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Western Madagascar

Madagascar’s western region – divided in two, with no roads linking the south and north – is filled with adventurous possibilities and it's from here that so many iconic Madagascar images originate. There are incredible highlights, from the otherworldly limestone spikes and crippled spires of the Tsingy de Bemaraha and the stomping ground of the fossa at the Réserve Forestière de Kirindy to the fabulous birdwatching of Parc National Ankarafantsika. Throw in the Allée des Baobabs, world-class resorts and so many opportunities to go out into the wilderness and you have a region that showcases all that's memorable about this remarkable country. Travel out here can be rough once you leave behind the paved national highways. Your rewards are priceless travelling epics you'll never forget.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Western Madagascar.

  • See

    Réserve Forestière de Kirindy

    This reserve, 60km northeast of Morondava, covers about 12,500 hectares and is a protected area that's popular with scientists and travellers for its amazing wildlife. Kirindy is one of the few places in Madagascar where you are very likely to see the fossa ( Cryptoprocta felix), the country’s largest predator, a puma- or dog-like creature with oversized ears and a strangely elongated body. There are also eight lemur species, the giant jumping rat and numerous bird species.

  • See

    Parc National Ankarafantsika

    Ankarafantsika (130,026 hectares) is the last strand of dry western deciduous forest in Madagascar. Its excellent wildlife viewing and hiking opportunities make it one of western Madagascar's most popular and rewarding parks. There are at least eight species of lemur and 129 recorded species of birds, including the rare Madagascar fish eagle and the raucous sickle-bill vanga. There are also more than 70 species of reptiles such as small iguanas, a rare species of leaf-tailed gecko and the rhinoceros chameleon.

  • See

    Parc National de Kirindy-Mitea

    Not to be confused with the Réserve Forestière de Kirindy, the deliciously remote 72,200-hectare Parc National de Kirindy-Mitea, which surrounds Belo-sur-Mer, is one of Madagascar’s newest parks and it's well worth the effort to get here. The main draw at Kirindy-Mitea is the birdlife – 58 species in total, 18 of which are endemic to the region – although there are also nine lemur species, as well as reptiles. Of the lemur species, only three are easily seen by day: Verreaux's sifaka, the red-fronted brown lemur and the ring-tailed lemur. The nocturnal species include Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur (the world's smallest primate), fork-marked lemur, grey mouse lemur, Coquerel's dwarf lemur, fat-tailed dwarf lemur and red-tailed sportive lemur. Also present, if rarely seen, is the fossa. There are three hiking circuits through the park, as well as the possibility of doing a pirogue trip (Ar35,000) along the estuary and the mangrove.

  • See

    Katsepy’s Lighthouse

    About 8km southwest of Katsepy, Katsepy’s Lighthouse has sweeping views of Bombetoka Bay and Mozambique Channel. It’s a hot, two-hour walk to get here from Katsepy. Otherwise you can charter a taxi-brousse to take you there and back (Ar50,000, with 30 minutes at the site).