Kirindy forest or Kirindy Mitea? Which one should you visit?

Visiting Kirindy is a request we see almost on travellers’bucket list for a tour Western Madagascar, particularly around Morondava. However, there are actually two distinct places with this name, something which is a common occurence in Madagascar. So these concern the Kirindy Forest and the Kirindy Mitea National Park. Both places are renowned for their incredible biodiversity and stunning sightseeing within the decidious dry forests.

Since both locations are in the same region, travelers often wonder if they are the same place or which one they should visit. In this FAR Madagascar’blogpost, we will help you distinguishe between the two so you can decide which « Kirindy » is the perfect one you should include in your Madagascar adventure tour.

Location and the access

The primary difference between these two locations is their direction from Morondava. As we all know, Morondava is the gateway city for the West Madagascar Tour, reachable either by domestic flight from Antananarivo or via the mythical RN7 plus the RN34.

The north : Kirindy forest reserve

To reach the Kirindy forest, you head north from Morondava. On this route, you will first cross the « must-see » Avenue of the Baobabs. Along the way, you can visit the famous « Twisted Baobabs » and enjoy lunch with the locals in Kivalo Soa Honko.

As you continue north toward Kirindy village, you will pass through Marofandilia and encounter the majestic, dark Sacred Baobab. From there, a straight road flanked by decidous forest leads you to the forest reserve. Access requires a 4×4 vehicle to navigate the sandy and bumpy terrain, it is generally accessible year-round, except during the heavy cyclone season from January to March.

While the Kirindy forest is to the north, Kirindy Mitea lies to the south of Morondava.

The south : Kirindy Mitea National Park

It can be reached by either boat or car, with the nearest hib being the coastal village of Belo-sur-Mer. If travelling by road, you need to reach Belo-Sur-Mer first, for this you will cross the Ankabatomena (Kabatomena) river and pass through isolated villages and sandy paths. The local salt pans ( salines) are a highlight, but the « icing on the cake » is the unique baobab forest. Unlike the trees north of Morondava, their shape are different and these trunks are ornamented with intricate patterns, a natural secret only the forest knows.

Upon arriving in Belo Sur Mer, you will find the Madagascar National Parks (MNP) office who manages the park. From Belo Sur Mer another one and half an hour of driving approximately on challenging, off-beat tracks to reach the beginning of the National park trails.

Hence our recommendation, from the village of Belo Sur Mer, the easiest way to reach Kirindy Mitea is by motorized pirogue or speedboat (ideal for groups). The boat trip takes about an hour across the Mozambique channel.

With a tour with FAR Madagascar, we always add picnic lunch with your package to the Kirindy Mitea National park in order to letting you enjoy the park without feeling rushed.

Management and park rule

While like in every Madagascar parks and reserves, a local guide is mandatory in both places. However, the management structures for these two sites are distinct, leading to different ticketing and activity rules.

Kirindy Forest Private Reserve & CNFREF

Kirindy Forest is a reserve managed by CNFREF (Centre National de Formation d’Études et de Recherche en Environnement et Foresterie), a national Malagasy public institution under the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Develpment of Madagascar.

A single entrance ticket is valid for two consecutive days. However, you must pay separate guiding fees for each trail or cirucit you choose to explore.

One of the main advantages of this reserve is that both diurnal (daytime) and nocturnal (nighttime) walks are permitted, offering a chance to see the famous Fosa and various nocturnal lemurs.

Kirindy Mitea National Park & MNP

Kirindy Mitea National Park in contrast is a National Park managed by Madagascar National Parks (MNP), the same organization for Ranomafana, Bemaraha etc…

An entry ticket is mandatory. For your information, with Andasibe Mantadia, they are categorized amoung the « Parc Nature », so the price of the ticket entrance is the same. You can purchase your tickets in Antananarivo, Morondava, or Belo Sur Mer. Crucially, before heading into the park, you must have your ticket stamped at the MNP office by the beach in Belo Sur Mer village.

Don’t worry, with a tour with FAR Madagascar, you will be stress-free of these protocol as our team will do this for your tour to let you just enjoy the journey.

Currently, only diurnal visits are possible. Due to the remote access and national parks’regulations, night walks are not offered here.

Wildlife and natural settings

Both locations showcase the iconic decidous dry forests of the west, but they offer very different ecological experiences.

Kirindy forest : The capital of endemic mammals

If your goal is to see Madagascar’s largest predator, the Fosa, Kirindy Forest is the most reliable place in the country to spot them. The forest is also home of miniature wonders, including the Madame Berthe’s Mouse Lemur find its exclusive home here. It is known as the world’s smallest primate, weighing only about 33 g with a body length about 11 cm.

During a nightwalk, you might see a large shadow leaping through the undergrowh or in branches. This is the Malagasy Giant Jumping Rat, an endangered rodent found only in this specific region. Unlike urban rats, these are clean, herbivorous forest dwellers that eat fallen fruit and seeds.

You can also spot Verreaux’s Sifaka and Red-fronted brown lemurs here. Birdwatchers will be in paradise with over 67 endemic species, including the Rufous Vanga and the Madagascar Sparrowhawk, this during daytime.

Kirindy Mitea : Where the dry forest meets the Sea

What makes Kirindy Mitea unique is because it is a transational forest. It makes the point where the dry western forest meets the sub-arid « spiny desert » of the south. It features four distinct landscapes :

Dry and spiny forest : Home to the octopus tree ( Didieraceae) and massive ancient baobabs.

Saline lakes : These spectacular lakes host flocks of pink flamingos from June to early October.

Mangroves : A peaceful zone explored by boat, perfect for spotting bats and water birds.

Marine reserve: The park extends into the sea. Crossing it (depending on luck) allows you to see flying fish. Even during July – August, migrating whales and dolphins can be spotted.

Most tours of Kirindy Mitea include a stop at a nearby island called Nosy Be (the Nosy Be). Not to be confused with the famous beach destination in the North of Madagascar. Nosy Be simply means « Big Island », so it is a common name along the coast. This version is an islet where we serve picnic lunches on pristine sandbanks.

So overall, which Kirindy should you choose?

Choosing between Kirindy Forest and Kirindy Mitea depends on two things : your personal interests and the amount of time you have. At FAR Madagascar, our answer would tend : if your total time in Madagascar allows, do both 🙂 as they are all worth for a visit! However, if you have to choose, here is how to decide:

The itinerary factor

If you are heading to the Tsingy de Bemaraha, the Kirindy Forest ( North) is the natural choice. It is located halfway between Morondava and the Tsingy, making it a very convenient stop.

In case you are travelling the « Off-the -beaten-path » coastal route, ie your journey takes you south from Morondava toward Manja and Andavadoaka, Kirindy Mitea is an absolute must-see.

Wildlife and experience factors

For lemur and fosa enthusiasts, the Kirindy Forest offers the highest probability of sightseeings. Because it is more frequented by researchers and travelers, the animals are more accustomed to humans. Plus, the proximity to the hotels like the Relais du Kirindy (only about 30 minutes drive) makes it very accessible, or even stay at the lodge in the Kirindy Forest is even also possible for much experiences. You might even spot a Fosa crossing the road on your way there!

For adventure seekers

Kirindy Mitea is for those who love variety, in a single day, you can sail the Mozambique channel, hike through sand dunes, and walk through the dry forest. It is more remote, meaning the wildlife stays in its true, untouched state. The seasonal pink flamingoes are a highlight you won’t find in the north of Morondava.

Budget and logistics

Transportation reaching Kirindy Mitea is generally more expensive due to the boat or long 4×4 transfers compared to Kirindy forest.

Accommodation

Belo Sur Mer however offers a wide range of hotels, from budget-friendly to high-end. In contrast, the Kirindy Forest has only two nearby hotels, so early booking is essential, especially during the peak season (July to October).

Weather Constraints

During the rainy season (January-April), Belo Sur Mer is only accessible by sea, and many hotels close. Kirindy Forest remains accessible by 4×4 year-round, though you must monitor the weather closely during cyclones season.

Great for a quick, high-reward wildlife stop : Kirindy Forest Reserve.

Kirindy Mitea : Perfect for travelers who want to combine a « bush » experience with a beach stay.

Still can’t decide, discover our package tour who includes both Kirindy, from baobabs, Tsingy and ending in a beach stay in Belo Sur Mer.