The West

The western regions of Madagascar are drier than the east, and consequently large pockets of deciduous forest flourish here, harbouring a wealth of rare endemic wildlife.

Morondava, a coastal town which was once the centre of the Sakalava kingdom, is the starting point of most trips to the region. Bordered by long beaches, Morondava is also the gateway to one of Madagascar's hallmarks, the Avenue of Baobabs and the deciduous forest of Kirindy. Kirindy is one of the best places to see the wildlife of western Madagascar.

Tsingy de Bemaraha lies north of Morondava. Here towering calcareous cliffs and forests line the rivers. A large variety of succulents can be found on the cliffs, uniquely adapted to live in the cracks and crevices of the sharp spines formed by the eroded rock.

In and around West Madagascar
We recommend a visit to Morondava and also Mahajanga, one of Madagascar’s largest commercial ports, surrounded by deserted beaches and canyons. Just south of Mahajanga is the reserve of Ampijoroa, which is one of Madagascar’s premier birding destinations and home to the rare and endemic Madagascar Fish Eagle.