Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve

The Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve is a nature reserve situated in south-western Madagascar and was established as a Special Government Reserve in 1986. Beza Mahafaly is located 17 km from Betioky, on the Mahafaly plateau, and lies in a large valley, with flat lowlands, gentle slopes, and sandy soil and is absolutely striking. Beza Mahafaly contains the most amazing hidden treasures; playful lemurs, a spiny forest, Nile crocodiles, slithering snakes and much more. Visiting this Madagascar National Park on a holiday is guaranteed to be a truly amazing experience.

The Beza Mahafaly Reserve is divided into two non-contiguous habitats, a dry forest and a riverine forest. Parcel one consists of about 100 ha of mixed vegetation in a fenced gallery forest, just west of the Sakamena River, which flows along the boundary of the reserve. During the dry season, the riverbed is completely arid. With heavy rains (usually from January to April) the river can flood, inundating the surrounding flood plain. Large tamarind trees and other endemic legume trees dominate the gallery forest magnificently. Parcel two of the Beza Mahafaly Reserve is about 520 ha in size. It is dominated by xerophytic forest; many endemic species characteristic of the arid spiny forest community grow here, and have adapted well to the long dry seasons. Which ever parcel you decide to visit, if not both, you are sure to see the most amazing Madagascar sights with the most interesting array of animal & plant life!

Each parcel of the Beza Mahafaly Reserve has its own plants and animals, unique to this area of Madagascar. Lemurs are a particular attraction, and there are five species of lemurs in the reserve.  Other animals of Beza Mahafaly include four species of tenrecs, 12 species of snakes, two species of tortoises, 17 species of saurians, and in season, the Nile crocodile.  There are also over a hundred different species of birds in the reserve. If you are looking for unique animals and something different then the Beza Mahafaly is definitely the place to go!

Beza Mahafaly – a region of dry forest habitats in southern Madagascar. Its unique flora and fauna provide training and research opportunities. It also comprises part of an integrated conservation and development project, involving the participation of local communities surrounding the reserve. Several development projects have been established in the villages including the construction and rehabilitation of schools, the erection of wells, as well as technical and financial supports of local community associations. By visiting this reserve on a Madagascar holiday you will help support this responsible project… which means that your Madagascar vacation will not only be exciting but, it will also be very rewarding!