Analamerana Special Reserve

The Analamerana Special Reserve is located in the northern part of Madagascar, halfway between the western region called DIANA and the eastern region called Sava. The 34.700ha large reserve is located in a rather unexplored forest southeast of Montagne d'Ambre, between the Irodo river in the North and the Loky river in the South.

To visit Analamerana Special Reserve it is best to start in Diego Suarez (Antsiranana), from where the paved road RN6 leads 60 kilometres south to Sadjoavato. From there it is another 25 kilometres along a very bad road to the municipality Ankarongana. This road is only accessible during the dry season from May to November. From Ankarongana one has to continue by motorcycle, bike or foot to Analamerana Special Reserve.

Analamerana was classified Special Reserve in 1956 and is the only protected area that gives refuge to the endangered Perrier's Sifaka lemur species.

The area is dominated by a limestone massif with numerous rocky outcrops - the tsingy (sharp limestone karst pinnacles). This karst plateau comprises from east to west the massif of Analamerana, the massif of Antsohy and part of the Andrafiamena chain. In addition to the river Irodo, eight small streams flow through the reserve. Following ethnicities live in the reserve: Sakalava, Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, Anjoaty, Antemoro, Antankarana, Antandry, Merina and Betsileo.

The predominant climate is hot and humid with an average annual rainfall of 1,250mm. Most of the rain falls in the months of November to April. The dry season is clearly marked from June to August. The average temperature is 25°C, varying between 20°C and 30°C.