Kirindy Forest – Overview

Kirindy Forest (Réserve Forestière de Kirindy, not to be confused with Parc National Kirindy Mitea) is the best place in Madagascar to see the fossa. The reserve also offers great birding and is home to eight lemur species, including nocturnal lemurs such as Madame Berthe's mouse lemur, one of the smallest primates in the world. Stay overnight so you can join one of the excellent guided night walks.

Best Time To Go

October and November (Fossa mating season)

High Season

July, August and December holidays (Many of the trails get busy)

Size More info

125km² / 48mi²

Altitude More info

18-40m / 59-131ft

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Pros & Cons

• Best place in Madagascar to see the fossa
• Good place to see dry forest animals
• Excellent guided night walks, with sightings of nocturnal lemurs common
• Highly regarded for forest birding with knowledgeable guides
• Limited accommodations in the reserve
• The forest is surrounded by deforestation caused by logging

Wildlife

The flagship species to see in Kirindy Forest is the fossa. Several individuals hang around the Ecolodge and reserve headquarters, which allows for high-quality and often up-close viewing. There are eight lemur species, including the dancing Verreaux’s sifaka. Night walks tend to be very productive and offer the chance to see the Malagasy giant rat and several different mouse lemurs and dwarf lemurs.

Scenery

Despite previous logging, Kirindy is a good example of what’s known as a western seasonally shedding dry forest. The forest’s importance is evident by the deforestation that surrounds the reserve. The reserve’s trails are terrific for seeing birds, animals and endemic plant species. Of the latter, real highlights are the three types of baobab that are found here, including Grandidier’s baobab, the biggest of Madagascar’s six baobab species.

Activities

Guided walks (including night walks) are the main activity in Kirindy Forest and they offer the best way to go birding or wildlife viewing. The exception when it comes to wildlife is the fossa, which is most commonly seen out in the open around the Ecolodge and reserve headquarters.

Weather & Climate

Kirindy Forest has a hot tropical climate with a short Wet season (November to March). The average daytime temperature across the year is 31°C/88°F. The coolest months are in the Dry season from April 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. If you want to see one of Madagascar’s major wildlife highlights, however, visit in October and November during fossa mating season (which usually begins in late October). The height of the Wet season months (December to March) might be too wet and hot for some people’s comfort. Therefore, visiting in October, November, April and May can be a good compromise.

Want To Visit Kirindy Forest?

• Kirindy Forest Safaris & Tours
• Tour Operators for Kirindy Forest