Ambohijanahary Special Reserve- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Nestled in Madagascar's Menabe and Melaky regions, the Ambohijanahary Special Reserve is a remarkable 248-square-kilometer sanctuary established in 1958 to protect its unique sclerophyllous forests and the myriad endemic species they harbor. Perched on a plateau along the Bongolava mountain range, the reserve's altitude ranges from 600 to 1,800 meters, creating diverse habitats that endure extreme weather changes, with annual rainfall between 1,001 and 1,500 millimeters sustaining the southern Manambolo River despite a prolonged dry season. The Sakalava people living nearby maintain a harmonious relationship with the land, engaging in beekeeping, fishing, and farming. The reserve boasts over 200 plant species, primarily dominated by Ocotea cymosa and Ocotea auriculiformis, while its fauna includes 78 mammal species, such as the diurnal Von der Decken's sifaka, along with 21 reptile species, 9 amphibians, and 57 birds, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.