Anja Community Reserve

Community Managed Reserve With One Of The Densest Ring Tailed Lemur Populations On The Island, 300 Or So Animals On Granite Boulders, Run By The Village Association For Local Income · Ambalavao, Haute Matsiatra

Anja Community Reserve is a small community-run forest on a granite outcrop beside the RN7, about 13 km south of Ambalavao. It was created in the early 2000s by the local village association to protect a patch of forest that was once cleared for fields, and it now holds some of the densest ring-tailed lemur populations on the island, roughly 300 animals, plus chameleons, frogs and geckos. A guide takes you on a walk of around two hours along rocky paths, under boulders, past caves that contain ancestral tombs, and to a viewpoint over the rice fields. The tombs are fady (taboo) places and the guides will explain the rules, such as keeping your distance and not touching the bones. Income from entry fees pays for local schools and wells. The reserve is small and busy in July and August, but sightings are almost guaranteed, which makes it one of the easiest and most reliable wildlife stops in Madagascar. Outside the dry season visitors are fewer and the guides have more time.

Roadside reserve on Route Nationale 7 about 13 km south of Ambalavao, on the way to Andringitra and Isalo, Ambalavao, Haute Matsiatra, Madagascar

The reserve is usually open daily in daylight hours, roughly from early morning until late afternoon; confirm current times locally. It is not free: there is an entry fee and a compulsory local guide. It is not seasonal in a strict sense, but heavy rain in the wet season (about December to March) makes the rocks slippery and may reduce access. Early morning and late afternoon give the best lemur activity.

Anja Community Reserve on Spottos · Explore more places on Spottos