Berenty Private Reserve
Overview
Madagascar Parks
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Insight guide to Madagascar.
Berenty Private Reserve is a small sanctuary located inside a large sisal plantation. The focal point is Berenty Lodge and visitors are allowed to walk the trails unguided. Tame ring-tailed lemurs are the main attraction. Guided night walks to see some of the nocturnal species are conducted in a small patch of planted spiny forest.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
Berenty is home to about 2000 lemurs. The 500-odd ring-tailed lemurs are literally all over the place. This is possibly the best place to see the Verreaux's sifaka doing their dancing-like jumps when they cross between forest patches. Red-fronted and red-collared brown lemurs have both been introduced to the reserve and they now produce hybrids. The forest is home to a huge fruit bat colony.
Scenery
Berenty is located at a bend in the beautiful Mandrare River. Unfortunately, the area, formerly covered by spiny forest, has been replaced by sisal plantations. The small sanctuary protects a gallery forest dominated by tamarind trees along the river and an isolated patch of spiny dry forest.
Weather & Climate
The climate in Berenty is dry and hot. There is however a Wet season from November to March. This is also the hottest time of the year and humidity tends to be higher. The cooler Dry season months from April to October are more comfortable with an average daytime temperature of 23°C/73°F.
Best Time To Visit
Berenty can be visited at any time. The sanctuary is very accessible and trails are easy and flat. The wettest months from December to March tend to be hot and humid, so most visitors would be more comfortable outside of that period. April is specifically recommended as this is the time you can see the ring-tailed lemurs engaging in ‘stink-fighting’, a ritual where they compete for mates.
