 |
Mahajanga
Ampijoroa Forest Station, in the Ankarafantsika Reserve, is a 2-hour drive inland from the northwest coast. Ampijoroa is a very accessible section of the Ankarafantsika Reserve, and is one of the two best remaining examples of western Malagasy tropical dry deciduous forests. Here, you can almost guarantee seeing all the special endemics to western Madagascar’s hot, wide lowlands. White-breasted Mesite, Coquerel’s, Crested and Red-capped coua’s, Schlegels’ Asity and Van Dam’s Vanga. Broad paths lead into gentle terrain, and it is also the best place to see the spectacular Madagascar Crested Ibis, White-throated Rail and a host of raptors (in particular Madagascar Buzzard, Madagascar Harrier Hawk, Madagascar and Frances’s sparrow hawks and Banded Kestrel). The star attraction, however, is the endangered Madagascar Fish Eagle, now down to about 100 pairs. In the woods, you will also see Greater Vasa Parrot, Madagascar Lesser Cuckoo, Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher and various vangas, Madagascar Magpie Robin, Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher and Sakalava Weaver.
Kirindy (‘Swiss’) Forest - 60 km north of Morondava on the sunny west coast, this tropical dry deciduous forest is the world’s most threatened habitat type. This is one of the island’s best places for mammals, especially nocturnal species like fosa (biggest predator), various spiny tenrecs and 6 species of nocturnal lemur (including the world’s smallest primate, the pygmy mouse lemur). Kirindy claims a world record for primate density in forests of comparable size (10 000 ha). The area has good birding, with many ‘specials’ local to western Madagascar being seen frequently (white-breasted mesite, Madagascar jacana, Coquerel’s and Red-capped couas; White-headed and Sicklebill vangas and more). Kirindy also features 3 of Madagascar’s 6 endemic species of baobab tree. Morondava is a favourite for its sunny beaches.
Anjajavy - An excellent option if looking for a combination of natural history and an upmarket secluded beach. Situated 120 km off Mahajanga (the “flower city”), facing the Mozambique Channel is the luxury Anjajavy hotel. Regarded as a four star hotel, it is built on a peninsula in a large bay, behind which lies a large natural reserve of 450 acres - perfect for nature lovers! It is the only protected area between Mahajanga and Nosy Be. Wildlife viewing here is effortless. Lemurs, birds, reptiles and chameleons are plentiful. You can also visit a cave with stalactites and stalagmites and countless Commerson’s leaf-nosed bats. Another cave has the skulls of extinct lemur species embedded in the rocks. There are also coral reefs, tsingy-like limestone outcrops, pristine beaches and extensive mangrove forests.
|
