Reniala Private Reserve
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Reniala Private Reserve is a small protected
area of only 60 ha, managed by an environmental association called
Reniala (which
means baobab in Malagasy) that is trying to develop eco-tourism in the
area. The
reserve is located less than 1km from the Mozambique Channel near the |
Visitors can also spot
mammals
including the grey-mouse lemur, one the smallest primates, and some
carnivorous; reptiles, like the threatened radiated and spider
tortoises, warty
chameleons, lizards and snakes.The association organises
guided visits where the excellent prepared
English speaking guides provide visitors all kind of information about
the
local fauna and flora.
Reniala
Reserve is a paradise for birders, who
can easily observe some very rare endemic species, such as the
long-tailed ground
roller, the subdesert mesite, the red-capped coua or the blue vanga.
There are 65 bird species in total within the
reserve.
Madagascar
hawk taking a rest ©
Reniala
Apart from preserving this
threatened
ecosystem, this organisation makes a great job together with the local
communities. They carry out programs and pedagogic activities to raise
awareness about the importance of protect the environment amongst
scholars and
try to find alternative and sustainable ways of living to the local
inhabitants
like apiculture and vanilla.
Future projects are the creation of a public
library, a museum about traditional Malagasy music and a formation
centre of
hotel management and catering.
The
Reserve opens 7:30 am to 17:30 pm in winter and from 8 am to 18 pm in
summer.
Amazing
baobab´s "face" ©
Reniala
Didieraceae plant © Reniala
Admission:
10.000 Ar including one guided visit for the first circuit (1-1,30 h),
and 12,000
Ar for the second one (it can take from 2 to 2:30). Children under 12
go for
free. These two circuits are mainly botanic ones.
For
those visitors more interested in the fauna, there are longer trails
depending
on your interest (normally 5 to 6 hours) Fee is 30.000 Ar.
There
are some simple but
welcoming and bungalows with shared facilities and some more
comfortable rooms
inside the reserve. Camping is also permitted. There is a restaurant as
well.
Price for a double
bungalow: 15.000 Ar
Price for a double room:
30.000 to 40.000 Ar
You
will find more information (so far only in French) under http://reniala.jimdo.com
and http://reniala-madagascar.over-blog.com
You can also contact the Reserve staff directly by phone (+ 261 20) 94 417 56
or by e-mail: reniala2005@reniala-madagascar.com
For further accommodations in the area see Tulear to Morombe