Things to see and do Ifaty– Mangily

Located 800 meters from the sea, in a forest of baobabs and didieréacées, at the exit of the village of Mangily, the natural reserve of Reniala, founded by a nature lover, includes a botanical path and an ornithological reserve. It covers 60 hectares and includes about 1,000 different xerophilous plant species (adapted to the dry climate). The pretty path winds through the southern flora, where each plant is identified by a plaque: Delonix, Pachypodium, multiple baobabs - one of which is giant and particularly impressive, nicknamed the teapot by visitors, with a circumference of about 13 meters and said to be 1,200 years old -, Givota... Birdwatchers will also be delighted here: there are about sixty endemic species of birds, including the Tolohoranto, Uratelornis chimaera and the Naka, Monias benschi (especially in October), a special "bird" tour is also possible, with prior reservation with an early morning or late evening departure (count 50 000 Ar per person). This private reserve ensures the preservation of more than a thousand baobabs since 2001 (an eden for these trees so threatened in the region!). The reserve also hosts the "Lemur Rescue Center", a conservation center for Mali Catta lemurs. They are in cages, because they have been extracted from animal trafficking networks and are being rehabilitated in the wild. Really, the natural reserve of Reniala deserves to be known!

Known and recognized site for diving off Mangily, the Massif des Roses has unfortunately lost its superbness. The tourist development that the seaside area of Ifaty has known these last decades has amply contributed to its deterioration, so much so that divers and scientists today find it difficult to recognize the coral massif that they used to admire so much. Several non-governmental organizations, such as the Bel Avenir Organization or Reef Doctor, are actively working for its preservation. Since 2007, the Massif des Roses is officially protected (even if the guard will surely be surprised during his nap when you get there!). Today, you can still see the beautiful rose-shaped corals that gave their name to the place, but many corals are damaged or dead. A few paddles away, Korandava is another site where you can observe corals, don't hesitate to ask your guide to take you there if he doesn't do it spontaneously. The corals here are multicolored and of various shapes. The aquatic fauna is numerous and the corals are sometimes damaged, but much less than in the neighboring Massif des Roses. Here and anywhere else in the sea, each tourist must have a very responsible attitude: you should not touch these natural beauties under any circumstances, not even with your eyes. If your guide was not aware of this, do not hesitate to talk to him, it will be a great action for the protection of these precious ecosystems.

Vezo and piroguier from father to son, Tintin is a very reliable sailor. He will take you for any sea trip, around Mangily for half a day or a whole day. He also organizes sea trips of several days and can take you to Morondava. It is a (very nice) family affair: he sails with his son and his uncle. They are all as adorable, helpful and respectful as Tintin. Moreover, he is a fine cook - we recommend him 200%!