Ambatovaky- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Ambatovaky Special Reserve in northeastern Madagascar covers roughly 60,000–78,000 hectares of tropical low- to mid‑altitude evergreen forest nestled between the Marimbona and Simianona rivers in the Analanjirofo region, with peaks rising over 1,000 m and waterfalls carving steep valleys. Established in 1958, it ranks among the largest protected lowland rainforest zones outside Masoala National Park, and functions as a vital biological corridor linking adjacent parks like Makira, Zahamena and Masoala. Access is limited—typically requiring a canoe journey from Soanierana Ivongo up the Marimbona River—a setup that retains both remoteness and ecological integrity. Ambatovaky hosts exceptional biodiversity: over 100 bird species including the rare White-breasted Mesite (Mesitornis variegata)—one of only a few sites in eastern Madagascar where it occurs—as well as Van Dam's vanga and the critically rare Madagascar serpent eagle. Eleven lemur species are found here, among them Indri indri, diademed sifaka and the aye‑aye, all with high conservation status, alongside vulnerable carnivores like fossa and Malagasy civet. Conservation efforts involve co-management with local Betsimisaraka communities—balancing protection with cultural traditions including taboos that reinforce species protection—and safeguarding headwaters that serve as a regional water tower.