The true magic of Anjajavy, however, lies beyond the confines of the lodge. The 750-hectare Anjajavy Reserve is a microcosm of Madagascar’s incredible biodiversity. My first encounter with the island’s famous wildlife came sooner than expected. While sipping a welcome drink on the lodge’s manicured lawn, I watched in awe as a Coquerel’s sifaka, a type of lemur, gracefully bounded across the grass and disappeared into the Oasis Garden.
This chance encounter was just the beginning of my wildlife adventures. Guided by expert local naturalists, I embarked on daily excursions into the reserve. We trekked through dry deciduous forests, home to an astonishing array of endemic species. The reserve boasts over 1,800 plant species, many of which are yet to be identified. I marveled at the sight of towering baobab trees, their massive trunks a testament to centuries of survival in this harsh environment.
Anjajavy is home to three species of baobab: the Grey, the African, and the endemic Fony Baobab. The Fony, with its striking red and gold bark patterns, looks as if it were hand-painted by nature itself. These ancient giants, some living up to 2,000 years, are revered by local people who make offerings at their bases, seeking protection from ancestors.