ORTANA tour: the discovery of the protected Angavo forest

The Angavo forest, located in Anjozorobe, on the Analamanga region’s northern borders, was the dream place to celebrate the biodiversity’s global day. It is the very first time that the ORTANA is leading its hikers so far since the place is located some 100 km north from Antananarivo. But the discovery of this protected area was actually worthing it. 28,600 from 52,000ha are covered with forests.  

For being located right between the central plates and the easter primary forests, Angavo is a important biodiversity halo. It has 9 lemur species in there. This forest is very much appreciated by bird-watching lovers. The forest also has 74 bird species. Micro mammals are equally a fine attraction. The protected area has more than 350 endemic plants, part of which are 75 varieties of orchids. The area is in general located 1000 m above sea level, but the mountain’s peak is 1800m high. Angavo is refreshed by a humid micro climate.  

“The Analamanga region has a couple of protected areas, one of them being that of Anjozorobe, equipped with a very interesting lodge which significantly boosts tourism”, explained Eliane Rahonintsoa from the ORTANA.. She added that the inhabitants provide themselves for what it takes to run the business. The Fanamby NGO, the protected area’s administrator equally manages this lodge. It welcomes generally many more fellow nationals than foreign tourists.   

The discovery of the Angavo forest is enjoyed the best way through the 3 hours long tour for the privilege to observe the sacred waterfall. For the more prudent ones, another tour option is lasting 1h45 minutes. Since the tracks are not always very well built, the forest is not significantly disfigured, at the expenses of the excursion’s comfort.