Special Reserve · DIANA & SAVA Regions · Protected Areas of Madagascar · North
Analamerana
Special Reserve
A northern stronghold of dry dense forest on limestone — home to the critically endangered Propithecus perrieri and three baobab species, straddling the DIANA and SAVA regions.
About the protected area
Northern limestone forests, a reserve without tourist infrastructure
The Special Reserve of Analamerana is one of the Protected Areas of Madagascar in the Northern Region. Established in 1956, it covers 34,700 ha and is managed by Madagascar National Parks (MNP). The reserve straddles two regions: DIANA and SAVA.
The protected area has no tourist infrastructure in place. Visit arrangements and accommodation must be discussed directly with the manager at the Anivorano Avaratra office, which serves as the main headquarters. Two sector offices are located at Amparihy and Boriravina.
The reserve has no tourist facilities. All visit and stay arrangements must be discussed directly with the manager at the Anivorano Avaratra office.
Infrastructure and Access
North-eastern Madagascar, via the RN6
The Special Reserve of Analamerana is situated in the north-eastern part of Madagascar, straddling the DIANA and SAVA regions. The site is accessible by road from Antsiranana via the RN6.
From Antsiranana, follow the RN6 for approximately 75 km to the village of Sadjoavato, then turn south onto the Ankarongana road towards the village of Menagisy, a further 15 km, where local guides can be found.
Fauna and Flora
Altitudinal zonation, 72 plant species found nowhere else
The climate is characterised by the sub-humid conditions typical of the northern part of Madagascar. The rainy season runs from November to April. The cool season extends from June to August with minimum temperatures of 5.4 °C, while the hottest period — December to February — sees peaks of up to 28.6 °C.
The vegetation follows a clear altitudinal sequence. Dense humid lowland forest occupies the north-western section of the reserve. Above 1,000 m this transitions to dense humid mid-altitude forest, with mountain lakes fringed by aquatic vegetation. Above 2,000 m, impenetrable bamboo thickets colonise areas where forest has been destroyed by fire or cyclones. The 6,000-ha summit plateau supports ericoid thicket, particularly on the western side, giving way to Erica grassland. Marshes, peatbogs, and small lakes are also found at altitude. The Mahavavy basin has been extensively cleared.
The flora includes 72 species known only from Tsaratanàna, among them Pandanus maromokotrotrensis (Pandanaceae), recorded at 1,700 m. Senecio tsaratananensis is a locally endemic species.
Culture and Socio-economic Practices
Sakalava and Tsimihety lands, sacred sites under pressure
The population surrounding the reserve is predominantly Sakalava and Tsimihety. The protected area contains several sacred sites of significance to local communities.
The reserve faces multiple converging pressures: deforestation, agriculture practised in forest undergrowth, hunting, extraction of precious hardwoods, and fire — notably fires associated with the cultivation of Cannabis sativa.
Identified threats
Location
North-western Madagascar, DIANA Region
Tsaratanàna Strict Nature Reserve lies in the north-western part of Madagascar within the DIANA region. The manager's office is based in Ambanja. Entry from the south via the RN31 and Mangindrano, or from the south-west via the RN4-12 from Ambanja with a river crossing of the Sambirano.