In addition to the four dozen officially designated Madagascar Nature Parks, which are divided into the four categories of National Parks, Special Protection National Park, Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area, there are other private nature reserves. One of them is the Palmarium Lemur Reserve. The alternative name for this 50-hectare reserve is Akanin’ny nofy, or in english nest of dreams. A reserve is generally referred to as an area in which animal and plant species are specifically protected. As the name implies, in the Palmarium Lemur Reserve, there are about a dozen lemur species in the first place. The reserve is located almost 100 kilometers south of the Malagasy city of Toamasina, in French Tamatave. Toamasina, with its 210,000 inhabitants, is the only natural harbor on the east coast of the country. The location of the reserve on a peninsula in the interior is secluded and romantic. The nearest village is Manambato with a few thousand inhabitants. From here, the final leg of the journey over the Sea of Kings and about 30 kilometers far over the nearly 650-kilometer-long Pangalane Channel, which leads from Toamasina to the regional capital Frafangana.
The Palmarium is known for its high number of lemurs, but also for chameleons, snakes and frogs. Among the common species of lemurs is the somewhat bizarre-looking Aye-Aye, or finger animal. The nocturnal animal can be observed on guided night walks organized in the private reserve. The area is covered with a dense rainforest. Here in the reserve is really guaranteed that animals and plants are protected from the eradication of humans. An artificially created area with orchids in November is a real eye-catcher in the natural area. A government-sponsored reforestation project is visibly closing those areas that were cut down in the past century. This extends the habitat for lemurs, mice or for the small, lively geckos.
With accommodation, food and hiking trails, the infrastructure is very good. Arriving by lake and canal is both costly and time consuming and only worthwhile for a stay of several days in the reserve. The Hotel range from comfortable bungalows to simple cabins is possible to book here. The Lac Ampitabe borders as a larger lake directly to the private lemur reserve. The entrance to the Palmarium lemur reserve is currently free of charge for hotel guests.
Highlights
– A variety of lemurs
Equipment
– Sports shoes
– Pocket or headlamp
Duration
Tour (1-2 hours)
