Discover Madagascar’s Andasibe V.O.I Forest, home to wild lemurs like the Indri Indri. A perfect destination for nature lovers !
Table of Contents
Main Journey
A Fresh Morning in Andasibe
The morning in Andasibe was cool and humid, with lush green scenery stretching beyond our lodge. The fresh air and vibrant rainforest made for a perfect start to the day.
We originally planned to have breakfast at the lodge, but it was 15,000 Ariary per person. That seemed overpriced, especially considering that our generous Malagasy dinner the night before had only cost 5,000 Ariary per person. So, we decided to find something more local.
I wanted to have moukary, a dish I had enjoyed in Morondava. However, when I asked an elderly vendor about it, he told me that moukary was a regional dish exclusive to Morondava. I had assumed it was a common Malagasy food, so hearing this made me regret not eating more of it back in Morondava.
Instead, we bought a large bunch of bananas for 1,200 Ariary (about $0.30). That became our simple breakfast for the day.
V.O.I Forest Tour – Entering the Wild
Today’s plan was a tour of V.O.I M.M.I Forest, a private nature reserve near Andasibe National Park. It’s a well-known spot among travelers because of its affordability and well-maintained trails.
- Tour Prices (as of 2017):
- 2-hour tour: 30,000 Ariary (about $10)
- 3-hour tour: 40,000 Ariary (about $14.50)
We debated whether to go for the 2-hour or 3-hour tour, but remembering how exhausting our 2-hour tour at Kirindy National Park in Morondava had been, we decided on the 2-hour option. It turned out to be the right choice—it was more than enough time!
Our chosen route was Circuit 1 (1.7 km, orange trail), a well-marked path through the dense forest.
Events
Encounter with the Wild Lemurs
Not long after we started walking, we spotted a brown lemur perched in the trees above us. But before we could even take a photo, it quickly disappeared into the jungle. That’s the reality of the wild—everything moves at its own pace.
A little farther in, we heard a deep, eerie call echoing through the forest. Our guide, Christian, turned around and said:
“That’s the Indri Indri. It’s saying ‘Good morning’ to us!”
The Indri Indri, the largest of the lemur species, is known for its haunting calls that sound almost like a whale’s song. Listening to their cries in the distance was surreal.
Since Sweetie was too young to walk on the uneven terrain, I carried her in my arms. To keep her entertained, I picked a small flower and gave it to her. That instantly lifted her mood, and she started making playful expressions for the camera.
Face-to-Face with the Indri Indri
After walking a bit more, Christian suddenly pointed ahead.
“There! That’s the Indri Indri!”
We looked up and saw the largest lemur species, the Indri Indri, moving gracefully between the branches.
- Indri Indri Facts:
- Weighs 13–15 kg, about the same as Sweetie
- Has no visible tail, unlike other lemurs
- Lives in family groups of 14–15 members
- Uses loud calls to communicate across the forest
Watching them leap across the trees was breathtaking. The branches shook with every jump, showing just how powerful these creatures were.
Sweetie, still in my arms, was completely captivated. She kept staring up, and I could tell her neck was getting sore. Honestly, ours were too—looking up for so long made our necks stiff!
Tips for Traveling with a Baby
- Use a baby carrier
- The trails are well-maintained, but they’re not ideal for small children. A lightweight, breathable carrier is a must.
- Protect against mosquitoes
- The rainforest is full of mosquitoes, and malaria is a real concern. Use a DEET-based mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves and pants.
- Choose the 2-hour tour over the 3-hour option
- A longer hike can be exhausting, especially with a baby. Two hours is plenty of time to see the highlights.
- Bring light snacks for the baby
- Keeping a small snack handy can help distract the baby if they get restless.
Local Travel Tips
- Check lodge meal prices in advance
- Sometimes, breakfast at the lodge is overpriced. Exploring local food options can save you money and give you a more authentic experience.
- Be mindful of price inflation for tourists
- Even in small villages, prices can be inflated for foreigners. Knowing the standard rates for food and coffee can help avoid overpaying.
- Bananas are a great budget-friendly snack
- In Madagascar, bananas are cheap, nutritious, and easy to carry—perfect for a quick bite while exploring.
Travel Reflections
At the end of our tour, Christian showed us a sacred tree. He explained that locals used to offer chickens or pigs as sacrifices here, believing the tree held spiritual power.
The tree was decorated with colorful cloth and small trinkets, much like the sacred trees in Korean folk traditions. The similarities between Malagasy and Korean shamanistic beliefs were fascinating.
Before we left, Julie and I stood quietly in front of the tree.
We made a small wish:
“May our world journey continue safely.”
With that, our adventure in Andasibe came to an end. It had been a day of wild encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and small but meaningful moments with our little traveler.
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