The Mandraka Site
The site of Mandraka is located at 65 km eastern of Antananarivo, on the side of the National Road #2. The ESSA-Forêts is in charge of the site, according to a convention ratified with the Ministry of Forestry. It is managed in collaboration with the peripheral community. The site shelters on one hand natural forests and on the other hand artificial forests.
The population living around the site is essentially composed of Merina and
Betsimisaraka immigrants. They principally earn their living with slash-and-burn
cultivation and forest products exploitation. The relief forms a limit to the
farming exploitation. Forest products exploitation is held in different aspects
: firewood and timber cut, charcoal making, essential oils extracting, medical
plants gathering. The existence of consumption centers nearby on one hand, and
forest resource richness on the other hand, constitute propicious agents for the
development of these activities.
Mandraka is also characterized by its flora richness. Various endemic species
can be seen in the natural forest, such as Dalbergia spp., Ocotea spp.. Many
orchid species (Bulbophyllum 
spp., Angraecum spp.) are registered there. A lot
of liana species of which some are considered as sacred grow also in Mandraka
Fauna is also rich and diversified. Many lemur species, namely Eulemur fulvus
and Avahi laniger can be met there. Mandraka has also a very important bird
population (60 species) including rare species as Ispidina madagascariensis or
Asio madagascariensis. Reptiles are also abundant; among which the interesting
Uroplatus spp. (called locally tanafisata or "flat chameleons"), Brookesia spp.
(the world smallest species). One can also meet various little mammals such as
Hemicentetes semispinosus.
In the beginning, ESSA-Forêts activities in Mandraka were focused on research and training. Nowadays, they give an important place to the ecotouristic potential of the site. Mandraka and its biodiversity have the aces for ecotourism. Due to the fact that it is easily accessible, the site is a good place for relaxation in family.
The site has facilities for the reception of visitors in the lodge of the ESSA-Forêts (rooms, facilities for electricity use) or in the forest (camping areas, bungalows, watershed areas). Many fittings out have been lately undertaken, namely walks, botanical paths, chalets and orchidarium.