Andasibe

We were up early for breakfast at our hotel. There was a nice view over a small lake. We were here mainly to see Indris, the largest of the lemurs, and we had been hearing their piercing calls in the forest since 5 am.

We set off at 7:30 am for a guided walk in the park. We were back in east coast rainforest, although still in the dry season.

We first spotted a group of common brown, or sportive, lemurs.

Then a magnificent male Parsons chameleon.

We could hear the Indri from time to time, then through the forest they came, so we set off "cross country"

It was well worth the effort

We spent a lot of time watching and listening to the Indri, and then headed back. Just a frog...

..and a grasshopper along the walk.

Next stop was the private Vakona Forest Lodge. Here they had lemurs on small islands and you can hand feed them and they sit on your shoulder. Surely not for us hardened forest walkers seeking them out in their natural environment!....but again we enjoyed the experience of being so close to them.

First up were black and white ruff lemurs.

Then slightly more shy golden bamboo lemurs

Then common brown lemurs, including a mother and baby

Then across the water spectacular diadem end sifikas, or dancing sifikas as they get about on the ground by leaping about while standing upright on their hind legs.

After this, it was a very nice lunch at the lodge before driving back to the capital Antananarivo.