordinates
-18.202473, 48.902138
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
High
Best Time to Visit
April to November (dry season) for wildlife and trekking. September to November for lemur births.

Getting to Mangerivola

Nearest airport: Aéroport de Mananjary (MNJ), 338 km away.

Weather & Climate in Mangerivola

The warmest temperatures in Mangerivola occur in January, averaging 20.4°C (up to 24.8°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 14.5°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in October with average rainfall of 109.1mm. Average humidity: 87.7%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 20.4°C (rainfall: 445.7mm)
  • February: 20.2°C (rainfall: 320.6mm)
  • March: 20.1°C (rainfall: 350.3mm)
  • April: 19.1°C (rainfall: 186.4mm)
  • May: 17.3°C (rainfall: 133.0mm)
  • June: 15.3°C (rainfall: 140.4mm)
  • July: 14.5°C (rainfall: 196.0mm)
  • August: 14.9°C (rainfall: 145.6mm)
  • September: 15.5°C (rainfall: 129.9mm)
  • October: 17.6°C (rainfall: 109.1mm)
  • November: 19.1°C (rainfall: 114.5mm)
  • December: 20.0°C (rainfall: 263.2mm)

Best Time to Visit Mangerivola

The best months to visit Mangerivola are October, November, December, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 20.45°C, rainfall 445.7mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 90.1%
  • February: Poor, temperature 20.24°C, rainfall 320.6mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 91%
  • March: Poor, temperature 20.07°C, rainfall 350.3mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 92.4%
  • April: Poor, temperature 19.07°C, rainfall 186.4mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 92.6%
  • May: Poor, temperature 17.28°C, rainfall 133mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 91.9%
  • June: Poor, temperature 15.27°C, rainfall 140.4mm, sunshine 7.9 hrs, humidity 92.6%
  • July: Poor, temperature 14.54°C, rainfall 196mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 92.6%
  • August: Poor, temperature 14.87°C, rainfall 145.6mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 90.9%
  • September: Poor, temperature 15.54°C, rainfall 129.9mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 90.3%
  • October: Good, temperature 17.64°C, rainfall 109.1mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 87.7%
  • November: Good, temperature 19.09°C, rainfall 114.5mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 86.8%
  • December: Good, temperature 19.96°C, rainfall 263.2mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 88.7%

Wildlife in Mangerivola

Home to 2 recorded species including 2 primates.

Recommended Packing List for Mangerivola

Based on average temperature of 17.8°C, typical conditions, humidity 91%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 18°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Similar Parks in Central Highlands & Eastern Rainforest Corridor

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Madagascar

Travel advisory for Madagascar

Mangerivola FAQs

What specific precautions should I take against malaria when visiting Mangerivola, given its high-risk status?

Mangerivola is indeed a high-risk malaria zone, so it's crucial to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before your trip. Additionally, pack long-sleeved clothing, use insect repellent with DEET, and sleep under mosquito nets, which are usually provided in accommodations within or near the park.

How can I best experience the low crowding and unique tranquility of Mangerivola, and when is the ideal time to visit?

With its 1/5 crowding level, Mangerivola offers a truly secluded experience, best enjoyed by opting for guided walks early in the morning or late afternoon. The dry season, typically from May to October, is ideal for comfortable trekking and wildlife viewing, allowing you to fully appreciate its peaceful atmosphere without significant tourist traffic.

Beyond general Malagasy wildlife, what specific species or unique ecological features can I expect to encounter in Mangerivola, given its IUCN Category II status?

As an IUCN Category II protected area, Mangerivola is dedicated to conserving significant ecosystems, making it a prime location to spot endemic Malagasy wildlife, particularly various lemur species like the indri or diademed sifaka, and a rich diversity of chameleons and birds. Its unique forest habitats support species found nowhere else, offering exceptional biodiversity for dedicated wildlife enthusiasts.

What are the typical travel logistics for reaching Mangerivola, and what kind of accommodation can I expect within or near this protected area?

Reaching Mangerivola often involves a combination of domestic flights to a nearby town, followed by a 4x4 transfer on sometimes challenging roads, reflecting its remote nature. Accommodation options are generally eco-lodges or basic guesthouses, focusing on sustainability and providing an authentic, immersive experience rather than luxury.

What are the typical entry fees and permit requirements for Mangerivola National Park, and are there additional costs for guided activities?

Entry to Mangerivola, like other Malagasy national parks, requires a daily permit fee, which typically ranges from $10-20 USD for foreign visitors and contributes directly to conservation efforts. You will also need to hire a local guide for any treks, which is mandatory for safety and to enhance your wildlife spotting experience, incurring an additional daily cost.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Lonely Planet Madagascar by Lonely Planet - The definitive guide to the world's most unique wildlife destination. Covers lemur-spotting, rainforest reserves, baobab avenues, and practical travel logistics.
  • Bradt Guide: Madagascar by Hilary Bradt & Daniel Austin - The original and best Madagascar guide, from the publisher who pioneered travel to the island. Covers every national park, lemur species, and practical logistics for this complex destination.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.