Visit Ifotaka Community Forest, Madagascar

The Ifotaka Community Forest is as remote as it is wild.

It covers a huge expanse of gallery and spiny forest and has been protected by the Antandroy Tribe, one of Madagascar’s fiercest and most traditional tribes.

Local culture of Ifotaka Community Forest

Their tribal ancestors are buried in the Sacred Forests: guarding their graves, the Antandroy have also preserved pristine wildlife areas. Species including ring-tailed, mouse, sportive and sifaka lemurs are all readily seen, as well as many bird species, including the malachite kingfisher, Lafresnayes and hook billed vangas, Verreauxs coua, crested and giant coua, scops owl and many others.

Tombs and rituals

Many tombs are hidden in the forest undergrowth, and your guide will explain the traditions and rituals of ancestor worship. It is possible to visit the ombiasy (traditional healer), learn how to use the piletse, a zebu-hide sling shot, and take a zebu-cart to the colourful market at Fenaivo.