Butterfly Watching in Madagascar (Oct 2012) – Part 1

Madagascar is an island country in the Indian Ocean.  As Madagascar has been isolated from the main continents for very long time, the species on the island evolved into new species.  More than 90% of the plants and animals are endemic species (or sub-species).  To nature lovers, this is very attractive and the primary reason to visit Madagascar.

We employed local travel agent to arrange the trip for us.  During this trip, we traveled around the central eastern part of the island.

Andasibe Mantadia National Park

We stayed at a lodge near the National Park.  It was a hot spot for foreign travelers.  The trails were well organized.  It was one of the greatest place for butterfly watching in the trip.  Unfortunately, flight delays shortened our trip and we could only spend two days in this area.

Andasibe Mantadia National Park
Graphium endochus, endemic to Madagascar

Anjozorobe

Anjozorobe is about 1400m above sea level.  We stayed at Mananara Lodge.  It was a nice place, distant away from the crowd, and certainly great for trekking.  While it was still cold during the day and freezing during the night, butterflies were not very active during our stay.

Mananara Lodge, Anjozorobe