Reniala Reserve
Réserve Reniala
A private reserve protecting the unique spiny forest ecosystem of southwest Madagascar, home to thousand-year-old baobabs and octopus trees, and one of the best places to see endemic birds.
Réserve Reniala is a private reserve next to Mangily, protecting the spiny forest found only in southwest Madagascar. The forest holds dozens of giant baobabs (the largest has a trunk more than 10 meters around and is roughly a thousand years old) and the strange octopus trees (Didierea). It is also a top birding spot, where you can see endemic species such as the long-tailed ground-roller and subdesert mesite. Entry includes a guide's commentary, and dawn birding tours need to be booked in advance. There is no shade in the forest and it gets very hot, so bring water, a hat, and closed shoes that cover your ankles.
Opening hours
Approx. 07:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Mangily
- Village des Tortues (Ifaty)
- Ifaty Beach
- Madiorano Beach
- Toliara Town & Market
- Toliara Barrier Reef
- Arboretum d'Antsokay
- La Table (Tsinjoriake)