Nature In All Its Glory - Loky Manambato

What are its specific characteristics? There is its extremely rich biodiversity covering an area of 70,000 ha, with a rate of endemicity reaching 84 percent. The flora is particularly spectacular, with 1,273 plant species already listed, 50 or so of which were discovered recently. Among these is the Aspidostemontrichandra (a tree that grows to a height of 8.5m found in the massive of Binara), the Dalbergia gautieri (a climbing shrub that grows in the massifs of Bonbakora and Antsahabe), and the Combretumnusbaumei (a creeper exclusive to Antsaharengy). All these trees are endemic species listed as critical by the IUCN
(International Union for the Conservation of Nature).
When it comes to its fauna, the area is breathtaking. A wide range of animals lives in this preserved area, where nature reigns: 10 species of diurnal and nocturnal lemurs, Madagascar’s largest scorpion, 127 species of birds, 75 species of reptiles, 36 species of amphibians, including two species of sea turtle, and the fossa or Cryptoproctaferox (a sort of small puma that is Madagascar’s largest carnivore). The golden-crowned sifaka, a rare species of lemur
found here, the scientific name of which is Propithecus stattersalli, is a critically endangered species and was actually the reason behind the forestry station being granted the status of New Protected Area.
 
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine June 2019

Useful Information

When to go

It is best to visit this extraordinary site during the dry season, which stretches from May to September, avoiding the rainy season.

How to get there

The protected area of Loky Manambato is located in the north-west of Madagascar, in the region of Sava. It can be reached from Daraina, and is, more exactly, situated 53km from Vohémar.

Where to stay

For an exceptional experience, stay at the heart of the protected area in one of the tents with en-suite bathrooms, fitted out specially for visitors. Another possibility is the Camp Tattersalli, situated at the edge of the forest of Bakaraoka,constructed in the style of typical Malagasy huts.

Where to eat

There is a chalet-restaurant at the heart of the Camp Tattersalli, where you can taste local dishes while admiring the wonderful views over the mountains and forests. Otherwise, you can enjoy a picnic, stopping at one of the many peaceful sites.

What to see

Visit the forest massif of Binara, with its rich fauna: lemurs, birds, reptiles and mammals. Also, visit the sacred waterfall of Antsahabe, then continue as far as Manambato, located within the tourist site of Binara, where the river and its rocky banks are another sight not to be missed.