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Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve


Map Anjanaharibe-Sud Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve comprises 32 km² of mountainous rainforest and it lies about 25 km southwest of Andapa, near to the Marojejy National Park. This forest has been protected since 1958 but just since 2004 the complete management is carried out by ANGAP. The accessibility is by far more difficult than Marojejy. Nevertheless, the effort is worthwhile: the reserve contains some of the last intact mid and high primary rainforest extending at an altitude between 500 and 2064 meters (the highest elevation is the Anjanaharibe-Anivo Peak). The great biodiversity is explained by the different ecosystems, which depends on the altitude level and the amount of rainfalls. Several extremely rare endemic plants and animals only occur here, and new species are discovered in each new investigation. 

The most representative animals are of course the lemurs. 12 species cohabit inside the Reserve: the indris living here are almost completely black, and the silky sifaka, one of the most beautiful and endangered lemurs.
Birders can spot more than 120 species, such as the Madagascar serpent-eagle, red Owl, helmet vanga, red-tailed newtonia, cryptic warbler and several  ground-rollers.
Reptiles (40 species) and amphibians (55 species) are also wide spread. It is worth highlighting that several frogs are included on the Red List and some other species are local endemic and vulnerable, like the dwarf chameleon, the Brookesia karchei or the Uroplatus fimbriatus.		 silky sifaka
The wonderful silky sifaka only ocurrs     here and in Marojejy National Park  
  © Muzzanese

The flora species depend on the forest variations: low and high altitude humid forest from 600 to 1,200 m, the sclerophyllous dense forest of high mountain up to 1,400 m, and from 1,600 m we find the lined highlander. 300 different fern, numerous precious woods (palissandre, ebony, rosewood, magnary, vintanona or tafonana are just some examples) and 40 palm tress are found here. The most significant plant is surely the Takhtajania, an ancient small tree with aromatic leaves that has been growing since 120 millions of years, a real living fossil. 

Human pressure threatens this fragile and ancient isolated forest. Illegal hunting has been frequent until recent times, and local populations still hunt Indris because of its meat. Another problem is the increasing mining of gemstones next to the boundaries and even inside the Reserve. But the most important problem is the illegal cut of precious wood trees, which are about to disappear in some years if the present speed of tree falling continues.

Madagascar tree frog
 Frogs are one the most vulnerable
 creatures © Antony
 Three circuits will allow you to discover the marvels of Anjanaharibe.
The Ranomafana (that means “hot water”) circuit ends in some venerated hot water springs used in religious rituals.
The Takhta circuit goes uphill trying to find indris, silki sifakas and guides you to the Takhtajania plant.
The hardest circuit is the Indri circuit, which goes uphill 1,000 m. up in the Anivo massif looking for indris and other animals and plants growing here.

You can find much more information about the access, trails, maps and recommended equipment list under: http://anjanaharibe.marojejy.com

The best way to visit Anjanaharibe-Sud is by far with a 4x4. Once in Andapa you need to drive 30 km until the village of Bealanana. The last km are really tough, even during the “dry season” from September to December.
If you are travelling with public transport, you will need at least three days from Tana. Take a taxi-brousse until Ambilove and there take another one until Sambava. In Sambava you must change again until Andapa. Here ask a taxi driver for a round trip and do not forget to bargain!

This is one of the most humid regions in Madagascar, with a rainfall average of over 3,000 mm yearly. From January to April, when it rains the most, the Reserve is nearly inaccessible due to the terrible road condition. Temperatures are warm (20 to 25°) during all year. Suitable rain wear and good trekking shoes are indispensable for every visit in this region!

Camping inside the Reserve is allowed, but there are no facilities, so you need to carry all your equipment. (4,000 Ar per person). There are also some basic accommodations in the villages around the reserve.

The daily fee is Ar 10,000 and Ar 4,000 if you are staying over the night.		 Anjanaharibe-Sud
 © Madagascar Travel Guide

If you are looking for a more comfortable place, you must drive back to Andapa, where there are a couple of nice hotels, restaurants and gift shops

Hotel Beanana
Phone: (261) 20 88 070 47 / (261) 32 07 161 13
Web: http://beanana.marojejy.com/Beanana
Mail: hsbeanana@yahoo.fr
Located at the town entrance, this welcoming and peaceful hotel is an ideal place to relax after a rough trek. It has 10 comfortable rooms with private facilities and hot water. The garden is beautiful and the service very friendly. The owner, Mr. Scoth Lo Pao, is himself a real nature lover and will help you to organize your expedition. Recommended!

Hotel Riziky
Phone: (261) (0) 32 40 214 22
Web: http://riziky.marojejy.com/Riziky
Mail: riziky.andapa@gmail.com
Pretty new accommodation in the southern part of Andaba. 6 clean, welcoming and nice decorated bungalows with provate facilities, hot water. TV. Friendly atmosphere and nice staff. They have bikes and a car to rent, and arrange some trips in the region too. Good value

The Park office is located in Andapa (both for Anjanaharibe Sud and Marojejy National Park). Guides are very well prepared and helpful, and some of them speak English.

Special Reserve Anjanaharibe Sud
BP 19 - ANDAPA 205
Tél. : + (261 20) 88 070 27
Email : angapandapa@moov.mg


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