Visit Anjajavy Private Nature Reserve, Madagascar

Idyllically remote on Madagascar’s northwest coast, Anjajavy is reached only by air.

Flying toward the airstrip you pass thick forest that stops abruptly at the sea, shading white-sand coves separated by limestone headlands. A handful of dhows and pirogues bob in the water and in small clearings you see the thatched huts of the Sakalava fishing villages.

Anjajavy Private Nature Reserve

The Anjajavy Private Nature Reserve covers an area of 450 hectares and is predominantly dry deciduous forest. There are over 1,800 floral species, most endemic and several medicinal. Wildlife is prolific and walks through the forest reveal chameleons, frogs and spore of bush-pigs and the elusive fossa. There are two diurnal lemur species, the common brown lemur and Coquerel’s sifaka, both of which are easily seen. Nocturnal species include sportive and mouse lemurs. A stay at Anjajavy is as much about the coast as it is the forest.

Moramba Bay

Boat trips explore the mysterious islands of Moramba Bay where there are sacred baobab trees and Sakalava tombs tucked high in caves and on ledges in the limestone cliffs. Running the length of the reserve is a series of small coves, each one more beautiful than the last. Paths lead from one to the other allowing you to take a picnic and your snorkeling equipment and spend an afternoon on your own private beach.