Kirindy Forest
Forêt de Kirindy
A dry deciduous forest reserve in western Madagascar and the most reliable place to see the fossa, where night walks can reveal the mouse lemur, one of the world's smallest primates.
Kirindy Forest lies about 60 km northeast of Morondava. It is a dry deciduous forest long managed by a Swiss forestry project and an important base for research into western Madagascar's ecology. The forest is home to eight lemur species, including Verreaux's sifaka, the red-fronted brown lemur and the tiny dwarf mouse lemur, as well as the fossa, Madagascar's largest carnivore. Fossa sightings are very likely near the camp during the October–November mating season. The forest also shelters endemic species such as the giant jumping rat. Daytime walking trails take about 2 hours and pass baobabs and lemurs. After dark, a guided night walk with torches lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours and looks for mouse lemurs, chameleons and geckos, making it the most distinctive experience here. Simple wooden cabins and a restaurant are on site, so you can stay overnight and combine day and night walks. You can also visit on a day trip from Morondava, often linked with the Avenue of the Baobabs and the route to the Tsingy stone forests. Entry and guide fees are paid on site, and the amounts are subject to local announcements. Bring a headlamp and insect repellent, as daytime heat in the dry season is intense.
Opening hours
Guided tours by day and night (times set by the camp)
Nearby sights
- Marofandilia Village
- Andranomena Special Reserve
- Baobab Sacré
- Baobabs Amoureux (Lovers' Baobabs)
- Avenue of the Baobabs
- Kivalo Village & Mangroves
- Morondava Beach (Nosy Kely)
- Betania Fishing Village