Baly Bay National Park may be little-known, but it stands out as one of Madagascar’s most stunning protected areas, encompassing six distinct ecosystems over 57,412 hectares. The harmonious coexistence of species here is remarkable and would seem nearly impossible elsewhere. The park can be reached by car or by air from Majunga.
The park’s emblem is the famous and extremely rare Angonoka tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora), locally known as the ploughshare tortoise. Situated on the northwestern coastline of the island, the park is the only habitat of this species, which thrives in the thickets of Perrierbambos madagascariensis. Both the tortoise and its natural habitat are endemic to Madagascar, making the park a critical conservation area.
Baly Bay is irrigated by several lakes, including four permanent ones—Sariaka, Atsandramatsibe, Atsandramatsikely, and Ankidroabe—and by the sea. This natural paradise is a treasure trove for nature enthusiasts, with extraordinary flora and fauna. The lakes are home to colonies of large migratory birds as well as endemic freshwater turtles (Erymnochelys madagascariensis).
The park has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International since 2001, highlighting its critical role in avian conservation.