Pic d'Ivohibe
Pic d'Ivohibe is a protected area in Madagascar.
Pic d'Ivohibe at a Glance
- Location
- Isalo & Southern Highlands, Madagascar, Indian Ocean Islands
- Coordinates
- -22.508324, 46.969822
- 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 Pic d'Ivohibe
Nearest airport: Ambalavao Airfield (FMSA), 77 km away.
Weather & Climate in Pic d'Ivohibe
The warmest temperatures in Pic d'Ivohibe occur in December, averaging 18.2°C (up to 23.6°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 11.4°C.
The driest weather conditions are typically in September with average rainfall of 25.2mm. Average humidity: 82.5%.
Monthly Temperatures
- January: 18.0°C (rainfall: 251.8mm)
- February: 17.8°C (rainfall: 267.5mm)
- March: 17.1°C (rainfall: 177.4mm)
- April: 15.9°C (rainfall: 73.7mm)
- May: 13.9°C (rainfall: 51.0mm)
- June: 11.8°C (rainfall: 84.0mm)
- July: 11.4°C (rainfall: 44.4mm)
- August: 12.4°C (rainfall: 43.9mm)
- September: 13.9°C (rainfall: 25.2mm)
- October: 15.8°C (rainfall: 59.7mm)
- November: 17.7°C (rainfall: 56.0mm)
- December: 18.2°C (rainfall: 122.5mm)
Best Time to Visit Pic d'Ivohibe
The best months to visit Pic d'Ivohibe are January, April, July, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Month-by-Month Safari Conditions
- January: Good, temperature 18.04°C, rainfall 251.8mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 84.9%
- February: Poor, temperature 17.8°C, rainfall 267.5mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 87%
- March: Poor, temperature 17.1°C, rainfall 177.4mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 87.9%
- April: Good, temperature 15.95°C, rainfall 73.7mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 87.2%
- May: Poor, temperature 13.88°C, rainfall 51mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 86.2%
- June: Poor, temperature 11.84°C, rainfall 84mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 87.1%
- July: Good, temperature 11.39°C, rainfall 44.4mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 85.6%
- August: Good, temperature 12.44°C, rainfall 43.9mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 85.2%
- September: Good, temperature 13.91°C, rainfall 25.2mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 82.5%
- October: Good, temperature 15.78°C, rainfall 59.7mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 80.2%
- November: Good, temperature 17.66°C, rainfall 56mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 79.6%
- December: Good, temperature 18.21°C, rainfall 122.5mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 81%
Wildlife in Pic d'Ivohibe
Home to 1 recorded species including 1 primates.
Recommended Packing List for Pic d'Ivohibe
Based on average temperature of 15.3°C, typical conditions, humidity 85%.
- Layered clothing - recommended for 15°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
- Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) - Primates
Similar Parks in Isalo & Southern Highlands
Health & Travel Info
Pic d'Ivohibe FAQs
When is the best time to visit Pic d'Ivohibe for optimal hiking and wildlife viewing?
The dry season, typically from May to October, is ideal for visiting Pic d'Ivohibe as trails are more accessible and wildlife is often easier to spot. Expect challenging but rewarding treks through diverse forest types leading up to its prominent peak.
What specific wildlife can I hope to encounter in Pic d'Ivohibe's unique ecosystem?
Pic d'Ivohibe is home to several endemic species, including various lemurs like the ring-tailed lemur and red-fronted brown lemur, along with diverse chameleons and birds. Its high-altitude forests offer a chance to spot species adapted to this unique Madagascan environment.
Given its remote location, what are the essential health and safety considerations for a trip to Pic d'Ivohibe?
Visitors should be aware of the high malaria risk and take appropriate prophylactic medication and mosquito bite prevention measures. As a very uncrowded park (crowding level 1/5), it's crucial to travel with experienced local guides and be prepared for self-sufficient trekking.
How accessible is Pic d'Ivohibe, and what are the typical costs involved in planning a visit?
Accessing Pic d'Ivohibe typically involves travel over rough roads, often requiring a 4x4 vehicle from nearby towns like Ihosy or Farafangana. Costs generally include park entrance fees, mandatory local guide fees, and transport, which can vary significantly based on your starting point and duration.
What activities, beyond wildlife observation, can visitors engage in at Pic d'Ivohibe?
Beyond its rich biodiversity, Pic d'Ivohibe offers exceptional opportunities for challenging multi-day treks to its summit, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park's pristine, low-crowd environment also makes it perfect for immersive nature photography and birdwatching.
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.