Andringitra National Park

Appreciated mostly by the trekking fraternity, the 3.1,200ha Andringitra National Park is located in the Haute Matsiatra region, 46 kilometres south of Ambalavao. Its central focus is the country's second-highest peak, Ivalimotitra, perhaps better known as Pic Boby.  Altitudes in the park vary from 650 - 2,658 meters above sea level. Established in 1999, the park was included in 2007 as part of the World Heritage Site the Rainforests of the Atsinanana and includes habitat types of both western and eastern floristic domains. The eastern slopes where rainforest occurs, have not been developed for tourism. Most of the park is set in the western slopes, characterised by imposing granite dome formations, waterfalls, valleys and interesting high altitude flora. While some of the trails are fairly short and graded as easy to moderate, other circuits are longer and require a good level of physical fitness. 
Key mammals are Ring-tailed lemur and the quirky little Highlands streaked tenrec. Birds are not prominent, with species present including Madagascar buzzard, Madagascar kestrel, Madagascar coucal, Madagascar hoopoe and Forest aka Benson's rock-thrush. 'Herps' include Montane jewel chameleon, Plated lizards and two species of Burrowing (Scaphiopryne) frog. In spring, the flowers also attract visitors.
The park entrances, Namoly and Morarano, are reached by negotiating some rough roads. Note that from May - October, nights are very cold.