Imagine a part of the world where ancient tamarind trees form an overhead canopy forest in the semi-arid, almost surreal spiny forest area. Imagine a reserve where the ringtail lemur is easy to spot as it runs across drier open scrub that surrounds the forest, or verreaux sifakas dance through the trees. This is Berenty Reserve, a private wildlife reserve roughly 85 kilometres west of Fort Dauphin; the site of a number of field studies into the lives of lemurs, and the highlight of any safari.

Berenty Reserve is one of Madagascar’s better known wildlife reserves because of the easy access to some six types of lemur. Layered octopus trees (Didierear trollii) and solitary baobabs make stunning holiday photograph material, and chameleons, white-browed owls and giant coua birds make bird spotting interesting even for beleaguered bird fans.

Berenty, which lies on the banks of the Mandrare River just west of the Ranopis Mountains, is relatively small - roughly 250 hectares. The reserve is predominantly spiny forest; although closer to the river the tamarind gallery woodland is particularly beautiful. The only unfortunate aspect is the sea of alien sisal fields that surround Berenty, but even this has its own beauty.

The best time of year to holiday in Berenty is February/March. Known as the season of abundance, this is when ringtails wean their young and is close to the end of summer, although Berenty is lovely throughout the year and a vacation here at any time will not disappoint. But it is a highly popular stop, and you will need to book well in advance. Either join the Jenman Safaris 4WD to the Deep South tour that runs through Berenty, or we can make sure that this highlight is part of any tailor-made safari.