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Ambatovaky

Tamatave, Madagascar

 

Ambatovaky

This isolated special reserve is located in the East part of Madagascar and was established in 1958. It is the largest Special Reserve in Madagascar: the total area of the park covers 600 km² of virgin low-altitude rainforest comprised between the Marimbona and the Simianona Rivers. The landscape is hilly being some of the hills over one thousand meters high. Waterfalls pour on the steep walls of gorges and valleys covered by humid rain forest. The reserve offers great trekking paths, real nature experiences and a good chance to meet Betsimisaraka people and experience their culture and way of living.

There are 11 species of lemurs, including aye-aye, indri, diademed sifaka and black and white ruffed lemur. Ambatovaky is also a hot spot for birdwatchers. More than 100 birds species, like the extremely rare Madagascar serpent-eagle, can be observed inside the park. Tenrecs, chameleons, frogs, fishes and insects complete the wide animal variety.
Concerning the flora, more than 70% of the 300 species growing here are endemic.
Once here things are a little harder: access is only by motor boat on the Marimboana River until the village of Fotsialana (about 4 hours) and from here you have to continue on foot one or two days (which is not possible during the rainy season). 
Another possibility is taking a boat until a place called Ambodiriana (up to 7 hours) and then walk another hole day.

 

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