Ambondrombe - WETLANDS WONDERS

 
Wetlands, such as Ambondrombe, play an important role in the planetary balance and contribute to the preservation of species that are becoming rare. These wetlands are located on the west coast of Madagascar and they include the permanent lake of Ambondrombe, temporary satellite lakes and ecosystems of swamps and transitional forests. This complex system has been registered as a Ramsar site since May 2017 and is amongst the island’s richest natural environments. The abundance and diversity of life to be found is astonishing: plants, insects, crustaceans, amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds and mammals.
 
Indeed, these ecosystems shelter many of Madagascar’s threatened endemic species, such as the Malagasy pond heron (Ardeola Idea), the Malagasy Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis Bernieri), the African fish eagle (Haliaeetus Vociferoides) and the Madagascan big-headed turtle (Erymnochelys Madagascariensis), a fresh-water turtle. Unfortunately, these scientific names are mainly known for referring to critically endangered species. Among the unexpected species found in these wetlands, there is also the Malagasy flying fox (Pteropus Rufus). Your visit will be accompanied by the song of the 10,000 birds living there, among which are several egrets and herons, such as the Humblot’s heron (Ardea Humbloti): a rare natural show that really must be experienced for a true connection with Madagascar’s generous nature.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine October 2019

Useful Information

When to go

The area has the same climate as the desert of the west coast of Madagascar. The best option is to go between March and December, for maximum discoveries.

How to get there

The wetlands of Ambondrombe are on the west coast of Madagascar, on the plain of the Manambolo river, in the Menabe region. The best way to travel there is to drive along the RN1, through Tsiroanomandidy and Belobaka. From the village of Ankavandra you will have to take a dug-out along the Manambolo canal.

Where to stay

Camping can be a very pleasant way to fully enjoy the trip at the heart of nature. For the less adventurous, there is the Hotel du Menabe and the Karibo Hotel located at Belo Tsiribihina.

Where to eat

There are no restaurants inside the wetlands, so you should bring something to eat, or maybe consider cooking during your trip. However, the two hotels, above, have restaurants that serve very tasty dishes.

What to see

Sailing down the Manambolo offers a wealth of varied landscapes and the opportunity to meet the local population. As you approach the Bemaraha mountain chain, you will discover impressive canyons, notably the Manambolo canyon, which shelters old tombs of the Vazimba, the first people to have hidden in the Tsingy. Also visit the National Park of the Tsingy.