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Analamerana Special Reserve **

This special reserve, covering 34,700 ha of forest between sea-level and 650 m, is located 100 km southwest of Antsiranana (= Diégo Suarez) in far northern Madagascar. Access by car up to Anivorano Ava is quite easy along RN6, but from there to the reserve requires a 4×4 vehicle. There are no facilities in the reserve, so visitors must be prepared to camp. The nearest facilities are in Ankarana National Park, located about 50 km further south along RN6, or in Antsiranana. The usual target species for lemur-watchers visiting the reserve is Perrier’s sifaka (Propithecus perrieri), since this is the best place for seeing this very range-restricted animal. Other species that might be seen here include the Tavaratra mouse lemur (Microcebus tavaratra), the Montagne d’ Ambre fork-marked lemur (Phaner electromontis), the Ankarana sportive lemur (Lepilemur ankaranensis), the northern bamboo lemur (Hapalemur occidentalis), Sanford’s brown lemur (Eulemur sanfordi), the crowned lemur (Eulemur coronatus), and possibly the aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis). It is essential to take along an experienced guide, or you will run the risk of seeing little or nothing, and even getting lost. Visits to the reserve can be arranged by Le King de la Piste, a local ground operator based in Antsiranana, by Domaine de Fontenay, a lodge near Joffreville, or by an Antananarivo-based tour operator.

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