Antanetiambo Reserve, Madagascar

Antanetiambo
Andapa Basin, Madagascar

Antanetiambo
photo: Paul Atkinson

Eastern lesser bamboo lemur
© Nick Garbutt/Indri Images

Set amidst a vast green expanse of marshlands and rice fields, Antanetiambo is a densely wooded hill, rich with wildlife. This unique and beautiful spot is the result of one man’s extraordinary efforts to preserve a bit of the natural and cultural history of the Andapa Basin in northeastern Madagascar. Working together with the local community of Belaoka-Marovato, local environmentalist and guide Mr. Rabary Desiré has created a sanctuary for the remarkable variety of plants and animals native to the area, as well as a natural laboratory for their study and enjoyment.

Antanetiambo has a long history. Once virgin tropical rainforest harboring some of the richest biodiversity in Madagascar, much of the land was cleared many decades ago by colonists who farmed coffee; later, portions of it were burned yearly to grow a variety of crops. Under its current protection as a nature reserve, however, and with the help of an intensive reforestation project, the land is gradually reverting to its former natural state. Stands of giant bamboo and wild ginger are well established and support healthy populations of bamboo and mouse lemurs, and native palissandre, rosewood and ebony trees are re-establishing themselves in their former habitats. Many species of birds, including herons, sunbirds, kingfishers and owls make their home here, as well as a great variety of reptiles and amphibians.

In much of the flatlands that surround Antanetiambo, rice is farmed in irrigated fields using age-old, non-mechanized methods. It is a pastoral and tranquil landscape, with the timeless, gentle feel of the Malagasy culture. Some small portions of these flatlands around Antanetiambo, such as Anjojorobe, are now also managed by Mr. Rabary as natural areas, and they once again support native wetland flora and fauna as they did hundreds of years ago.

This is the charm and the fascination of Antanetiambo: a visit to Antanetiambo is a journey into the past, a journey that allows one to witness the natural regeneration of a tropical rainforest with all its remarkable biodiversity, and to see the rich, centuries-old traditions of a people living simply on the land. Antanetiambo has many beautiful stories to tell.

Located only ten km from the town of Andapa in northeastern Madagascar, Antanetiambo makes a perfect day or overnight excursion. A short bicycle or taxi ride through the rice fields of the Andapa Basin leads to the tiny village of Matsobe at the confluence of the Andramonta and Ankaibe rivers. A small “hotely” in Matsobe provides refreshment and information on the reserve. From here, a guide (often Mr. Rabary himself, speaking excellent English and French) will be delighted to show you the reserve and the local area. Many activities can be arranged, from lemur viewing in the forests of Antanetiambo, birding in the wetlands of Anjojorobe, pirogue rides on the Andramonta River, and bicycle rides through the surrounding countryside. You are welcome to camp out at the reserve, if you like; tents may be available for rent, please inquire. Bungalows and other overnight facilities are planned for construction.

Antanetiambo is located a region which is world-renown for its vanilla. The vanilla which is cultivated here in the Andapa Basin and Lokoho River Valley is entirely organic and of extremely high quality. Several families around Antanetiambo are now marketing this vanilla directly to overseas buyers. Because there are no middlemen, your purchase helps support local farmers through fair trade. In addition, a portion of all sales is designated for conservation purposes in and around Antanetiambo, helping to protect and preserve this unique environment.

If you have any questions or would like further information, we would love to hear from you. Please address all inquiries to us through marojejy.com: info@marojejy.com. We hope to see you soon at Antanetiambo.