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.
The 0.5km² / 0.2mi² Palmarium Reserve (Ankanin'ny Nofy) on the Canal des Pangalanes is a popular place to see a large variety of lemurs at close range. About a dozen species of lemur have been introduced here and a two-hour guided tour around the reserve gives you a chance to see most of them. The lemurs are free-ranging and very habituated. Guests can feed them to create photo opportunities and the black-and-white ruffed lemurs regularly visit the lodge at breakfast time.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
Although lacking wilderness appeal, the reserve offers a great opportunity to spend time observing lemurs at close range. The most conspicuous species are black-and-white ruffed, black, brown, red-bellied and crowned lemur. A small guided walk around the property gives you a good chance to see the Coquerel's sifaka and the sought-after indri. Overnight visitors can join the highly recommended night-time excursion to a nearby island to see aye-aye.
Scenery
The small reserve, only accessible by boat, is located on the bank of Lake Ampitade on the scenic Canal des Pangalanes. It supports a large variety of flora including orchids, carnivorous plants, ebony, traveler trees and mahogany. Botanists will especially appreciate the large variety of common and rare palm trees after which the reserve was named.
Weather & Climate
Located at sea level, the reserve has a warm and very wet climate, which is typical of the east coast of Madagascar. It rains throughout the year, but the Wet season months from December to April see very high rainfall. In the Wet season, average daytime temperatures reach 30°C/86°F and the humidity is very high. Peak temperatures are a lot higher. The cooler Dry season months from May to November see daytime temperatures of 26°C/79°F and nights around 19°C/66°F.
Best Time to Visit
Palmarium Reserve can be visited at any time. The habituated lemurs are present all year. The reserve is small and walks can be tailored around the rains. However, January to April are the wettest months and this is also monsoon season. Torrential rainstorms are common, so these months are better avoided.
Getting There
The reserve is located on the Canal des Pangalanes. The nearest town is Brickaville and there is a daily scheduled boat transfer from here to the reserve. Brickaville is located 100km/62mi south from Toamasina and the drive takes about 2 hours depending on the condition of the road. It is also possible to take a boat trip between the reserve and Toamasina to see more of the Pangalanes. There are regular flights between Antananarivo and Toamasina.
Health & Safety
Please read our vaccinations and malaria page for Madagascar, and our general wildlife viewing safety precautions page for more info:
