Madagascar’s deciduous dry forests are much lighter than the rainforests you'll see in the eastern half of the country. The western deciduous forests are also the island’s most fragmented and endangered forest type. They are home to a unique assemblage of often highly localised endemic animals and plants. This includes most of Madagascar's six endemic species of Baobab tree. Iconic lemurs of the western region, include the acrobatic Coquerel’s sifaka and our tiniest relative, the Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur which now is Critically Endangered.
See:
Anjajavy Forest Reserve
Ankarafantsika
Ankarana
Kirindy Forest
The dry forests of Anjajavy and Ankarafantsika can be visited from late March to December. Kirindy is not accessible from December to March. Ankarana can be visited from March (Ankarana East) to November, but note that the heat in November can be oppressive. Tsingy de Bemaraha is best visited from May to October.

Where to go in Western Dry Forests
Madagascar Wildlife: Endangered Oddities and Icons with Daniel Austin: 2024
Itinerary Highlights
- Aye ayes and Ruffed lemurs at Le Palmarium
- Indri, Diademed Sifaka and various nocturnal Lemurs in Andasibe-Mantadia
- Fosa, Fork-marked lemurs and Baobabs at Kirindy
- Leaftailed geckoes and chameleons at Montagne d'Ambre
Western Madagascar Wildlife - Ankarafantsika individual tour extension
Itinerary Highlights
- Coquerel's sifakas, Brown and Mongoose lemurs and 5 nocturnal lemur species
- All the forest-dependent endemic birds of Western Madagascar
- Critically endangered Madagascar fish eagles
- Wonderful reptiles, frogs and invertebrates
Western Madagascar Explorer: Baobabs, Tsingy, Beaches & Wildlife
Itinerary Highlights
- Kirindy Forest's famed Baobabs and rare wildlife
- Awe inspiring rock formations in Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
- Remote, coastal Belo Sur Mer for beach and Kirindy Mitea National Park
- Snorkelling at Nosy Andravoho
Relais du Kirindy
Visitors to the wonderful Kirindy Forest now have the choice of accommodation with a very welcome (in spring/summer) swimming pool.Relais du Kirindy was opened in 2017 and is set adjacent to a Sakalava-Menabe village about 25- 30 minutes' drive from the forest.Accommodation consists of 20 simple, neat, en-suite bungalows, constructed out of wood and other natural materials. Windows are netted ...
Le Soleil des Tsingy
Le Soleil de Tsingy offers high quality accommodation and is the perfect base from where to explore Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. Accommodation Rooms are set in 17 comfortable, elegantly furnished, 55m2, en-suite bungalows. While relaxing in the infinity swimming pool, guests can enjoy the panoramic view over the forested valley. The hotel has an excellent restaurant. Enjoy freshly baked bead ...
Black Lemur Camp
In remote Parc Andrafiamena Andavakoera, Black Lemur Camp is a recently opened property (2016); no-frills but comfortable and managed by proactive NGO Fanamby.It is about 4hrs drive to the south of Diego Suarez - the journey entails some bumpy and potholed stretches of road, especially the last 17km after having passed by Marotaolana village. The camp, which is accessible from May to November, ha...
Iharana Bush Camp
Situated about 16 km from the town Ambilobe (about 5 - 6 hours drive from Diego Suarez or 3 - 4 hours from Ankify) Iharana Bush Camp has 18 bungalows with en suite facilities (showers not bath tub).The design reflects a unique crossover between traditional Malagasy and African styling.From the terraces, sunsets are marvelous and views of Ankarana are truly alluring. The kitchen and restaurant cre...
Camp Amoureux
**** NOTE (Feb 2023 update): this lodge is in the process of being completely refurbished and upgraded so is currently not taking bookings **** In Marofandilia forest, about 44km north of Morondava, this camp, managed by proactive NGO Fanamby (the Malagasy 'arm' of Conservation International) and part of the Akiba Lodges group, provides good accommodation for visitors to Menabe Antimena Protected...
Ankarana Lodge
Location:Established by Yorke and Lydia Pareik who have lived in the Diego Suarez region for decades and who have a prodigious knowledge of the region, this comfortable, no-frills, owner-run lodge is close to the Mahamasina Gate at Ankarana Est.From Diego Suarez airport, the drive to Ankarana Lodge will take about 4 hrs,30 min.Rooms:There are 12 bungalows/rooms: 8 of the bungalows are separate/de...
Entremer
French author Laurence Ink and her late husband established this lovely little seaside property close to Belo Sur Mer and Kirindy Mite National Park, in 2012. The six bungalows (three standard and three family bungalows that have 2 bedrooms each) stand facing the beach; they are built of wood and have very comfortable bedding, with mosquito netting provided. Bathrooms have showers – note tha...
Looking for inspiration?
You'll find expert travel guides, holiday ideas and insider tips now on the Rainbow blog

Top 5 First Time Safari Destinations

10 Strange Animals and Where to Go to See them


Salar De Uyuni - The World's Largest Salt Flat


Top five South Africa Safari lodges

Sustainable Tourism In Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

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