Kirindy Forest: a remnant of dry forest in western Madagascar

The Kirindy Forest stretches over 72,000 hectares approximately 60 km northeast of Morondava, between the Tsiribihina River to the north and the Avenue of the Baobabs to the south. It is one of the last remnants of the primary dry deciduous forest of western Madagascar, an ecosystem that has become rare and is particularly studied for its high rate of endemism.

The site is managed by the Forestry Professional Training Centre (CFPF), which oversees visitor reception and scientific research. In 2012, a reception area with restaurant, bungalows and marked trails was developed to facilitate day and night visits, without encroaching on conservation zones.

Why visit Kirindy Forest

Kirindy is one of the few places in Madagascar where you can observe the fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox), the island's largest endemic carnivore, in its natural habitat. The dry forest here remains sufficiently preserved to harbour complete fauna, from ground level to the canopy, and the density of nocturnal species is remarkable.

Unlike the humid forests of the east, such as Ranomafana National Park, Kirindy offers a dry ecosystem where baobabs, diurnal lemurs and reptiles coexist in a clear, open landscape that is easy to explore.

What to see and observe at Kirindy

Highly diverse endemic wildlife

The site records dense biodiversity, documented by scientific teams on site:

• 8 species of lemurs, including 6 nocturnal species
• 68 bird species, of which 6 are threatened
• 43 reptile taxa: one crocodile, 2 turtle species, 23 lizards, 17 snake species
• 86 ant species recorded

In terms of ornithology, the forest ranks among the country's best sites for observing the rufous-tailed vanga, Madagascar's sparrowhawk, several Coua species, the paradise flycatcher and the barred kestrel.

Diurnal and nocturnal lemurs

During the day, you will mainly encounter the fork-marked lemur (Phaner pallescens), recognizable by its communication calls, and several sifakas. As dusk falls, the mouse lemurs, among the world's smallest primates, become active and can be spotted with a headlamp.

Three baobab species

Kirindy is one of the rare sites where three baobab species grow side by side, each adapted to this dry environment:

• Reniala — narrow grey trunk
• Bozy (Adansonia rubrostipa) — bottle-shaped trunk, rounded fruits
• Za (Adansonia za) — imposing grey trunk, oval fruits

Night outings

Night visits are one of Kirindy's specialities. With a little patience, you may spot the fossa at dusk, as well as Hypogeomys antimena, a large endemic rodent that emerges from its burrow at night to feed.

When to visit: seasonality

Since Kirindy is a dry forest, the season strongly influences the experience:

• Dry season (April to November): most favourable period. Paths are passable, animal observation is easier, temperatures are bearable.
• Rainy season (December to March): vegetation becomes denser but road access becomes difficult, sometimes impossible after heavy rain. Some animals are less visible.

The months of July to October are generally considered most conducive to observing lemurs and fossas.

Practical information

• Duration of visit: plan for at least half a day, ideally 1 to 2 nights on site to combine day and night outings.
• Guide: mandatory, recruited via the CFPF at the site entrance.
• Rates: entrance fees and guiding services are moderate, to be paid on site in ariary.
• Accommodation: simple bungalows and restaurant within the reception area; reservation recommended during high season.
• Useful equipment: headlamp for night outings, closed-toe shoes, neutral clothing, insect repellent.

How to get there

Kirindy is reached from Morondava, the main entry point for the region. Allow approximately 2 hours' drive in a 4x4 on the track that runs along the Avenue of the Baobabs heading north. The road is not asphalted and requires an appropriate vehicle, particularly after rain. Most travellers combine Kirindy with the Avenue of the Baobabs and, further north, the Tsingy of Bemaraha.

What to see nearby

• Morondava — port and logistics base for exploring western Madagascar
• Island of the Virgin — emblematic site off the coast of Morondava
• Lemurs' Park — reserve dedicated to lemurs, near Antananarivo, complementary for those wishing to go deeper

Frequently asked questions

Preparing your trip

Kirindy Forest naturally fits into an itinerary dedicated to western Madagascar, around Morondava and the Tsingy of Bemaraha. To build a tailor-made circuit, consult our Madagascar trips.