Many are fascinated by the bright and brilliant colors of reptiles and insects on Managascar.

Central Parks: Perinet

Analamazaotra Special Reserve is popularly known by the old French name of the nearby town and railway station, Périnet (Andasibe in Malagasy). Most visitors making the two-day excursion from Antananarivo have one purpose: to hear and see the indri calling, but the reserve is also exceptionally rewarding for reptiles and frogs, and for bird watching.

The nearby unprotected forests of Maromizaha are also gaining popularity. Hiking is strenuous but the rewards in terms of wildlife and views are excellent. The new National Park of Mantady, 25km to the north, offers the best chance of seeing the region’s rarer species. It is a rugged 2-3 day excursion, and a guide is essential.

Périnet, an example of montane rainforest, covers an area of 810ha at altitudes between 930 and 1.040m. Many of the largest trees have been removed and the canopy averages 25 30m. The main part of the reserve resembles a table, with steep, forested sides (up which steps have been cut) bordered by a small lake, and a water course.

The forests at Maromizaha are less disturbed, but have been subject to logging. Nonetheless, there are numerous huge buttress-rooted trees, festooned with mosses and epiphytes.