Harmonious Protected Landscape · Hauts‑Plateaux & Central Madagascar · Protected Areas
Ambatofotsy
Harmonious Protected Landscape
A mountainous area on the eastern escarpment (650–1,060 m) with light-coloured outcropping rocks — a humid forest refuge sheltering rare Acanthaceae species and supporting Betsimisaraka communities.
About the protected area
A humid forest refuge on the eastern escarpment, rare Acanthaceae
The Ambatofotsy Harmonious Protected Landscape is part of the Protected Areas of the Hauts‑Plateaux and Central Madagascar. Created in 2015, it covers 1,775 ha and is managed by Madagascar Voakajy.
The site lies in a mountainous zone (650–1,060 m) in the northern half of the eastern escarpment, characterised by light-coloured outcropping rocks. The vegetation is dominated by dense humid evergreen lowland and mid‑altitude forest in its upper parts, while the remainder consists of fields, thickets, and secondary forests.
No tourist infrastructure is available on site. Visits must be arranged directly with the manager's office in Antananarivo.
The manager's principal office is located in Antananarivo, and can be contacted at voakajy@mg for visit arrangements and access permissions.
Infrastructure and Access
Eastern escarpment, approach via Moramanga
Access to the site starts from Moramanga, heading south toward Anosibe Anala. From there, visitors continue on foot through the village of Tratramarina to reach the Ambatofotsy massif.
There is no tourist infrastructure in situ; all visit logistics must be discussed with the manager at the main office in Antananarivo or by contacting voakajy@mg.
Climate, Fauna and Flora
Humid eastern climate, dense evergreen forest and rare species
The climate is characteristic of the humid eastern region, with a rainy season from November to April. The coolest period is between June and August, when temperatures can drop to 10 °C. The hottest season runs from December to February, with temperatures rising to 32.1 °C.
Vegetation is dominated by dense humid evergreen lowland and mid‑altitude forest in the upper part of the site. The remainder of the protected area consists of fields, thickets, and secondary forests.
Two species of Acanthaceae have been recorded here: Lepidagathis perrieri and Ruellia quartz, both of significant botanical interest.
Culture and Socio‑economic Practices
Betsimisaraka communities, subsistence agriculture and forest use
The population surrounding and within the protected area is predominantly Betsimisaraka. Local livelihoods are based on subsistence agriculture, with forest resources used for shifting cultivation, firewood, and other traditional practices.
Management by Madagascar Voakajy focuses on reconciling conservation objectives with the needs of local communities, promoting sustainable resource use and alternative livelihoods.
Key pressures
Location
Eastern escarpment, northern half
Ambatofotsy Harmonious Protected Landscape is situated in the mountainous eastern escarpment (650–1,060 m) of Madagascar's eastern side. Access is from Moramanga heading south toward Anosibe Anala, then on foot via Tratramarina village to the Ambatofotsy massif.