ANJA Preserve

The private preserve ANJA is committed to preserving and protecting fauna and flora of the small forested area several kilometres southwards of Ambalavao. ANJA is located by the main road RN7 at the foot of inselbergs, surrounded by rice fields that gleam brown, green and golden depending on the season. A highlight for most visitors are certainly the ring-tailed lemurs which live in southern Madagascar.

Ecotourism at ANJA provides jobs and income for the villagers as it also benefits the surrounding population. With the income, the ANJA Community Reserve finances the construction of schools, pays the teachers' salaries and offers the children one of the best-equipped schools in the region. It builds health centers in the surrounding villages and supports various other projects such as further education for women and malaria prevention.

Highlights

A highlight for most visitors are certainly the Ring-Tailed Lemurs, Lemur catta, which live in Southern Madagascar. The population of these has risen sharply in recent years, with several hundred animals now living in the park, as they are protected and have no natural predators apart from birds of prey. With a bit of luck, in the right season, the smallest chameleon in the world, the Brookesia, and other chameleon species which call the forest home could be spotted. For flora enthusiasts, the park offers orchids, ficuses and lianas around which colorful exotic butterflies flutter. Depending on which route one chooses and with a little climbing skill, one can enjoy a breathtaking view of the landscape from atop the inselberg.