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Madagascar ~ Spiny Forests

Berenty Reserve

A private reserve amidst sisal plantations, with habituated ring-tailed lemurs, ‘dancing’ Verreaux’s sifakas and beguiling brown lemurs seen from wide, easy trails in gallery (riverine) forest near the reserve lodge.  Sightings are guaranteed, giving ample scope for good photographs. Fruit bats nest in the area and bird life is exceptional with over 100 recorded species. A night walk in the eerie spiny forest should reveal mouse lemur, sportive lemur, chameleons and owls. 


Andohahela National Park

Lying between Fort Dauphin and Berenty, it protects a surprising range of habitats for its 760 sq kms. Rainfall patterns over the Anosy mountain range have led to eastern rainforest at one extreme, and lower rainfall in another section has given rise to dry spiny forest at the other.  The area in between is the unique transitional Ranopiso forest, characterised by the locally endemic triangular palm. A wide variety of animal species including  rare birds such as red-tailed newtonia and running coua, fifteen species of lemur, fosa, fanalouc and striped civet all live in the reserve, where camping is currently the only accommodation.

Ifotaka

This area of dry spiny forest with ninety-five per cent endemicity is home to the proud Antandroy tribe with fiercely held traditions and a fascinating culture.  Guests gain an insight into the delicate balance between human and environmental requirements for sustainability.  The forest is sacred to the tribe who protect areas where their ancestors are buried, allowing lemur species to thrive along with many birds. By visiting, one assists community development and relieves some pressure on the environment by staying in tents.

Mandrare River Camp
(Madagascar Classic Camping)
A comfortable, safari-style camp located three hour’s drive north-west of Fort Dauphin amongst shady tamarind trees on the banks of the Mandrare River, it is a perfect base to explore the Ifotaka region with its sacred ancestral forests, and witness Antandroy tribal gatherings such as wrestling.

Kaleta /Amboasary-Sud

Another area to see the remarkable spiny forest. Also offers great birding, as well as interesting reptiles and invertebrates.

Tsimanampetsotsa National Park

A RAMSAR site, it is the newest National Park in Madagascar and one of its most unusual reserves. It comprises a milky blue 15-km long saline lake populated by pink and dwarf flamingos and other wading birds, with an adjacent limestone escarpment covered in rare pachypodium-dominated spiny forest displaying extreme adaptation to the arid environment.  Oddities include 2000 year-old, squat baobabs and a ficus tree grove with roots extending into a sinkhole river system, used by ring tailed lemurs to access a drink.  With 90 per cent of all resident species endemic to the park, it has the highest endemicity of any reserve on the island. One species of fish is found  here in the cave river system which runs under the desert and spiny bush.  It is a small, pink-white blind cave fish which feeds on plankton, crustaceans, and insects. There are rare avian endemics, three species of lemur including the ring-tailed (much wilder than those at Berenty),  the rare radiated tortoise and the recently discovered, locally endemic Grandidier's mongoose, first described in 1986. An expedition to Tsimanampetsotsa can involve hot and bumpy travel and a bone-shaking ride by zebu cart. However, it is a rewarding and unforgettable experience, easily combined with a comfortable beach hotel at Ambola or Anakao.

Ifaty

North of Tulear on an Indian Ocean beach, Ifaty enables visits to both spiny forest and offshore reefs. The spiny forest is a bizarre tangled mix of drought-resistant plants with extravagant adaptations to their environment such as baobabs and didierae (known as octopus trees). This is a good location for locally endemic birds including long-tailed ground roller and sub desert mesite. Reptiles include three-eyed lizards, spiny tailed iguanas and day geckos.

Diverse Madagascar in Considerable Comfort

With superior accommodation, remarkable scenery and an impressive variety of wildlife both terrestrial and marine, this “Madagascar soft adventure” is an excellent introduction to the Big Red Island.  Of great appeal to those wishing to travel in a high degree of comfort at a gentle pace without too much driving, this tour comes highly recommended. Find out more...

The De Luxe Grand Tour Of Madagascar

For those who relish a well-paced overland journey escorted by private guide and driver, experiencing panoramic landscapes and unwinding at the most exclusive luxury coastal resort in the country, this grand Madagascar deluxe tour will hold great appeal. All three main habitats are represented (rainforest, spiny forest and dry deciduous forest), with their accompanying cast of irresistible lemurs and other unique wildlife only to be found in Madagascar.  Find out more...

Wildlife-Rich Reserves And Charming Tropical Isles

This breathtaking Madagascar wildlife tour combines exceptional wildlife and scenery found in the most important wildlife reserves of the north and west with a beautiful tropical island for reefs and pure beach relaxation. Staying in a range of accommodation including park huts and a luxury boutique resort, you should encounter some of the island’s most unusual animal species in this Madagascar wildlife tour of great breadth and variety.  Find out more...

A Marvellously Natural Madagascar Honeymoon

Something extra-special to look forward to after your wedding, this delightful Madagascar honeymoon begins with the perfect location for some well-earned relaxation: the most exclusive coastal resort in the country. It then reveals the many natural history marvels to be found in the dry tropical forests, rainforests and spiny forests of Madagascar, ending at a lovely private island resort offering white beaches and excellent snorkelling and diving on glorious Indian Ocean reefs. Well worth getting married for.  Find out more...

Northern Madagascar For The Actively Adventurous

These locations are some of the most impressive and exciting in all Madagascar, resulting in a varied and adventurous northern Madagascar holiday, mostly well off the beaten track.  In addition to Kirindy, with the world’s highest primate diversity, and the Tsingy of Bemaraha (one of only two natural World Heritage Sites in Madagascar), you will have the privilege of climbing through the pristine rainforests of Marojejy to its summit, taking in some very rare species as you ascend. Finally, quality time is enjoyed in the Masoala (the other  natural World Heritage Site) for further rainforest exploration and marine park swimming. Marojejy and northern Madagascar are altogether almost too wonderful for words. Find out more...

Adventure Overland: From Hauts Plateaux To Spiny Forest

A comprehensive natural history exploration of many contrasting, unique regions yet only involving one domestic flight, our Madagascar Adventure Overland offers excellent value in accommodation of varying degrees of comfort. It  will appeal greatly to active individuals who relish good hiking, stunning landscapes, varied wildlife viewing, unusual flora and friendly encounters with interesting tribes. Find out more...

Madagascar's Delightful Diversity - On a Budget

Designed for the budget-minded traveller with limited time who wishes to enjoy a good spread of Madagascar’s manifold attractions at an affordable price. Two great rainforest reserves, the best dry deciduous forest park and the most popular tropical island are all included, along with simple yet comfortable accommodation, lots of private guiding, plenty of activities and most meals to give you a well rounded and stimulating Madagascar budget holiday of exceptional value.  Find out more...

Perinet, Mantadia and Anjajavy - In Style and comfort

The following compact itinerary is based on a film shoot for the Holiday Programme arranged for the BBC by Reef and Rainforest Tours. It gives those with limited time the chance to gain an excellent insight into what makes a Madagascar holiday so special, while enjoying luxury lodge and boutique resort comforts. Find out more...

The Wildlife Of The Dry South And West

For those wishing to enjoy their Madagascar travels from December to April when rain is more frequent, we have designed this itinerary to include a good range of prime wildlife locations which normally receive the least precipitation. A tour of the highest calibre, these will reveal a wide variety of habitats and species and perfectly suit off-season travellers, or indeed those going at any time of the year.   Find out more...

Important Notes

IMPORTANT NOTE (1): Despite recent improvements, Madagascar still has some accommodation of a low standard, and a precarious infrastructure including unreliable domestic flights, poor communications and bad roads.  Many areas are isolated and far from medical and other services. Trails can be strenuous, campsites and park huts basic.  Bookings are only accepted if the client accepts Reef and Rainforest Tours has done everything in its power to ensure there are no difficulties, but has limited control over standards of equipment, availability of accommodation and other services, airline and hotel reservation policies, flight schedule changes or breakdowns in communications.

IMPORTANT NOTE (2): Each location generally has limited satisfactory hotels, and international and domestic flights often fill early. Because increases in hotel beds and flight seats have not kept up with visitor numbers, early booking for tailor-made tours is advisable to secure desired itineraries, particularly during high season (from late May to mid November). Some waitlisted nights are to be expected if booking less than 18 months in advance. Waitlists usually clear prior to departure.  We do our utmost to secure accommodation specified in your itinerary, but alternative accommodation will be offered and must be accepted by you in the unlikely event  waitlisted nights do not clear. Your booking is conditional on your understanding and acceptance of this situation.