Reniala Reserve: the baobab forest of the South
The Reniala Reserve is a private nature reserve in Southern Madagascar, located in Mangily Ifaty. It protects a forest of baobabs and Didiereaceae, as well as around sixty endemic bird species.
Practical infoA biodiversity gem in Southern Madagascar
The Reniala Reserve, also known as the Domergue reserve, is a private nature reserve 800 m from the sea, in a forest of baobabs and Didiereaceae, just outside the village of Mangily Ifaty on the road to Morombe.
The reserve covers an area of 45 hectares and is home to a wide variety of animals and plants, most of them endemic to Madagascar.
45 hectares
Reserve area
1,000+ species
Xerophytic plants adapted to the dry climate
60+ species
Endemic birds
13 m
Circumference of the giant "teapot" baobab
A forest of baobabs and Didiereaceae
The Reniala Reserve has about 1,000 xerophytic plant species adapted to the dry climate of Southern Madagascar. They include several recorded baobab species, among them a giant nicknamed the "teapot" by visitors, which measures about 13 metres in circumference.
Giant baobabs
Several baobab species, including a giant specimen 13 m in circumference nicknamed the "teapot".
Didiereaceae
A plant family endemic to Madagascar, adapted to the arid conditions of the South.
Xerophytic flora
More than 1,000 plant species adapted to the dry climate, many of them endemic.
A paradise for birdwatchers
Besides its plants, around sixty endemic bird species live in this beautiful reserve. Reniala is a favourite spot for scientists and birdwatchers.
Long-tailed ground roller
Uratelornis chimaera - An emblematic endemic bird of the region.
Subdesert mesite
Monias benschi - A rare bird endemic to Southern Madagascar.
Reptiles and other species
The reserve is also home to many endemic reptile and insect species.
Planning your visit to the Reniala Reserve
📍 Opening hours
Winter
7h30 – 17h30
Summer
8h00 – 18h00
💰 Prices (guided visit included)
🌿 Circuit 1
General discovery
per person · about 1 hour
🌳 Circuit 2
In-depth exploration
per person · about 1h30
🦜 Bird circuit
Birdwatching
on reservation · early morning or evening departures
⛵ Other activities
Pirogue trips to the Roses massif with a picnic are also possible: a unique way to discover the coast and landscapes of South-West Madagascar.
💡 Good to know: The Reniala Reserve is open all year round. The guide is included in the entrance fee. For the bird circuit, booking ahead is recommended as departures are limited.
What to do around the Reniala Reserve?
Mangily Ifaty beaches
Enjoy the white sand beaches and turquoise lagoon of Ifaty.
Discover Ifaty →Isalo National Park
Continue your trip with the canyons and natural pools of Isalo.
Discover Isalo →Discover in photos
Ready to discover the Reniala Reserve?
Contact Ma'Tour Guide Madagascar to organise your visit to the Reniala Reserve and your tour of Southern Madagascar.