Ambalavao is the last Highlands town of any size which visitors travelling down the popular RN7 route from Fianarantsoa to Isalo, will see. The area is dominated by impressive and enormous granite domes or 'Inselbergs', some of which harbour interesting communities of plants, often including extremely localised species. 

If you're doing the RN7 in reverse, then Ambalavao will be the first Highlands town you visit after crossing the desolate 'badlands' of the semi-arid central-southern interior between Ihosy and the 'gateway' to the Highlands.

Just 10 minutes’ drive (17km) from Ambalavao, the 30- hectare Anja Community Reserve/Conservation Site is set in habitat dominated by the aforementioned, granitic rock formations, with woodland; two small caves and a nearby lake.  There are two trails in the reserve: one takes a couple of hours and the longer circuit to a hilltop, takes roughly half a day to complete.  

In recent years, Anja has become the country’s most visited community-run protected area, thanks to its high concentration of Ringtail lemur, the endearing national mammal.  The area is home to an interesting selection of reptiles includes three species of Chameleon. Notable among these is the huge Outsalet’s chameleon. Other ‘herps’ in evidence include Barbour’s day gecko and Madagascar girdled lizard.

The reserve is managed by the Anja Miray Association, which operates a spectrum of projects including habitat restoration through tree nurseries. Health and education programmes, as well as fish farming initiatives, have been successfully implemented. Residents also earn income through tour guiding. Currently, it is estimated that about 2,500 people earn a livelihood thanks to this very small protected area.

 

 

All of our holidays are tailor-made to your requirements by an expert Travel Specialist
Rainbow Specialists
0203 131 5311
Total results: 3
Sort by:
Madagascar Wildlife Discovery Tours 2023 & 2024
Itinerary
Madagascar
Eastern Rainforests
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
+8 others
16 nights from £4,945 per person

Madagascar Wildlife Discovery Tours 2023 & 2024

Itinerary Highlights

  • Indris, Verreaux's sifakas, Ringtails and other Lemurs galore!
  • Colourful chameleons, geckos and a plethora of tree frogs
  • Woolly, Dwarf and Mouse lemurs during night walks
  • Mesites, Couas, Ground-rollers, Asities, Vangas and other endemic birds
Classic Madagascar Overland: the RN7 Route and Andasibe
Itinerary
Madagascar
Eastern Rainforests
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
+8 others
15 nights from £4,990 per person

Classic Madagascar Overland: the RN7 Route and Andasibe

Itinerary Highlights

  • Highlands culture: the Merina and Betsileo people
  • Rainforest wildlife in Ranomafana and Andasibe-Mantadia National Parks
  • The ringtailed lemurs of Anja
  • Hiking in spectacular surrounds at Isalo National Park
Betsileo Country Lodge
Hotel
Madagascar
The South
Ambalavao and Anja Parc

Betsileo Country Lodge

Formerly called Varangue de Betsileo, proprietor Frank Janssens runs a friendly property that is more reminiscent of a B&B than a hotel. The property is located in Latintsena, 8km from the Ambalavao town centre.The 10 light and airy, en-suite rooms are of simple design and are comfortably furnished. In the pretty gardens there is a welcome swimming pool.From the hotel there are sweeping views of t...

Why Choose Us?

Passionate travel experts

  • We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
  • Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
  • We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences

Personal & tailor-made

  • You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
  • We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
  • Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love

Responsible by nature

  • We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
  • For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
  • We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
British Travel Awards Crest
ATOL Protected ABTA Protected IATA Protected
Trust Pilot LATA Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware

Stay in Touch

Subscribe for our newsletter and to hear about exciting offers and experiences