Amoron'i Onilahy - a wonder of nature

 

 
The protected area of Amoron’i Onilahy is partly covered by a dense dry forest, creating an extraordinary contrast with its luxuriant wetlands of swamps and lakes. The nature reserve is the habitat of several species of fauna, including 79 species of birds, 55 species of reptiles and 27 species of mammals. Some of these species can only be found in this part of the island.
 
Amoron’i Onilahy, one of the most extraordinarily beautiful nature reserves of Madagascar, is situated in the south-western part of the island, more precisely south of Tuléar. It is managed by the local communities, with the support of WWF: together they work on enhancing the natural wealth of the environment through ecotourism and preservation of the biodiversity.
 
The protected area of d’Amoron’i Onilahy, set up as an example of conservation of fauna and flora as well as ecotourism by the tourist bureau of Tuléar, covers an area of over 100,000 hectares.
 
The nature reserve also has a number of deep abysses and caves. Threatened forest species, such as the softwood tree locally called Farafatse (scientific name Givotia madagascariensis) or the Mpanjakabentany (Baudouinia rouxeveli), are also protected at Amoron’i Onilahy.
 
There are also a number of sacred sites inside the protected area and one of the reasons why it has become a reserve is the conservation of the Madagascan natural heritage of the region.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine January 2019

Useful Information

When to go

You can visit Tuléar at any time of year, as the region has a hot and semi-arid climate. Tuléar really deserves its nickname of ‘city of the sun’. This part of the island seldom receives any rain.

How to get there

The airline Air Madagascar/Tsaradia organises flights between the capital of Madagascar and Tuléar. There is an information office for the protected area of Amoron’i Onilahy at Ambohimahavelona, the departure point for excursions into the nature reserve. Ambohimahavelona is less than an hour’s drive from Tuléar. The various activities in the reserve are organised by the local communities.

Where to stay

You will have no difficulty finding a comfortable hotel in Tuléar. There is also a hostel for overnight stays at Ambohimahavelona. For fans of ecotourism who wish to stay at the heart of the natural environment, there are campsites inside the protected area. These also provide a wonderful opportunity to discover the stunning scenery of the plateau of Mahafaly.

Where to eat

During your visit to the protected area of Amoron’i Onilahy, you can take the opportunity to taste all the specialities of the south of Madagascar, served in the community restaurant of the nature reserve, where all the dishes are based on local products.

What to see

One of the most popular activities in the nature reserve is the observation of endemic species of fauna, such as lemurs or birds. It is also possible to take a motorbike or quad bike ride along the Onilahy River. More adventurous tourists can choose to sail down the river in a motor-powered dugout, delighting in the stunning scenery of the reserve. Local guides are available to accompany you throughout your visit.