Berenty Reserve

Berenty Reserve is one of the oldest private nature reserves in Madagascar. The 1,000-ha private reserve is 86 km west of Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin) in Toliara Province. Berenty is one of the premier tourist destinations in Madagascar, protected since its founding by the de Heaulme family in 1936 and open to the public since 1981.

Landscape

The reserve is located at a bend in the Mandrake River amidst a vast area of sisal plantation. The full reserve includes a spiny forest region called Rapily, the main Berenty Reserve (200 ha), and a forest area named Bealoka (100 ha).

Flora and fauna

The reserve is world-famous for its lemurs, studied and filmed extensively. Six varieties include ring-tailed lemurs, brown lemurs, and Verreaux's sifakas (active during the day), and the white-footed sportive lemur, gray mouse lemur, and reddish-gray mouse lemur (nocturnal). The reserve is also home to the south's largest colony of fruit bats (Madagascar flying foxes), 103 bird species, and protects portions of spiny forest and tamarind-dominated forests.

Climate

Temperatures vary from highs around 40 degrees C at midday in summer to winter lows of 10 degrees C at night.

By Plane

Tolagnaro Airport (FTU IATA) is the nearest airport. There is also a private airstrip at the reserve for small planes; advance permission is required for landing.

By Car / Road

The reserve is 86 km west of Taolagnaro over a very rough road; plan on 2-4 hours. Arrangements to visit must be made through Madagascar Resorts. A package including one night in an air-conditioned room, driver, naturalist guide (including a night walk), and reserve entry fee is approximately 232 EUR for two people (as of 2014).

Unlike the national parks, you can roam around the wide trails of Berenty unaccompanied by a guide, although a guide will be provided and can more easily locate nocturnal lemurs and other hard-to-find species. The trails around the main lodging area are extensive and easy to follow.

• Arembelo Museum of Art and Tradition — provides information in English and French on the local Tandroy population and local ecology. Displays include an authentic Tandroy hut. Free entry.

• Lemur watching — ring-tailed lemurs, brown lemurs, and Verreaux's sifakas are very habituated to people and may run across your roof or stroll within feet of you.

• Night walks — with a guide to spot nocturnal lemurs and other wildlife.

• Birdwatching — 103 bird species including owls and couas.

• Fruit bat colony viewing — the south's largest colony of Madagascar flying foxes.

• Berenty Restaurant — the one restaurant/bar in the reserve. Expect ring-tailed lemurs at breakfast. Standard resort fare with three options for most meals.

Bottled water is provided. The bar serves drinks in the evenings. Bring additional supplies from Fort Dauphin.

The reserve offers 27 rooms, some with air conditioning. Reservations are required and should be made well in advance as tour groups may book all rooms months ahead. There is no other lodging in the area. Electricity is provided by generators operating 5-9AM, 11AM-3PM, and 5PM-10PM.

There are no shops in the reserve. Bring all cash and supplies from Taolagnaro/Fort Dauphin or Amboasary before arriving. The reserve shop may sell basic snacks and souvenirs.

• Andohahela National Park (halfway to Taolagnaro) — one of six UNESCO World Heritage rainforest parks.
• Taolagnaro / Fort Dauphin (86 km east) — the nearest city, most visitors arrive from and return here.
• Amboasary (on the road to Fort Dauphin) — market town with basic supplies.