Soak up the wilderness by visiting Mikea Forest

 
A forest that has its history and its stature in Madagascar and that shelters rare and endemic species; the Mikea Forest is a forest where one can visit and see up close. Contains several natural resources unique to Madagascar; an unforgettable visit is assured.
 
The semi-arid Mikea Forest is an exceptionally rich area of animal and plant life in the dry deciduous forest north of Toliara, with a large number of species of birds, reptiles, mammals and plants. With a high endemism rate of many species, 40 species of birds out of the 98 species that are listed in the Mikea Forest are endemic to Madagascar, and two of these species, long-tailed Brachypterolle and Monias de Bensch, are found only in this forest. There are also 9 species of lemurs and 24 species of fish, 3 of which are endemic. About fifty species of reptiles have been recorded, making this forest one of the most diverse areas of reptiles in the world.
 
In addition, the Mikea Forest is home to underground caves, most of which contain fresh water, a source of water for the Mikea during times of great drought. A species of cryptic fish, commonly referred to as "blind fish," the genus Typhleotris, was discovered, which was thought to occur only in the areas of Tsimanampetsotsa Lake south of Toliara. If you are travelling in the south, visit the sight to see and improve your biodiversity knowledge. In order to remember, the word Mikea comes from the term (mikahia iha, from the word "kaika" in Sakalava dialect for "antso", meaning call). The Mikea is an ethnic group in the southwestern Madagascan forest living from daily hunting and gathering activities and seasonally by corn slash-and-burn cultivation.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine November 2017

Useful Information

When to go

As the Mikea Forest is in the southern part of Madagascar with a warm climate, you can visit the place all year round.

How to get there

To enjoy the scenery, you can take the RN7 to Toliara then the RN9 to Ankilikaoka. You can also take the regular flight from Tana to Toliara, also called the City of the Sun; then join the RN9 to Ankililaoka.

Where to stay

Mikea Lodge is located between the Mikéa National Park and one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, in Andravona, about 20km north of Salary. Charming tent bungalows sleep 40m² are set along a huge sandy beach.

Where to eat

Do not look any further than the Mikea Lodge with typically original dishes and their chef who is already famous on the island for skills in seafood. Not to mention the bar with a palette of cocktails as colourful as is refreshing.

What to see

Places to discover are numerous in the vicinity of Mikea Forest, Mangoky River, Manombo and Befandriana seasonal rivers, lakes Ihotry and Namonty are genuine attractions in this forest.