Just opposite of the entrance to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is a local initiative by Association Mitsinjo who manages the Analamazaotra Forest Station. The forest is in excellent condition and the group is working to remove all of the exotic eucalypt and pine from the area. You will see some reforestation plots if you decide to take a walk with Mitsinjo in their reserve.  They also have an orchid garden and offer walks through the treetops.

We had been in contact with community group Mitsinjo Association via email and they invited us to see their work. The head nurseryman Youssouf was not available in the morning due to a large tour group so we took a walk through the forest with one of the Mitsinjo guides.  He has been taking tours for over 8 years in the Andasibe and the surrounding forests.  Within the first 15min of the walk we met our first curious looking but very handsome giraffe weevil.  The male has an elongated neck to fight away other courting males while the female uses her shorter neck to roll up the leaf tightly in which she lays her eggs.  Its an amazing and very funny looking adaptation.  We even managed to spot some have sex.

Only 10min further down the track the guide called to come quickly. We scuttled through the forest to meet our first Indri Indri!  The guide had spotted a female with her young and another male further out watching out for them. Throughout the day we saw a few groups of Indri, which was made possible as Mitsinjo’s guides know the Indri’s habits well. There have been several lemur translocations into the forests around Andasibe. The study and tracking of Indri Indri by Mitsinjo provides vital information for the protection and conservation of such species.

There was a large group of Japanese tourists visiting at the same time. Jean-Noel (president) and Youssouf (vice president) gave presentations in the morning on the progress of restoration activities and conservation projects.  The large group are part of a tour called “Plant a Tree and Save Forests! Mitsinjo Forest Restoration Tour” They would have presentations in the morning followed by a guided walk. The group would then plant seedlings that they had funded in a parcel of reforestation.

Mitsinjo are the only guides that offer nightwalks in the forest (and not the usual walk along the road). Tours to the Mitsinjo forest are also cheaper than the national park.  Your money will be used for community projects related to health and agriculture for local people living around the forests managed by the association.  An organisation that is very worthwhile supporting!