Southern Madagascar holiday, forests and beaches
How Southern Madagascar holiday, forests and beaches makes a difference
Environment
Both Mandrare River Camp and Manafiafy Lodge are owned and run by MCC (Madagascar Classic Camping) and are committed to protecting the fragile environment. Deforestation is a major problem in Madagascar and the lodges are doing everything they can to reduce their carbon footprint.
MANDRARE RIVER CAMP
Mandrare River Camp runs predominantly on solar power with just a small generator uses in the evenings for charging guests' equipment and for the water pump.
Mandrare River Camp has a programme of replanting trees in order to restore the Tamarind dominated riverine deciduous forest (Gallery Forest). So far they have planted a total of over 700 Tamarind, Neame and Madagascar Flamboyant Trees in the immediate vicinity of the camp .
MANAFIAFY BEACH & RAINFOREST LODGE
At Manafiafy the lodge is 100% run on solar energy, and the lodge is adding a wind based turbine to supplement the energy requirements. They do use gas in the kitchens. There are also bucket showers which use an economical amount of water as well as biodegradable chemical toilets.
Community
OUR TEAM ON THE GROUND
Our representatives in Madagascar are a locally owned and run company, independent from any European ownership. The guides and drivers are trained in conservation and wherever possible come from the communities to which they take our visitors.
MANDRARE RIVER CAMP
Mandrare River Camp is an environmentally-friendly oasis in the arid, inhospitable spiny desert region of remote southern Madagascar. One thing that differentiates this small camp with its six en suite tents, is the attention given by its owners to the well-being of local communities. The people living here are predominantly of the Antandroy tribe, meaning 'people of the thorns'. Preservation and fostering an interest in the natural environment - in this case Ifotaka spiny forest and some healthy gallery forest patches nearby - is a priority. The camp management maintains strong connections with the people living in and around Ifotaka Community forest. Here you can explore healthy spiny bush - the island's most 'unique' ecotype, as well as some parcels of tamarind gallery woodland, one of which is sacred and protected by a strong taboo for the sake of the Ancestors or 'Razana'.
MANAFIAFY BEACH & RAINFOREST LODGE
Core to the ethos of Manafiafy is to promote a sense of pride in the local community, valuing the environment and their traditions. Linked to this is their commitment to support community projects in the nearby village and at the local schools. A current project that is nearing completion is the construction of a 3-room overnight accommodation block for the local CSB-Clinic. This provides accommodation for relatives who are looking after someone in the clinic - both illness and maternity.
MCC, the lodge's parent company, are also involved in rebuilding vital roads and helping to maintain local infrastructure.
Southern Madagascar holiday, forests and beaches
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