The Farankaraina Forest is one of the best places in Madagascar to see the unique and endangered aye-aye in the wild. In addition to five other nocturnal lemur species and other biodiversity, the forest summit boasts a stunning view overlooking the forest, Antongil Bay, and Masoala National Park
A community-managed forest
Farankaraina Forest
Easily accessible from Maroantsetra by a day hike or a 45-minute boat ride, the Farankaraina forest is home to about 70 species of birds, 8 species of lemurs, and numerous insects, amphibians, reptiles and chameleons. The towering Canarium and Intsia trees, Ravenala palm trees, and a wide variety of other native trees and shrubs are the native habitat of the Aye-Aye, and this forest is one of the best places to see the unique and endangered Aye-Aye on a night walk.
What activities are offered?
Rising from sea level to almost 400m, the 10km of trails in the forest wind through different terrain and habitats: from those dominated by palms to giant bamboos to wet deciduous forest. Look for the shy Madagascar Ibis (Lophotibis cristata), Red-Breasted Coua (Coua serriana), Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus), and mixed flocks of Vanga and smaller birds. The Summit trail leads to a beautiful view overlooking the forest and a portion of the bay and Masoala National Park The Farankaraina forest is adjacent to beautiful beaches with ecolodges which you can make your home base while exploring the forest. You can swim, relax, and watch the industrious ghost crabs scurrying across the beach.
Large Biodiversity
Look for the web-casting spider, leaf-tailed geckos, small to large chameleons, the scops owl, blue coua, short-legged ground roller, or frogs not much bigger than your thumbnail !