​Overview – Kirindy Forest

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Insight guide to Madagascar.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Insight Guide to Madagascar.

Philip is the author of the Insight Guide to Madagascar.

Kirindy Forest (Réserve Forestière de Kirindy) is a private conservancy and research center, and is mostly visited to see the elsewhere-elusive fossa. Despite the slightly run-down basic set-up for overnight visitors, a one-night stay is recommended to experience the excellent night walk and a chance to see the smallest primate in the world, Madame Berthe's mouse lemur.

 
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Best Time to Go October and November (Fossa mating season)
High Season July and August (Some of the trails get busy)
Size 125km² / 48mi²
+23 Photos

Pros & Cons

  • Best place to see fossa
  • Good place to see dry forest animals
  • Excellent night walk
  • Only one basic lodge in the reserve
  • No camping allowed
  • Degraded forest, previously used for logging

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Wildlife

The flagship species to see in Kirindy Forest is the fossa. Several habituated individuals hang around the ecolodge, which makes for high-quality viewing. There are seven lemur species, including the dancing Verreaux's sifaka. Night walks tend to be very productive and offer chances to see the Malagasy giant rat and several mouse and dwarf lemurs.

Scenery

Despite previous selective logging, Kirindy is a good example of a western seasonally shedding dry forest. There are several trails that allow visitors to view some of the endemic plant species. Most impressive are the three types of baobab that are found here, including Grandidier's baobab, the biggest of Madagascar’s six baobab species.

Weather & Climate

Kirindy Forest has a hot, tropical climate with a short Wet season. The average daytime temperature is 31°C/88°F. The coolest months are in the Dry season from May to October. Rainfall is seasonal and downpours can be expected from December to March.

Best Time to Visit

Kirindy Forest is accessible throughout the year and wildlife viewing tends to be good at any time. The best time is in the Wet season from October to April. However, the height of the Wet season months (January to March) might be too wet and hot for some people’s comfort. Therefore, the shoulder months October to December and April and May might be the best compromise.

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Kirindy Forest Safari Reviews

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  • User Rating
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  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
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Most Helpful Expert Review
Expert
Anthony Ham  –  
Australia AU

Anthony is a photographer and writer for travel magazines and Lonely Planet, including the guides to Kenya and Botswana & Namibia.

Madagascar’s home of the fossa
4/5

Everyone who comes to Madagascar wants to see the fossa. This strange, cat-like predator is Madagascar’s largest wild carnivore and lives all across the island. But only here in Kirindy Forest (not to be confused with Kirindy Mitea...

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