Ambatovaky Special Reserve

12-Days Luxury Tanzania Honeymoon Safari and Zanzibar Beach Holiday 

12-Days Safari in Tanzania

12 Days Tanzania wildlife safaris

11-Days Western Tanzania safari & Southern Tanzania off-beaten track safari

10 Days Wildlife Kenya and Tanzania Safari

A Madagascar Safaris adventure here is not about lions or elephants. On Madagascar Safaris, you come for the rare and endemic species. The reserve is home to 11 species of lemurs, including the indri (Indri indri), the diademed sifaka (Propithecus diadema), and the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata) . On Madagascar Safaris, you will also find the elusive aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) and the fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox), Madagascar's largest carnivore . But the real highlight of Madagascar Safaris is the exceptional birdlife, with 109 bird species recorded, making the reserve a birder's dream destination . Ambatovaky is one of only two known sites for the red-tailed newtonia (Newtonia fanovanae), which was rediscovered in 1989 . A dead Madagascar serpent eagle (Eutriorchis astur) was found here in 1990—the first specimen since 1930 of one of the world's rarest raptors . The reserve is also the only known site where the white-breasted mesite (Mesitornis variegata) and the brown mesite (Mesitornis unicolor) occur in sympatry within the endemic Mesitornithidae family . For the best wildlife viewing on Madagascar Safaris, aim for the dry season from June to September.

Madagascar Safaris birders will find this place a paradise. On Madagascar Safaris, the reserve is a haven with 109 bird species recorded, making Madagascar Safaris a birder's dream destination . The critically endangered Madagascar serpent eagle (Eutriorchis astur) and the Madagascar pond heron (Ardeola idae) are special treats on Madagascar Safaris . You will also see the red-tailed newtonia (Newtonia fanovanae) and the white-breasted mesite (Mesitornis variegata), offering incredible diversity for Madagascar Safaris enthusiasts . The best time for birding on Madagascar Safaris is during the dry season from June to September. Early morning is best for Madagascar Safaris. Bring a good pair of binoculars to make the most of your Madagascar Safaris adventure .

A Madagascar Safaris experience is only feasible during the dry season from May to October . On Madagascar Safaris, the weather is drier, making the extremely difficult and muddy trails more manageable for all Madagascar Safaris travelers . Daytime temperatures on Madagascar Safaris are hot and humid year-round, averaging 24-26°C, but rain can fall at any time, so pack accordingly for Madagascar Safaris . The wet season on Madagascar Safaris from November to April is strongly discouraged due to impassable roads, dangerous river crossings, and the risk of cyclones, making travel extremely difficult and hazardous for Madagascar Safaris . For most travelers on Madagascar Safaris, the sweet spot is June through September for optimal Madagascar Safaris experiences.

Madagascar Safaris weather here is characterized by a per-humid tropical climate with no dry season and heavy rainfall year-round . On Madagascar Safaris, there is no true dry season, with average annual precipitation of 2,199 mm, making trails extremely muddy and challenging for Madagascar Safaris activities . Nights are warm on Madagascar Safaris, so light clothing is essential for Madagascar Safaris . The biggest weather challenge on Madagascar Safaris is the constant moisture, mud, and potential for cyclones (January-March), so prepare properly for Madagascar Safaris with waterproof equipment and good boots . The sun is strong when it appears on Madagascar Safaris, so a hat and sunscreen are essential for all Madagascar Safaris travelers .

Madagascar Safaris travelers will find getting here a true expedition . On Madagascar Safaris, reaching the reserve is a multi-day journey that requires careful planning and is a significant part of the adventure. The reserve is not accessible by road . The only access is by pirogue or canoe up the Marimbona River from Soanierana Ivongo . The journey from Soanierana Ivongo takes about 2 hours by dugout canoe, followed by a 27 km (5-hour) walk to reach the heart of the reserve . It takes approximately 3 days of combined road, canoe, and walking to reach the nearest entry point, and up to 6 days to explore the most remote areas . A local guide from Madagascar National Parks is mandatory for all visits; the reserve's remoteness makes independent travel extremely difficult . Many tour operators handle transport, park entry, and guides for Madagascar Safaris, making the complex logistics stress-free .

Madagascar Safaris are generally safe, and this reserve is no exception, ensuring peace of mind for Madagascar Safaris. On Madagascar Safaris, the reserve is remote and well-managed, but visitors should be prepared for the isolation. Keep your valuables secure during Madagascar Safaris. Malaria is present in this lowland area, so it is essential to take precautions and use insect repellent on Madagascar Safaris, ensuring healthy Madagascar Safaris . When on a walking safari during Madagascar Safaris, stay close to your guide, as safety is paramount for Madagascar Safaris. A local guide is mandatory for all visits and they are trained for Madagascar Safaris . Do not wander off on Madagascar Safaris. The terrain is challenging and trails are not marked, so always follow your guide on Madagascar Safaris . The local Betsimisaraka people have taboos (fady) against eating pork and frogs, which visitors should respect . Bring sufficient water, as it is a strenuous environment, and drink purified or bottled water on Madagascar Safaris to stay healthy .

Madagascar Safaris accommodation options here are extremely limited and rustic, offering a truly remote wilderness experience for Madagascar Safaris. On Madagascar Safaris, there are no lodges or hotels inside the reserve or nearby . The primary option is wilderness camping, requiring you to bring all your own equipment, including a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, and cooking gear . Basic accommodation is available in Soanierana Ivongo, but this is extremely simple and should be arranged through the Madagascar National Parks office . Book in advance for Madagascar Safaris to secure your preferred accommodation and to arrange any necessary permits and guides, as the reserve's isolation makes spontaneous visits impossible .

Madagascar Safaris with Dav Safaris offers reliable guided expeditions to Ambatovaky Special Reserve, ensuring unforgettable Madagascar Safaris. On Madagascar Safaris, our local guides are experts in navigating the complex logistics of this remote reserve, knowing the best routes for canoe access, the safest trails for trekking, and the best spots for wildlife, making your Madagascar Safaris exceptional . A Madagascar Safaris with Dav Safaris handles all the complex logistics, including transport to Soanierana Ivongo, canoe hire, park entry permits, local guides, porters, and all necessary camping gear, so you can focus on enjoying your Madagascar Safaris . You just show up with your camera and a sense of adventure for Madagascar Safaris. Our itineraries are flexible on Madagascar Safaris. Want to focus on finding the red-tailed newtonia and the Madagascar serpent eagle on Madagascar Safaris? We can do that. Want to combine the reserve with a visit to Masoala National Park on Madagascar Safaris? We can arrange it. Want a mix of canoe travel, rainforest trekking, and birdwatching on Madagascar Safaris? We can do that too, ensuring your Madagascar Safaris are tailored to you .