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The Glossary
Anja Reserve Travel Guide
Travelers glimpse into a primeval past at Anjanaharibe-Sud Reserve, a protected area considered as one of Madagascar's "secret jewels" for having some of the country's last intact stands of virgin rainforest. Nestled deep within the isolated and rugged mountains of northeastern Madagascar, Anjanaharibe-Sud or Anja cradles both abundant wildlife and colorful Malagasy culture.
In Malagasy, Anjanaharibe is "Place of the Great God." Designated a community reserve in 1958, Anja offers opportunities for ecotourism, rugged adventure and primitive camping amid its mountains and forests that are central to the residents' rich cultural heritage.
The reserve is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from October to November and April to May, the driest months when rains or cyclones do not touch the trails. The reserve has no facilities, but camping gear, guides, and basic accommodations are available from the nearby Andapa village. For a cheap price, one can already taste a hotely, the staple Malagasy food made of rice, rice water and loaka (side dish) like beans, pork or chicken. Pay a little more and one may get a glass of homemade yoghurt.
To enter the park, an all-terrain vehicle may be used to pass through the Marolakana River, but hiking or biking can also be done in a dirt road, where many lemurs can be spotted. Hikers will also hear the chirp of exotic birds or the frantic calls of the indris, Madagascar's largest lemurs. Women in colorful saris may be seen carrying bags of peanuts or rice over their heads, men towing zebu or pigs to the market, and children taking a several days' walk to school from their homes.
Hiking in the reserve ranges from easy to very difficult. The Ranomafana Trail traverses through the Mandritsarahely Creek, the Andranomafana village and to several hot springs, which are considered a sacred site for ancestor worship. Kombas (white-fronted lemurs), indris and silky sifaka are commonly seen here. In Takhtajania Trail, ancient and rare species of takhtajania tree and red-belied lemurs can be encountered. This moderately difficult trail passes through an open forest of flowers and beautiful vistas. From here, one may continue to the Summit Trail going to Anjanaharibe-Anivo, the reserve's highest point. After an arduous hike, one may camp nearby Marolakana River or the emerald-green expanse of the Andapa Basin, where ecotourism classes are done to address the issue of hunting and illegal logging in the area.
Anja Reserve Traveler Advice
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