Tsingy, baobabs and adventure off the beaten path.
Morondava is a lovely coastal city on the West coast of Madagascar which is most famous for the Avenue of the Baobabs. Sunrise or sunset in this part of Madagascar is truly a magical experience – the golden light bouncing off the ancient Baobabs creates dramatic shadows that are perfectly delightful for a photographer. Of the seven species of Baobabs in Madagascar, three species inhabit the Morondava area, so it is a unique, botanical wonderland. But Morondava has more to offer than just Baobabs; you can lounge on the tranquil beach at Kimony, visit a traditional fishing village, or set off for Kirindy Forest, where you’re likely to spot lemurs as well as Madagascar’s top predator, the Fosa.
A Geological and Ecological Masterpiece.
Prior Coral Reefs with a Geological and Ecological Luxury, the Tsingy’s geology has evolved aeons ago, shaped by tropical rainstorms into a jagged limestone maze – a petrified forest. Walking along the sharp pinnacles, crossing suspension bridges at heights of 40 to 50 metres, and descending into deep gorges surrounded by sharp protrusions is a unique experience. The incredible resilience of life to be found here is a miracle.
Plants grow in the direct sun, lying on the bare rock at the top of the Tsingy, where there is next to nothing in terms of soil. Similarly, wildlife is compelling – from the famous Lemurs, to the Ring-tailed Mongoose, different Bat species, and the Tsingy Forest Rat-a rare ground-dwelling rodent. The exciting discovery of the Tsingy Wood Rail, a new Bird species previously unknown to science, confirms that this remarkable biogeographical area is still hiding many mysteries waiting to discover.
An Epic Adventureland . The Makay massif is formed from a sandstone plateau from the Jurassic period and cut by deep narrow canyons. From above, it is connected and resembles a sprawling, brain-shaped labyrinth – a unique and astounding landscape. In this unique ecosystem, its unique flora and fauna (many still under investigation) have got away with evolving in almost total isolation.
Scarcely known, totally roadless, and nestled in one of Madagascar’s most remote corners, and if you are an explorer type or an outsider with a wild side and you want to explore an undeveloped wilderness, the Makay is for you. It is also home to several varieties of Lemurs, including Verreaux’s Sifaka, Red-fronted Lemur, Fork-marked Lemur, Giant Mouse Lemur, and Mouse Lemur, not to mention Insects, Birds adapted to this rugged landscape.
There are a lot to see here. The site is very rich on Birds; and Bird watchers always include this Park to their trip around the Country. This Deciduous Forest has different types of Lemurs including the Coquerel’s Sifaka, Brown Lemurs and other nocturnal types; the evening allows us to spot them. A few Baobab plants are seen here. Ankarafantsika is another jewel for nature lovers, especially Birders! The park is famous for its excellent birdlife, so it is a “must-see” for anyone who is a Bird lover.
It is situated in a Deciduous Forest where you will find some different types of Lemurs, including the Coquerel’s Sifaka, Brown Lemurs, and some nocturnal Lemurs that are much easier to see in the evening. Also, there are a few amazing Baobabs in Ankarafantsika that add to theuniqueness of the Park. The diversity of wildlife in Ankarafantsika is excellent, and the chance of seeing Lemurs, as well as gorgeous Birds and Baobab trees makes it a must-see for anyone interested in Madagascar’s biodiversity.
Kirindy Forest is the best place in Madagascar to see the Fosa. The Fosa is a powerful carnivore shaped and colored like a cougar. Not only It is a Madagascar’s top ground predator but also the top tree-dweller, and it is surprisingly agile. The fosa moves remarkably well in the treetops, just like a Lemur. The Dry Deciduous Forest featured in Kirindy Forest has other rare and strange species, such as the Giant Jumping Rat, amongst the rarest mammals in the world, and the critically endangered Flat-tailed Tortoise, making Kirindy Forest a vital refuge for Madagascar’s unique biodiversity.
Discover baobabs, limestone formations, canyons and dry forests.
Spot Fosa, lemurs, endemic birds and adapted wildlife.
Explore remote reserves, wild landscapes and dramatic natural formations.