Berenty Reserve and Ifotaka Forest Safaris

Berenty Reserve and Ifotaka Forest offer two very different windows into Madagascar’s south – one focused on wildlife, the other on landscapes and local life. Together, they make a fascinating detour for travellers interested in both nature and culture.

Berenty is a small private reserve near Fort Dauphin, famous for its reliable, up-close sightings of ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux’s sifakas. It’s a long-established stop on the wildlife circuit, with wide, easy trails through gallery forest and spiny scrub. You don’t need to go far to spot lemurs sunbathing, grooming, or bouncing sideways across open ground – a sight that never gets old. It’s also a good place to see Madagascar’s dry south birdlife, including owls, couas, and paradise flycatchers.

Just a few hours away, Ifotaka Forest offers a deeper and more immersive experience. Here, in a landscape of ancient tamarind trees and sacred spiny forest, you’ll find a mix of rare wildlife and rich Antandroy culture. It’s one of the few places where you can walk with local guides who still live by traditional customs, visit ancestral tombs, and learn about the close connection between the forest and local beliefs. The wildlife is wilder here – expect nocturnal walks, elusive lemurs, and fewer other travellers.

We love pairing Berenty and Ifotaka to show two sides of southern Madagascar – one easy and accessible, the other remote and culturally rich. Together they offer a rewarding mix of wildlife, walking, and insight into a part of Madagascar few visitors reach.