Vohimana Reserve protects approximately 1,600 to 2,000 hectares of mid-altitude rainforest, east of Antananarivo. Managed by the NGO L'Homme et l'Environnement, it combines biodiversity conservation, scientific research and local development. The site is renowned for its lemurs (including the Indri), an exceptional concentration of endemic frogs and its distillery of aromatic plants.

Why visit Vohimana

Vohimana distinguishes itself from most Malagasy protected areas through its community management model. The NGO L'Homme et l'Environnement intervened around fifteen years ago to halt slash-and-burn agriculture (rice, fruit, vegetables) that was threatening the forest. An agreement with villagers enabled this practice to cease in exchange for local employment: guides, nursery workers, distillers, and craftswomen.

The reserve is part of a forest corridor linking Andasibe and Mantadia, one of the last expanses of primary rainforest in eastern Madagascar. Biodiversity is remarkably rich:

• More than 160 medicinal plants recorded along the botanical trail
• 11 lemur species (6 nocturnal and 5 diurnal), including the Indri, Madagascar's largest primate and one of the rare species that produces song
• More than 70 endemic frog species, making it one of the world's richest sites for this group
• Nearly 400 hectares of forest reforested by the local association Zanatany

What to see and do

The botanical trail and wildlife

Several circuits are offered according to walking level and available time: short loops around the camp, narrated botanical trail, or longer hikes toward waterfalls and primary forest. Local guides detail the uses of medicinal plants and locate lemurs, chameleons and birds. An evening outing allows observation of nocturnal lemur species as well as the majority of endemic frogs, most active at dusk.

The essential oil distillery

On-site, a small distillery transforms a selection of forest plants into certified essential oils: fresh ginger, ravintsara, grains of paradise, turmeric. The visit explains the harvest and distillation cycle, and oils are available for direct purchase.

The nursery and reforestation

The association Zanatany manages several nurseries of endemic species. After the visit, it is possible to select a young plant and plant it in a reforestation area, a concrete gesture in support of the program.

The Women's House

This space brings together the crafts of villagers from the reserve: raffia objects, homemade jams, essential oils from the distillery. Purchases go directly to the producers.

When to visit

Vohimana is located in one of Madagascar's most humid regions: it can rain year-round. The best period extends from April to November, avoiding the height of the rainy season (January-March), when some trails become muddy and cyclones are possible. The cool dry season (May-September) offers the most comfortable walking conditions. To observe the Indri's vocal activity, early mornings are the best time year-round.

Practical information

• Duration of visit: half a day for a simple loop, a full day to combine the botanical trail, distillery and nursery, two days for a trek with overnight stay in primary forest
• On-site accommodation: Relais du Naturaliste offers rustic but comfortable wooden bungalows and dormitories, with shared meals under a large open-air shelter overlooking the forest
• Rates: moderate entrance fees, payable on-site; guide required (rate per circuit); additional fee for evening outing and tree planting
• Recommended equipment: waterproof hiking shoes, rain jacket, headlamp for evening outing, insect repellent, warm clothing in cool season
• Level: trails sometimes slippery and with elevation changes, accessible to any hiker in good condition

How to get there

Vohimana is located on RN2, approximately 140 km east of Antananarivo, just before the village of Andasibe. Plan for generally 3 to 4 hours of driving from the capital, depending on traffic leaving Tana and road conditions. Access is by private vehicle or taxi-brousse to Andasibe, then local transfer to Relais du Naturaliste. Most itineraries combine Vohimana with the neighboring Andasibe-Mantadia national park.

Complementary sites in the region

Eastern Antananarivo has several sites to combine with Vohimana:

• Antananarivo, the logical starting point before or after your visit
• Lemurs' Park, west of the capital, for a first encounter with lemurs in semi-liberty
• Further south, Zafimaniry country and Andringitra massif extend a nature and culture itinerary

Frequently asked questions

Preparing your journey

Vohimana integrates easily into an itinerary combining eastern Madagascar and the highlands. To build a custom circuit including the reserve, its community projects and neighboring parks, consult our Madagascar travel suggestions.