Kirindy Forest
Overview
Madagascar Parks
By Philip Briggs
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including 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.
Pros & Cons
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.
