The most beautiful natural sites to discover Madagascar

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is very popular for its famous indri. This lemur alone is the reason tourists flock to Andasibe.

The indri: a famous lemur. The park's altitude (1,000 m on average, with elevations ranging from 900 to 1,250 m) explains the presence here of a rare and astonishing lemur: the indri. With an average height of 75 cm to 1 m (its tail is tiny by comparison: 5 cm at most!), weighing 7 to 10 kg and sporting a black and white coat, it is the largest of all its congeners. The way it stretches and stands is reminiscent of that of humans, hence its great success. It is a herbivore (very fond of fruit), and lives by day in groups of few individuals. Females can have up to three young per litter. The indri is best known for its spellbinding vocal prowess: howling? Siren? No one really knows. But the charm works. To see them, you need to arrive very early in the morning (around 5 a.m. from September to December, 8 a.m. from March to August).

The rest of the fauna. Several varieties of lemur live in the park: there are 14 in all, including the aye-aye and the varika mavo or cathemeral lemur. There are also 108 species of birds, 51 species of reptiles (including the boa manditra) and 84 species of amphibians.

Flora. The forest is mainly composed of ravinalas, pandanus and eucalyptus. With its abundance of majestic orchids (over a hundred species), tree ferns, lichens and sacred lianas, nature here is king. It rains a lot: average annual rainfall is around 1,700 mm (humidity is over 90%). Equip yourself accordingly. The only more or less dry season is from September to mid-November: the rest of the year, it's often rain, fog or drizzle that will accompany you on your visit! A raincoat is therefore essential. From July to September, it's not very hot either.

Various tours are available. In the Analamazaatra park (entrance just after the Feon'ny Ala, a very interesting free on-site interpretation center): 3 possible itineraries: count 40,000 Ar for the Indri 1 circuit, 50,000 Ar for the Indri 2 circuit, and 60,000 Ar for the Adventure circuit. In Mantadia Park (entrance after the Vakôna Forest Lodge): six trails have been set up: hiking time between 2 and 8 hours; guide fees between 40,000 Ar and 60,000 Ar for 1 to 4 people.

In Bemaraha National Park, you can discover the superb Tsingy on a dozen single or combined tours. Here is a selection of the best options, in our opinion.

Short tours. These are fairly easy circuits, grouped around the village of Bekopaka. To familiarize yourself with the difficulties of walking in the Tsingy, it's advisable to do at least one of the smaller circuits before venturing onto the larger one. The two routes to the south of the park give walkers a chance to prove themselves before embarking on the larger circuit, and to gradually adapt to the Tsingy environment. These relatively easy walks (the main circuit, which is the most touristic, is nevertheless fitted out, and at some point you have to climb stairs) reveal limestone slabs, canyons and a series of 10-20 m-high diaclases. The only sounds that disturb the silence here are the calls of birds and lemurs. Attractive caves and corridors mark the karstic nature of the massif. These sites bear witness to ancient human presence. From the top of the diaclases, you can experience the sensation of emptiness. From the lookouts, the view of the Tsingy and the diversity of its vegetation is magnificent.

The Manambolo gorges circuit. This circuit takes you through steep gorges 50 to 80 metres high, covered with different types of vegetation (wet to very dry). In the gorges, the river is between 40 and 100 m wide, and can be reached by pirogue or canoe (optional and at an additional cost). This is an opportunity to visit caves with interesting limestone formations, populated by numerous small bats. The route includes a visit to the Vazimba tombs, then continues up to the cliffs along the right bank of the Manambolo. An ancient drawing of a zebu stands out in a rock shelter. The gorge and pirogue option takes around 1h30. This tour is best done in the morning, to avoid the sometimes strong afternoon wind.

Andadoany and Ankeligoa (Petits Tsingy) circuits. Get to grips with the massif's karstic relief through canyons, labyrinths, diaclases, caves... in other words, the fascinating mineral and plant world of the Tsingy. Botanical trail through dense dry semi-caducifolia forest. Beautiful viewpoints over the Tsingy. Circuits of 2 and 6 km respectively, for walks of around 4 to 5 hours. Note: the Tantely circuit is a shorter variant of the Andadoany circuit (2 km for 1 hour's trekking).

Anjohimanintsy circuit. You can choose between the simple option and the sporty option. This is a combination of all the smaller circuits around Bekopaka (notably Andadoany and Ankeligoa). One or two days of walking, with the option of bivouacking at the Ankidroadroa campsite. With the sporty option, you'll have to abseil down a limestone shaft at some point. If you're feeling sporty, don't hesitate.

Andamozavaky and Ranotsara (Grands Tsingy) circuits. Andamozavaky is located 17 km north of Bekopaka. Andamozavaky is a fairly difficult, rather sporty circuit, lasting around five or six hours. Although spectacular, it is now well laid out, and the work carried out is remarkable (support points, ropes, ladders, safety harnesses). That said, the circuit remains technical, and is not recommended for those suffering from claustrophobia or vertigo. It should also be noted that some of the passages between the walls are very narrow.

The Grand Circuit begins with a beautiful network of diaclases, continues through the heart of the Antsingy dry forest, and then passes through a canyon of impressive dimensions, giving access to a cave with walls studded with limestone formations. The presence of marine snail shells is a reminder of the Tsingy's oceanic origins. The last room of the cave is a conduit where, before 2 p.m., the sun's rays penetrate to create astonishing plays of light on the various limestone formations. A little further on is the heart of the Tsingy. The entrance to the Andamozavaky circuit is an ideal place to observe the great karst cordon, spectacular at sunset and sunrise.

The best way to approach this great circuit is to set off from Bekopaka in the afternoon, arriving at the observation site at sunset, then spending the night at the campsite (ten minutes from the circuit entrance).

The Ranotsara circuit takes 3 hours to reach the Grands Tsingy. We reach a summit (via a high footbridge) from where the view is very pretty. Unlike the previous circuit, which plunges into the heart of the Tsingy, this one offers a panoramic view.

It's possible to do both circuits in one long day, but good physical condition is essential, and you'll need to take the first 6-hour ferry on the Manambolo.

Berano circuit. This circuit is located to the north of the park, near Antsalova. It's sure to please caving enthusiasts. You can visit the labyrinth of underground galleries by pirogue. Allow 3 hours for a 3 km walk.

SIBE circuits. The Tsingy region offers many other attractions for hikers and lovers of beautiful landscapes, traditional culture and botany. Other circuits have been grouped together under the name "SIBE", meaning "sites of biological and ecological interest". They are all located to the west of Bekopaka, near the Mozambique Channel.

In general, you leave Bekopaka for the village of Soatana, then head for Lake Andranobe, a lakeside complex where you can take a pirogue ride. We spend the night in Masoarivo.

The next day, we visit Lake Antsamaka, a favorite spot for bird-watching, including pink flamingos (Samaka), herons, egrets... We continue on to the Tsimembo forest. Superb plant species, typical western dry forest, lemurs and fosa in their natural habitat. We finish with a visit to Lake Bemamba, where you can take a pirogue through labyrinths of reeds and water lilies, or through the superb mangroves of the Masoarivo estuary.

The trip can last from one to three days. Some sites are accessible by 4x4 during the dry season from May to November, but you'll often have to finish on foot. Soatana is 36 kilometers from Bekopaka (2 hours by car), Masoarivo 1 hour further, and Bemamba (the tour's terminus) around 2 hours 30 from Masoarivo.

We sleep with local people and eat typical Malagasy meals. Campsite available in Masoarivo.

How to get there. Entrance tickets can be purchased at the national park office, where you can also pick up your guide for excursions (this is also where you pay the guiding fee). Smart tip: in July/August, at the height of the season, there may not be enough guides, so you'll need to book one the day before.

The starting point for your visit to the national park is the village of Bekopaka, which is completely cut off during the rainy season. There are four ways to get there:

From Morondava, by 4x4 vehicle, from May to November, taking the track from Morondava to Belo-sur-Tsiribihina and then Bekopaka: allow at least 9h in all, as the track combines earth and sand and is totally deformed by the rains. Allow at least 3 days for the experience, 2 days for transport and 1 full day on site. It's possible to rent vehicles in Morondava, and almost all hotels can arrange your trip + stay. By public transport, it's easy to get to Belo, more difficult to continue to Bekopaka: trucks sometimes go there.

If you've just come down the Tsiribihina, you'll arrive in Belo and can reach Bekopaka in the same way.

If you've just come down the Manambolo, you'll arrive directly at the foot of the Tsingy, in Bekopaka.

If you don't have the time or don't want to embark on these mini-adventures, there's an airstrip at Antsalova that allows access and overflight of the site by small aircraft (from Tana). Another, 17 km north-west of Bekopaka, is also operational.

"Anjaha" of its real name ("in the forest where there are baobabs") is a superb reserve which absolutely deserves a visit. Even if there are no more baobabs, this forest protected by the village communities since 1999 (a damn good example for the rest of the country), at the foot of the Iandrambaky massif ("The Three Sisters") has many other assets. One can observe orchids, ficus, as well as dwarf pachypodium. The fauna is especially represented by an important colony of maki lemurs (about 400 today, whereas they were almost extinct 20 years ago), as well as many birds, chameleons, boas... Royal carp abound in the water. The view from a rocky promontory is superb. A great breath of fresh air. Beyond having the guarantee to meet lemurs in large numbers (they are not afraid of humans without being domesticated), the money spent by tourists is perfectly redistributed to the community! Really, we recommend it!

Guide's advice. The shortest circuit is done in 1h30/2h of walk accessible to all. The more sportive circuit requires 6 hours of walk and climbing. Between the two, several loops are proposed with different options (lemurs, medicinal plants, reptiles, viewpoints, cave, orchids). Bring good shoes, water, a cap or hat and mosquito repellent. Come in the morning if possible. We recommend the guide Emilien, particularly invested!

A magnificent excursion, to realize in quad or in VTT for example. We reach the bay of Sakalava, then the bay of the Pigeons, and finally the bay of the Dunes, before finishing by the beach of Orangea and the village of Ramena. The sandy track criss-crosses between the forests of achypodiums and xerophilous species. From Ramena, you can also visit the 3 Bays on foot, count about 4 hours of walking. Note however that there is often a lot of wind and that the sun hits very hard! The return trip can be done by cab with reservation or by 4x4 if a guide is waiting for you.

The descent of the Tsiribihina River is an adventure for lovers of flora and fauna, of calm waves, infinite spaces, beautiful dreams, and the meeting of a rural population so endearing (the most intense memory of the descent). A wonderful adventure and a memorable experience. We set off from Miandrivazo to reach Belo-sur-Tsiribihina, 160 km at the slow pace of the river, amidst birds of every color, flocks of lemurs flitting from tree to tree, butterflies, chameleons, humpback ducks, teal, bats, crocodiles and orchids... We pass through numerous Sakalava villages. The descent can be made in two ways: by pirogue or by barge. Bivouacs take place on immense sandbanks... In short, magnificent memories in prospect!

Descent by pirogue. You can choose between two options: 3 days/2 nights to Antanambao or 4 days/3 nights to Belo-sur-Tsiribihina. The best way to ensure your trip runs smoothly is to use a local agency or one of the hotels on site. Robberies and assaults have occurred in the past, so it's imperative to ensure you have a guide you can trust. It is compulsory to register with the Miandrivazo town hall, along with your piroguier, before embarking on this adventure. Relative peace of mind in case anything goes wrong! Generally speaking, your guide will take care of the formalities for you. It's hard to give a fixed price for the whole trip, as it depends on the number of passengers. Expect to pay at least €150 per person (for 3 days), including meals, full camping gear, pirogue and the services of piroguier + guide. And even up to €200 for quality service. And don't forget to tip the piroguier, who will be going up the river afterwards! Remember to cover up well to protect yourself from the sun, and bring plenty of water. Of course, it's best to bring your own tent and sleeping bag. The canoe trip ends at Antanambao, from where you take a zebu cart to Antsiraraka (approx. 1h30 to 2h). A taxi-brousse can then take you to Tsimafana, from where you can cross the river to Belo, take a taxi-brousse to the Lodge de La Saline or Morondava, or head north to Bekopaka to see the Tsingy. A truck/taxi-brousse runs from Morondava to Antsalova, north of the park entrance, once or twice a week from April to November; it's best to check in advance to make sure there's room. Please note: it becomes increasingly difficult to paddle the river from early August onwards. From mid-September to the end of November, it even gets tricky. Expect to sweat blood and water, and probably stop along the way because you can't go any further.

Barge down. This is the comfortable option for young and old alike. Barges are motorboats, used in the early 1980s for freight (especially tobacco). They were later adapted for tourism. Today, they are equipped with a pilot cabin, galley, shaded lower deck and solarium. There are around twenty barges run by several Tana-based tour operators (fares are more or less aligned).

Most of the time, expedition departures are not exactly from Miandrivazo, but from the Masiakampy pier, a 1-hour 4x4 ride from the locality. Between March and April, however, it is sometimes possible to start the adventure in Miandrivazo (more convenient): ask your agency for details. It's worth noting that the barge, rudimentary though it is, is far more comfortable than the pirogue: you're already sheltered from the sun, which is usually very strong! What's more, whether you're on a pirogue or a barge, you'll always be camping on the same sandbanks..

Pirogue or barge? Without children, and with a minimum taste for adventure (relative, as we said), it's best to make the descent by pirogue, where the disadvantages can be offset by the surrounding silence, the definitive impression of being Indiana Jones, and a certain moral disorientation on approaching civilization (a very special feeling to experience). For barge tours, one of the most highly recommended service providers is Espace Mada.

An example of a trip by barge. On the first day, transfer to Masiakampy pier. Board a barge and begin the descent. Menabe landscape: mango trees, tobacco plantations, Sakalava villages. Entrance into the gorges. Bivouac on a large sandbank. On the second day, the descent continues. Stop at the immense Anosinampela waterfall (an entrance fee is required, included in the barge package, but extra if you opt for the pirogue) and a natural pool (ideal for a natural shower!). This stopover is sometimes possible on the first day. Then continue your descent. Birdwatching: teal, heron, kingfisher, humpback duck. Set up camp. In the evening, village entertainment with Sakalava and Cabosses songs (donations welcome). On the third day, we return to the river and finish the trip around midday.

The Emerald Sea, which faces the Bay of Dunes, is a paradise for lovers of turquoise waters and deserted beaches. Windsurfers and kitesurfers have a great time! Day trips are also organized. Snorkeling is also a must. From mid-June to early September, the wind can be violent and this expedition less attractive (the lagoon is cloudy). However, this is the best season to have the wind at your back! We therefore advise you to make this trip in the morning, before the wind gets stronger.

A one-day excursion with a walk of about 2 to 3 hours, guided by a professional who will enlighten us on the surrounding fauna and flora, as well as on the habits and customs. The program includes fruit and spice picking, a visit to the ylang-ylang still (the estate has no less than 1,100 of them!), an exhibition on the history and traditions of the Sakalava people, and a full meal with a Creole and Malagasy accent. The park, on 30 ha, is located in a magnificent environment. You can also buy pepper, nutmeg, turmeric, mustard, or other sesame!

Built in the ^20th century, the Pangalanes Canal is nearly 700 kilometers long and connects Farafangana to Toamasina, a port city that constitutes its outlet. The name "Panganales" comes from "Ampangalana" which means "the place where one takes in charge or embarks" the goods.

In Mananjary, a visit to the river port is necessary, at the entrance of the city. Numerous large and small boats cross the calm waters of the canal. Goods of all kinds are transhipped: wood, vanilla, baskets, fruits, fish, precious stones... Some pirogues are inhabited by whole families.

The amateurs of Indiana Jones type routes can try the adventure with a service provider to negotiate an ascent towards Nosy Varika or Mahanoro in the north, or to reach Manakara in the south. The most daring can travel by bush boat. Irregular departures but some to Nosy Varaka for 8 000 Ar, to Mahanoro for 20 000 Ar (increase to be expected because of the fuel). We sleep in the middle of the freight, of course, and we have to make do with extremely circumstantial circumstances!

One of the most recommended providers for any mini-cruise is Holidays Madagascar. They are indisputable specialists of this region. Otherwise, check with the Vahiny Lodge, the Sorafa Hotel or the Spice Route (non-exhaustive list).

The half-day excursions approach a part of the artificial channel and propose the discovery of spice or vanilla plantations, small typical villages and their traditional crafts.

During a day trip (plan a night in a bivouac), we go to Ambohitsara, where is located the "sacred elephant" that Arabs would have brought from Mecca in the ^12th century.

To go up to Tamatave, count 3 days of bush boat and 70 000 Ar. Holidays Madagascar proposes the circuit in a more organized way.

To go down to Manakara, the pirogue is necessary because of the shallow waters. Count then 3 or 4 days of escapade; a superb occasion to realize an original course in the East, before finishing by the ascent by train towards Fianarantsoa and the Highlands. A change of scenery is guaranteed with the discovery of small fishing villages and the man-made canal. In some places, and depending on the season, it is not possible to continue on the dugout and it is necessary to carry it for a few hundred meters (the dugout workers will do it for you if the adventure does not tempt you too much). The itinerary can also be done in the opposite direction.

A weekend rendezvous for locals, the resort is located on a wooded site on the river's edge. On the bathing side, there are about fifteen recently tiled rooms with bathtubs. While we're at it, we prefer the open-air pool, in a more lush setting: particularly pleasant when the weather is nice and warm! Possibility of massages. The cleanliness problems that were once a problem are now a thing of the past. Another option for spa enthusiasts is to stay at the Hotel Thermal, whose baths are open to guests free of charge.

About 18 km from Antsirabe, Lake Tritriva is a large and rather mysterious crater lake, whose shape evokes the map of Mada: very deep (about 160 m), it would be crossed by currents; its level would vary with the seasons. Captain Cousteau had dived there to try to understand the strange phenomenon of siphons that make the level of the lake fall in the rainy season and rise in the dry season. It is possible to reach the lake by motorcycle, mountain bike (Rando Raid organizes a 40 km loop), taxi-brousse and even on foot for the most motivated!

In recent years, a cyclone has added sand to Nosy Kely's beach, so that it is now larger than it used to be. Regularly cleaned, it's an inviting place to relax. Apart from Nosy Kely, Morondava's beaches are not very suitable for bathing, as they are not always clean. For a seaside getaway, or to discover the superb seabed by diving or snorkeling, it's best to head for the nearby beaches of Betania, Bosy, Ankevo or Kimony (where you can stay at the Kimony Resort).

The flora consists of eucalyptus plantations and primary forest. This well-designed reserve includes a small informal museum, a crocodile lake, various species of reptiles and amphibians, several endemic plants, a superb aviary and, above all, a "mini-park" for lemurs, including several islets with different species. We travel by canoe from islet to islet, to get up close and personal with the park's specimens, some of them tame. An unforgettable encounter.

Near Ambatoroa and its coconut grove, near the lighthouse of Albrand, take the track of Ambodiatafana and its sacred basins: it is a white sand beach flanked by many basins, one of which evokes a bit a wave pool! A relaxing moment to enjoy after having broken your back on the broken tracks. In this wild part of Sainte-Marie, we cross villages surrounded by vanilla plantations, banana trees, clove forests and rice fields. A real paradise!

Mahajanga is one of the few towns in Madagascar with a beach right in the center of town, at the end of the corniche road: it's known as the "tourist village". The beaches of Amborovy (about 8 km to the north), Grand Pavois (10 km) and Ampazony (15 km) attract all the tananarivian tourists in August. Numerous hotels, restaurants and small bars have sprung up, especially on Amborovy beach. Ideal for a Sunday out with the family. Further afield, the marvellous site of Antsanitia (pronounced: "antsanti", 40 min runway from the airport), is more unspoilt.

Five circuits are open in the park. It is possible to combine them, for a departure from one entrance (Namoly) and an arrival at the other entrance (Morarano) or vice versa. Also: two circuits of connection: the first one which connects Imaitso and Imarivolanitra and the second, opened in 2017, which connects the bowl of the peak Bobby to the circuit Diavolana then to the circuit Isahavato. The guide fees, for once, are counted per day and not per circuit (you can do as many circuits as you can in one day).

Asaramanitra (6 km of loop - 4 hours of walking). There is a 300 m high waterfall (listen to the legend of Riandahy-Riambavy, the male and female streams), a historical cave, several species of terrestrial orchids, microcèbes, and medicinal plants.

Diavolana (13 km loop - 10 hours of walking). Wild flowers and endemic plants abound. To see also: the Lemur Catta, and a striking lunar landscape (like the place called Les Marmites du Diable). The climate can suddenly change.

Imarivolanitra, or Pic Boby (28 km round trip - 2 days walk). It is the highest accessible summit in Madagascar. 28 km round trip, that is to say 2 or 3 days of walking. The slope is rather steep, but the panorama, splendid, largely rewards your efforts. On the way, we will cross some high altitude habitats.

Imaitso (14 km of loop - 8 hours of walking). Walk in the heart of a primary rainforest: birds and lemurs are present.

Isahavato (15 km of circuit - 12 hours of walking). The main attractions are the natural swimming pool, the panoramic view (very beautiful sunset) and the Ravenea glauca palms that can only be found here and in Isalo.

It isnecessary to differentiate the national park itself, where one sleeps in refuge or in camping; and the valley of Tsaranoro, outside the park, where are concentrated the other possibilities of accommodation. It is therefore possible to hike in the Tsaranoro Valley without entering the park; but if one wishes to hike in the park, the Tsaranoro Valley will be only one of the stages of a trek of at least three days.

The Tsaranoro Valley is a powerful beauty and is very popular with climbers. The most beautiful trek of the area is the one of the Chameleon, so called because we climb to the top of a peak which really looks like a chameleon seen from a certain angle! Count 4 hours of walk, from Tsara Soa in direction of the Catta Camp. Superb panoramas, lemurs, chameleons and endemic flora in the program...

Protected area that includes 3 distinct parcels: Zombitse (16,845 ha, the most accessible), Isoky Vohimena (3,293 ha) and the Vohibasia (16,170 ha). This park has a tropical dry deciduous forest. There are 8 species of lemurs; many birds (47% of the endemic species of Madagascar!); as well as several varieties of butterflies and lizards. Little known on the "tourist market", this park is all the more interesting, especially for bird lovers.

The guiding fees have risen sharply, as they are the only economic benefit of the park for the locals. They are valid for 1 to 4 people and only licensed guides are allowed to take you. The guides are accompanied by guides who work alongside them to spot lemurs upstream. The trails are well maintained but the visit becomes all terrain when a lemur is spotted! Don't worry, the guides are very kind to help you overcome roots and lianas.

Amboditanimena circuit (7 km, 2 to 4 hours of walking - preferable from September to November). Medium level of difficulty.

Circuit Sahamalaotra (7 km, 2 to 4 hours of walking - preferable from September to November). Easy and accessible to all, abundance of palm trees, pandanus and orchids in this degraded primary forest. Many birds and lemurs.

Talatakely circuit (8 km, 2 to 3 hours of walking). This is the loop that will be proposed to you. To be walked in the morning. Easy observation of lemurs.

Vatoharanana circuit (12 or 14 km, 6 to 8 hours of walking for each itinerary). 2 options are offered to you: the most classic (and shortest) through bamboo forest, guava forest and waterfalls, or the longest, which will allow you to reach the primary forest. The lemurs will be in any case at the appointment.

Circuit Soarano-Valohoaka (3 to 4 days of walking). Ideal itinerary to appreciate the landscapes of the primary forest and to observe some rarer species of lemurs. We will also reachthe biggest waterfall of the park.

Departure by canoe from a village 20 km from the town (5 km of good track). Count 20 minutes of canoe. Observation of ducks, herons, and miners in the region. Immersion in the Malagasy daily. Swimming and fishing possible.

Founded in 1870 by Marchal Auguste, taken over by the French state in 1888, recovered by the Malagasy state in 1961, then finally by Aziz of Air Force Services in 1997, this park of 50 ha deserves a visit. You can see 6 species of lemurs, four of which are diurnal (the Sifaka verreauxi, the Lemur Catta, the Lemur Fulvus, and the Bamboo Hapalemur), 2 Nile crocodiles after the nursery, a dozen radiated turtles on the side of the bungalows, beautiful vanilla pods, and a superb alley of camellias (the second largest collection in the Indian Ocean), an albizia prized by primates, Brazilian cherry trees, mimosa pudicas, niaoulis, elephant ears, as well as a bamboo forest that will impress even the most hardened, with its huge specimens of giant bamboo (they grow 25 cm per day in January-February, the period of growth!)... A circuit makes it possible to gain a small cascade where it is good to picnic. We can make a small tour in dugout (about twenty minutes). A good day in the fresh air.The park provides 6 bungalows. Five of them (three double and two family) are located in the main structure, built in 1912, at the end of the magnificent central alley. The whole is rustic but rather comfortable, with private terrace and hammock. Not far from there, the dining area is dominated by a row of five hundred-year-old lychee trees. Nearby, a photo stop in front of the triangular palm tree with its three symmetrical branches: the tree is endemic to Fort-Dauphin.

The history of the reserve is that of the De Heaulme family, arriving from France in 1919. At that time, Henry and Alain were mining operators in mica mines and sisal producers in Fort Dauphin - a production continues today in an area of 5,000 hectares in Berenty, despite fierce competition from Sweden and Poland. It was in 1936 that they decided to invest in nature protection by creating the Berenty Reserve. Covering a surface of 1,000 hectares, the reserve attracts researchers from around the world from the United States, Europe, Japan, Australia to study the famous primates. In this way, we had once again known the famous American primatologist Allison Jolly. Everything is done to facilitate the observation of the lemurians. Three groups dominate the reserve: the makis (ringed) first. We can observe their very "human" attitude when they sit on their back train and put their "arms" on their "knees"; every morning, they expose themselves to the sun to warm up. The sifakas (white, tinted with brown) are incredible acrobats that jump to 6 m from tree tree in the thorny forest of the dry forest. They are mostly an extreme grace when they take a few steps of dance on the ground. The gidros (brown) are mostly very chatty and very curious. They descend from heights to meet the visitor who feigns to try their language. At night, you can, with a light lamp, go to search for nocturnal leds nestled in the hollow of the trunk (Lépilémur and microcedar). In the forest, giant bats (the famous frugivores), balls, spend all day sleeping the head at the top of the top trees. From time to time, this calm is disturbed by a quarrel of lovers between these amazing animals with acute cries. Birds, also abundant in the forest (there are no fewer than 102 species), are another observation subject. At the end of the southern winter, one of the most moving moments is the one where all the lipped females carry their newborn babies in their movements.

Finally, a museum invites the traveler to dive into the history of the local place and population.

Accommodation: Lodges and bungalows await you in the park, to take full advantage of the various circuits and wake up in the morning with a lemon on its terrace. An unforgettable experience. The newer lodges offer optimal comfort with lounge, air conditioning and refinement.

How to access it: transfers from/to Fort Dauphin or Lavanono (ideal for a break on the road) with Aloalo Tours, the agency's agency.