Matt and Becki Dillingham

Soavinandriamanitra Nature Parc

This weekend we left the city and investigated Soavinandrimanitra Nature Parc. Just 32km away (20 miles) but it took an hour and a half of driving through Tana traffic and then on some dirt roads to get there. It was brilliant and uncomfortable at the same time! We really enjoyed being able to see so many species that are endemic to this island. The poor guide has probably never had such a long tour as Bethan spent forever with each animal (except the snakes, apparently they are not worth her attention). We definitely got our money's worth, entry price 10000Ar, or £2.50 per adult. However all the animals were in small cages and having watched UK zoos striving for better facilities and welfare for their animals it was hard to see. Especially as our guide was keen that we should see all the animals, so insisted on unearthing them from their hiding places or poking them to make them come closer. She even got bitten on one endeavour to convince a creature out of its hiding place.

It was great to get out of the city and see a little of Madagascar's countryside, and Bethan had a very enjoyable 4 hours! It was also fun to see several species of lemurs freely roaming around the park's trees.

Golden Mantella Frog - which our guide gave to us and failed to mention that it excretes toxins!

Heath and Safety is non existent, to the left of this pipe is a 15ft drop which the path follows all the way round the parc.

There were loads of plants with what I assume is Malagasy for 'we were here..'

Trying to persuade this chameleon to eat all the leaves she had found it was on of the highlights of Bethan's day

Tomato Frog

Baron's Painted Mantella Frog

Feeding red bellied lemurs

Mongoose lemur

Mongoose Lemur

View from the park

Driving home