The village of Ifotaka, situated at the heart of the Antandroy (a region in the south of Madagascar), is well-known not only for its large plantations of sisal (a plant the leaves of which are used to manufacture rope and carpets), the wealth of its culture (such as its music, dance, drawings or the ritual slaughter of zebus), but also for its sacred forest.

Ifotaka is a spectacular spiny semi-dry forest, typical of arid zones, located 90km from the town of Fort-Dauphin, on the banks of the Mandrare river: a location that is an extra source of charm.

However, its wealth does not stop here. It also shelters endemic species that have remained virtually intact, such as Madagascar’s renowned baobabs, two species of lemurs, notably the crowned sifaka (Pophitecus coronatus) and the grey mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus), iguanas, chameleons, tortoises, such as the highly endangered radiated tortoise, as well as over 50 species of birds.

Its sacred character is recognised by the Antandroy, the region’s main ethnic group, who have constructed a large number of sacred dwellings, as well as stone tombs crowned with aloalo (carved wooden totems) and trophies (zebu horns). An excursion into the heart of the forest gives the opportunity to discover and admire the local traditions.

And for even more thrills, there is the excitement of discovering this typical forest by night, a memorable experience.

This article was featured in Prime Magazine July 2019

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