Kirindy Reserve, one of Madagascar’s top wildlife spots, is a little over three hours north of Morondava — perhaps the most productive site in the country for tracking down fossa, that decidedly non‑kitty‑like “cat.”
A dry deciduous forest ecosystem unique to Kirindy, it is home to many species of lemurs and endemic birds, reptiles and some of Madagascar’s most incredible wildlife. Unlike the lush, dense rainforests of other areas on the island, Kirindy’s more open stands often make it easier to find wildlife.
Supplemented with a sundown at the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs, this trip delivers probably one of the most lucrative wildlife adventures available from Morondava.
The Experience
5:00 AM: Departure from Morondava. A 3‑hour drive north through the dry landscapes, baobab country and remote villages of western Madagascar. Arrival at Kirindy Reserve for a guided walk of about 2 hours. This tends to be the best time of day for spotting fossa, Madagascar’s most famous predator, as well as brown lemurs, sifakas, giant jumping rats and myriad endemic bird species.
After lunch and free time at Kirindy Lodge, Relais du Kirindy, Akiba Lodge or another restaurant in the area. Early afternoon, depart for the return trip to Morondava. The day ends with a visit to the beautiful Avenue of the Baobabs, where the enormous trees reflect and absorb warm sunset colours in one of Madagascar’s most classic sights. Return to Morondava in the early evening after sunset.
Why Choose This Experience
Kirindy is still one of the few places in Madagascar where seeing a fossa remains a real possibility.
Combine its excellent dry forest ecosystem with a sunset at the Avenue of the Baobabs and you can explore all of this within one day from Morondava — making it a complete wildlife and nature experience.