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Mandrare River Camp

Berenty & the south, Madagascar

Lodge describes itself as: Luxury. Self-declared by the lodge, not an official grade.Tented camp
Luxury · How we rate: Explore Africa level, based on the typical lowest nightly rate per person sharing: Value under A$400, Mid-range A$400 to A$899, Luxury A$900 to A$1,799, Ultra-luxury A$1,800 or more.
How we rate

Explore Africa level, based on the typical lowest nightly rate per person sharing: Value under A$400, Mid-range A$400 to A$899, Luxury A$900 to A$1,799, Ultra-luxury A$1,800 or more.

Photo: Madagascar Classic Collection · Source ↗

All inclusive (AI)

All meals, Canapés and picnic lunches and 5 more

9 tents

Safari style tent

All ages welcome

Family rooms available

By air

5 min from Ifotaka Airstrip

Wi-Fi in public areas

Solar power

From about A$980

per person / night, sharing

Overview

About Mandrare River Camp

Mandrare River Camp sits beneath tamarind trees beside the Mandrare River in southern Madagascar. Its nine safari-style tents have en-suite bathrooms, river-facing decks and mosquito-netted king-size beds. Shared forest walks bring the spiny and gallery forests into focus, with lemurs, chameleons and birds among the wildlife to look for. Visits to Ifotaka and sacred forests introduce Antandroy culture, while sundowners take guests to the riverbank or baobabs. Back at camp, there is a swimming pool and an open-air lounge and bar. All meals, listed drinks, shared guided activities and road transfers from Fort Dauphin are included.

“A rewarding choice for families, birders and curious wildlife travellers who want guided forest walks and cultural encounters, with a small tented camp and a pool to return to.”
Why we love it · Explore Africa

Best for

FamiliesBirdersPhotographers

Known for

What you can expect to see

Birdlife

Lemur encounters, spiny forests and Antandroy cultural visits shape a stay beside the Mandrare River.

Your stay

What's included

Board: All inclusive (AI)

Included

  • All meals
  • Canapés and picnic lunches
  • Mineral water and soft drinks
  • Beer, wine, sparkling wine and listed spirits
  • Shared guided activities
  • National park and local guide fees
  • Road transfers to and from Fort Dauphin

Not included

  • Flights
  • Visas

Flights, visas and travel insurance are excluded. The conservation levy is USD 120 per person per stay until 9 January 2027, then USD 60 per person per night from 25 March 2027 to 9 January 2028.

Optional extras (at a cost)

A private guide, vehicle and driver cost USD 1,000 per day. French Champagne is payable locally and available on request.

Facilities

Comforts and facilities

At the property

  • Swimming pool
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Public WiFi
  • Wi-Fi in public areas

In your room

  • En-suite bathroom
  • Private deck

Rooms

Where you sleep

  • Safari style tent9 at camp · En-suite bathroom, Private deck, King-sized bed, Mosquito net, Fan

Getting there

How you'll arrive

  1. Ifotaka Airstrip
  2. 5 min transfer
  3. Mandrare River Camp
How you arrive
By air · 5 min from Ifotaka Airstrip
Transfers
Private road transfers from Fort Dauphin are included. Scheduled charter flights from Antananarivo land at Ifotaka Airstrip, five minutes from camp.
Luggage
20 kg per person in soft bags

Good to know

Before you book

Children
All ages welcome. Family rooms available
Single travellers
A single supplement applies
Power
Solar power
Minimum stay
3 nights

Before you travel

Australian Government travel advice

Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Smartraveller (smartraveller.gov.au), licensed under CC BY 4.0. Summarised and shortened by Explore Africa; read the full advice on Smartraveller.

When to go

Best time to visit

  1. February: Closed
  2. April: Good
  3. May: Good
  4. June: Good
  5. July: Good
  6. August: Good
  7. September: Good
  8. October: Dry season, best game viewing
  9. November: Dry season, best game viewing
  10. December: Good
  • Dry season, best game viewing
  • Good
  • Closed
Month-by-month notes

Feb

Closed

Closed throughout February.

Apr

Good

Wildlife: Lush conditions, excellent birding and active reptiles follow the rains.

Warm days and green landscapes follow the rains, with excellent birding and active reptiles.

May

Good

Wildlife: The landscape remains green and wildlife is active.

Warm days, cooler evenings and green landscapes make this a good month for wildlife and photography.

Jun

Good

Wildlife: Mild daytime temperatures and cooler nights mark early winter.

Mild days and cool nights mark early winter. Independence Day celebrations take place in late June.

Jul

Good

Wildlife: Dry conditions bring rewarding wildlife viewing and excellent birding.

Dry weather and thinning vegetation help wildlife viewing, with excellent birding.

Aug

Good

Wildlife: Dry conditions bring rewarding wildlife viewing and excellent birding.

Clear skies and dry conditions continue, with rewarding lemur viewing and birding.

Sep

Good

Wildlife: Wildlife congregates near the river and lemur sightings are especially rewarding.

Wildlife gathers near the river as other water sources dry, making lemur sightings especially rewarding.

Oct

Dry season, best game viewing

Wildlife: Peak season for birding and wildlife.

A peak month for wildlife and birding, with heightened activity and good walking conditions.

Nov

Dry season, best game viewing

Wildlife: Peak wildlife and birding continue with early rains.

Peak wildlife activity and birding continue as brief afternoon thunderstorms begin.

Dec

Good

Wildlife: The river flows strongly and wildlife remains abundant.

The river flows strongly again, wildlife remains abundant and festive celebrations add cultural interest.

How we judge each month
  • Dry season, best game viewingAmong this property's strongest months for conditions, access and key experiences.
  • GoodVery favourable conditions for this property and its key experiences.A generally good time to stay, with some normal seasonal compromises.
  • Green seasonWorkable for specific priorities, with notable seasonal compromises.The property operates, but seasonal conditions bring substantial trade-offs.
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