Analalava Special Reserve

 
Located on the east coast of Madagascar, 6km away from the seaside resort of Mahavelona-Foulpointe, the Analalava Special Reserve harbours unique faunal and floristic treasure. Currently, it is managed by the NGO Missouri Botanical Garden (MBG). The project collaborates with the community association Velonala (which means "living forest" in Malagasy), in order to develop the tourism potential of this Analalava forest while preserving, restoring and enhancing local biodiversity and improving the livelihoods of the local communities.
 
Covering an area of 229 ha, it is home to several emblematic species of Madagascar. It is characterized by a low-level humid rainforest. There are 350 plant species, including 26 endangered palm species and a dozen endemic plants, as well as some 119 wildlife species. These include several species of reptiles, birds, small mammals, amphibians and five species of lemurs (including three nocturnal, one diurnal and one other species both diurnal and nocturnal).
The Analalava protected area and its tropical forest also provide a water reservoir to irrigate the surrounding rice fields and the crops of the neighbouring villages.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine December 2018

Useful Information

When to go

The eastern part of Madagascar is known to have a tropical climate. Even during the driest months, heavy rainfall can occur in and around Foulpointe. In general, the best time to visit the east coast of Madagascar is between September and November.

How to get there

The Analalava Special Reserve is accessible by road through the rural municipality of Mahavelona-Foulpointe. To do so, you have to take the Fort Manda road, another of the region's tourist attractions.

Where to stay

There is plenty of tourist accommodation in Foulpointe. You might also decide to enjoy an unusual experience in the heart of nature by renting a rural bungalow made of ravinala wood, nestled in the very heart of the reserve. You can bring your camping equipment and set up your tent in the reserve at nightfall. Be careful, however, because no fire is allowed in the forest. A simple spark would be enough to ravage tens of hectares of forest.

Where to eat

A local association of women of the Betsimisaraka ethnic group offers local specialities, such as the famous coconut chicken. You can also bring your own lunch basket. Otherwise, if you plan to spend a few nights on the reserve, do not hesitate to contact the site manager, who can arrange your accommodation and meals.

What to see

Wander through the Analalava forest and experience exceptional biodiversity. Don't miss out on relaxing on the region's magnificent beaches. Visit the reserve at night to observe the largest species of bats on the Big Island, the famous "flying foxes" of Madagascar. With a little luck, you may also get a chance to see one of the smallest primates on the planet, the Simmons Microcebus.