Did you know that Amboasary is the gateway to Madagascar’s surreal “spiny forest” ecosystem, home to 90% of the world’s endemic plant species found nowhere else on Earth? This remote town in the Anosy region serves as the perfect base for exploring some of Madagascar’s most unique wildlife experiences, including the famous ring-tailed lemurs that have made this corner of the island internationally renowned.
Amboasary at a Glance
Amboasary (also known as Amboasary Sud) is a small town of approximately 49,000 people located in southern Madagascar’s Anosy region. While modest in size, it serves as an important gateway to some of Madagascar’s most spectacular natural attractions, including the Berenty Private Reserve and the otherworldly spiny forests that characterize this region.
For travelers seeking authentic experiences off the beaten path, Amboasary offers a glimpse into traditional Malagasy life while providing access to extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities. The area is particularly known for its lemur populations, unique flora, and the cultural heritage of the Antandroy people who call this challenging landscape home.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Reaching Amboasary requires some planning, as it’s located in a remote part of Madagascar. Most travelers arrive via Fort Dauphin (Tôlanaro), which has the nearest airport with regular connections to Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital.
By Air
The closest airport to Amboasary is Fort Dauphin Airport (FTU), approximately 95 km away. Air Madagascar operates regular flights from Antananarivo to Fort Dauphin, with flight time around 2-3 hours. From Fort Dauphin, you’ll need to arrange ground transportation to Amboasary.
Find the best flight deals to Madagascar and book your tickets in advance for better rates.
By Road
From Fort Dauphin, you can reach Amboasary by taxi-brousse (shared taxi) or by hiring a private vehicle with a driver. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours on partially paved roads. For the most comfortable experience, consider arranging a 4×4 vehicle, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas.
Explore rental car options to give you freedom to discover Amboasary and its surroundings at your own pace.
Travel Tip: When planning your journey to Amboasary, consider booking a tour package that includes transportation. Local tour operators are familiar with the challenging roads and can provide valuable insights about the region.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
The climate in Amboasary is semi-arid, with distinct wet and dry seasons. Timing your visit correctly can significantly impact your experience in this unique region of Madagascar.
Dry Season (April to October)
This is generally considered the best time to visit Amboasary. The weather is cooler and more comfortable, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F). Wildlife viewing is excellent during this period, as animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. The roads are also in better condition, making travel more reliable.
Wet Season (November to March)
The wet season brings higher temperatures, reaching 30-35°C (86-95°F), along with increased humidity and rainfall. While the landscape becomes greener, travel can be challenging as roads may become impassable due to flooding. Some wildlife viewing opportunities remain good, but accessibility to certain areas may be limited.
Weather Tip: Even during the dry season, temperatures can drop significantly at night. Pack layers and a light jacket for evening activities, especially if you’re planning night wildlife walks.
Getting Around Locally
Navigating around Amboasary and its surrounding attractions requires some planning, as public transportation is limited and many sites are accessible only by rough roads.
Explore With Confidence
Book guided tours and activities with experienced local guides who know the best spots and can enhance your experience with cultural and natural insights.
Where to Stay in Amboasary
Accommodation options in Amboasary itself are limited and basic. Most travelers choose to stay either in nearby Fort Dauphin, which offers more facilities, or at lodges associated with the nature reserves in the area.
Berenty Reserve Bungalows
Located within the famous Berenty Private Reserve about 80 km from Amboasary, these simple but clean bungalows offer an immersive wildlife experience. Electricity is provided by generators during limited hours. The proximity to lemurs and other wildlife makes this a popular choice despite basic amenities.
Fort Dauphin Hotels
For more comfortable accommodations, consider staying in Fort Dauphin (Tôlanaro) and making day trips to Amboasary and its attractions. Options range from budget guesthouses to more upscale hotels like Le Talinjoo, offering modern amenities and ocean views.
Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge
For those seeking luxury, this eco-lodge located on the coast near Fort Dauphin offers beautiful bungalows, excellent service, and organized excursions to nearby attractions including those around Amboasary.
Find Your Perfect Stay
Compare prices and book accommodations in and around Amboasary to suit your travel style and budget.
Dining & Local Cuisine
Dining options in Amboasary are limited but offer an authentic taste of southern Malagasy cuisine. Most meals are based around rice (vary) accompanied by local ingredients and influenced by the Antandroy culinary traditions.
Local Specialties
Dining Tip: Most lodges and reserves offer full-board options, which is often the most practical choice given the limited restaurant options in remote areas. If you have dietary restrictions, be sure to communicate these in advance.
Top Attractions & Things to Do in Amboasary
1. Berenty Private Reserve
The crown jewel of the region, Berenty Reserve is located about 80 km from Amboasary and is world-renowned for its lemur populations. Established in 1936 and opened to tourism in 1980, this 600-acre reserve along the Mandrare River offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities in a gallery forest setting.
2. Ifotaka Community Forest
This community-managed protected area offers a glimpse into the sacred forests of the Antandroy people. Located north of Amboasary, the reserve protects 22,000 hectares of spiny thicket and gallery forest.
3. Cap Sainte Marie Special Reserve
Located at Madagascar’s southernmost tip, this special reserve protects a unique coastal ecosystem and is particularly known for its tortoise populations.
4. Lake Anony
This brackish lagoon backed by impressive sand dunes is located near Amboasary and offers a striking landscape unlike anywhere else in Madagascar.
Experience Madagascar’s Wildlife Wonders
Book guided tours to these remarkable natural attractions with knowledgeable local guides who can enhance your wildlife viewing experience.
Cultural Experiences & Local Traditions
The Amboasary region is primarily home to the Antandroy people, whose name means “people of the thorns,” reflecting their adaptation to the challenging spiny forest environment. Their unique cultural traditions offer fascinating insights for respectful visitors.
Meeting Local Communities
Several community-based tourism initiatives around Amboasary provide opportunities to learn about local life while ensuring benefits flow to the communities:
Sacred Sites
The region contains numerous sacred forests and burial sites that hold deep spiritual significance for local communities. Always visit these areas with a local guide who can explain appropriate behavior and ensure respect for cultural sensitivities.
Cultural Respect: Always ask permission before taking photographs of people or sacred sites. Some areas may have “fady” (taboos) that visitors should respect. Your guide can help navigate these cultural considerations.
Practical Travel Tips for Amboasary
Health & Safety
Money & Communications
Packing Essentials
Language Tip: While French is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic phrases in Malagasy will be appreciated by locals. In the Amboasary region, many people speak the Antandroy dialect, which differs somewhat from standard Malagasy.
Suggested Itinerary for Amboasary
Here’s a recommended 3-day itinerary to make the most of your visit to the Amboasary region:
Day 1: Arrival & Berenty Reserve
Day 2: Explore Berenty & Surrounding Areas
Day 3: Ifotaka Community Forest & Return
Create Your Perfect Madagascar Adventure
Ready to experience the wonders of Amboasary and beyond? Book your flights, accommodations, and tours today to secure the best rates.
Experience the Magic of Amboasary
Amboasary may not be on every traveler’s Madagascar itinerary, but those who venture to this remote corner of the island are rewarded with extraordinary wildlife encounters, unique landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences far from the tourist crowds.
From the playful lemurs of Berenty Reserve to the sacred forests of Ifotaka, from the otherworldly spiny forests to the warm hospitality of the Antandroy people, Amboasary offers a glimpse into Madagascar at its most authentic and captivating.
While reaching this remote region requires some effort, the memories you’ll create here—watching sifakas “dance” across clearings, learning traditional crafts from village artisans, or witnessing the sunset over the Mandrare River—will remain with you long after you’ve returned home.
Ready to explore one of Madagascar’s hidden gems? Start planning your Amboasary adventure today!
Begin Your Madagascar Journey
From flights to accommodations to guided experiences, we’ve got everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Amboasary.
The above is subject to change.
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