Destinations

Berenty Reserve

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Highlights and main attractions of Berenty Reserve

This small private reserve is arguably one of the island’s better-known, and one of the last gallery forests to be found in Madagascar. Principally known for being one of the best spots to view confident and habituated ringtail and Verreaux sifaka lemurs at closer range, the reserve was established 70 years ago by the de Heaulme family to protect the 250 hectares of spiny and dry tamaring gallery forest that sit along the banks of the Mandrare River. 

The de Heaulme family still own and manage the reserve to this day, and due to the friendly and abundant wildlife appeal, it is now one of Madagascar’s main attractions. 

berenty reserve Quick Facts

1
Wildlife spotting: home to the largest colony of fruit bats in Southern Madagascar.
2
Venture out alone: one of the few places where you can venture the walkways without the assistance of a guide.
3
Primate species: 6 types of lemur have been recorded here including the ring-tailed and verraux sifaka.
4
Amazing for photography: well known for easy photographic opportunities as the lemurs have been habituated and are used to the presence of visitors.

where is berenty reserve?

What can i see here?

Berenty is situated 90 kilometres west of Fort Dauphin and what was mostly spiny forest is now predominantly a sea of sisal fields. There is a network of well-kept and wide trails which invite you to explore depths of the reserve, meeting its inhabitants. Home to six different species of lemur, the ones you will come across are habituated, allowing for some close up encounters and great photographs. You may also spot snakes, reptiles and frogs, as well as the south’s largest Madagascar fruit bat colony. 


Birdlife is also perfectly viewable in the reserve without binoculars, including parrots, eagles and paradise flycatchers amongst others. In the area you will also find an interesting ethnological museum, which depicts the life of the local tribe, the Antandroy, as well as a model reconstruction of an Antandroy village.


There are some fantastic nocturnal walks to take advantage of, giving you the chance to witness the white-footed sportive lemur, red-and-grey mouse lemur, and grey mouse lemur.

Berenty Reserve Accommodation Options

The Berenty Lodge is the main accommodation option of the area and has environmentally-friendly and spacious wooden chalets set in the spiny forest. From here you can enjoy walks through the reserve as well as visits to the local art museum and sisal factory. 

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