This 67-hectare forest reserve, 7km north of Fort Dauphin, deserves much greater recognition. Its exotic tropical setting, with mountains for a backdrop, is prettier than Berenty. Add to this a robust and varied lemur population, including ringtail, sifaka, brown, bamboo and mouse species (some with the habit of dropping from trees to say hello), more humane crocodile pens, extraordinary bamboo groves, night walks and a cooling sea breeze, and you wonder why so many people are driving west.
There are also bungalows (€28) and a restaurant, making this a peaceful alternative to staying in Fort Dauphin itself. Just grab a taxi.
