Baie de Baly National Park is located in the north-western part of Madagascar, around 164km from the town of Mahajanga, in the Soalala District, Boeny Region.
Baie de Baly National Park belongs to the Western ecoregion, marked by predictable wet seasons lasting up to five months and a distinct dry season during which rainfall is very scarce.
The Park includes four major ecosystems: dense dry semi-caducifolia forest, bamboo shrub thicket, mangrove and aquatic ecosystems;
It is the only site in the world to host the reptile species Astrochelys yniphora (Angonoky) in its highly specific natural habitat, the bamboo shrub thicket dominated by the species Perrierbambos madagascariensis.
Another feature of the Baie de Baly National Park is the existence of several permanent bodies of water offering nesting sites for large waterfowl (Haliaeetus vociferoides) and endangered colony-nesting aquatic birds (Threskiornis aethiopicus; Mycteria ibis), as well as natural habitats for the highly endangered freshwater turtle Erymnochelys madagascariensis.
The Bay is home to the endangered marine mammal Dugong dugon and five species of sea turtle (Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata, Lepidochelys olivacea , Dermochelys coriacea, Caretta caretta….).
The Park plays an important ecological and economic role at local and regional level.
La tortue terrestre: Astrochelys yniphora (Angonoka),
Des tortues d’eau douce: Erymnochelys madagascariensis. Tortues marines: Eretmochelys imbricata, Lepidochelys olivacea, Dermochelys coriacea, Chelonia mydas
Des lémuriens: Propithecus deckeni, Daubentonia madagascariensis, Microcebus myoxinus, Hapalemur sp. , Eulemur rufus,
L’oiseau: Haliaeetus vociferoides (Ankoay), Lophotibis cristata
Plante: Perrierbambos madagascariensis, Erytrephleum coumanga (Hazo komanga)
Astrochelysyniphora (Angonoky),
Propithecus deckeni (lémuriens diurnes (Tsibahaka)
Erymnochelys madagascariensis (Réré)
Lophotibis cristata (Akohoala)
Haliaeetus vociferoides (Ankoay)
Fires
Selective illegal logging (in Dense Dry Forest and Mangroves)
Illegal collection of “Angonoka” (Astrochelys yniphora)
Collection of non-timber forest products (raffia petioles, etc.)
Illegal fishing, hunting/poaching
A number of initiatives have been planned to address the environmental challenges and human pressures on the park.
(Two projects are currently being prepared for implementation in 2025)
FRSP Project: Food System Resilience Program
The Food System Resilience Program (FSRP) project will focus on 3 protected areas: Bobaomby, managed by Madagasikara Voakajy, and MNB and BBL, managed by MNP.
This project focuses on the resilience of the food system, especially at the level of irrigated perimeters, but as upstream watersheds (PAs) are also guarantors of the downstream agricultural system, it will support these 3 PAs.
PAPEC Project: Promotion of Income-Generating Activities to Preserve the Coastal Environment of the Boeny Region.
Development of sectors: Beekeeping, palmiped farming, Raphia, Fleur de sel, crab aquaculture, etc., as part of the PAPEC project.
Development of sustainable small-scale fishing
Fund Madagascar National Parks' five-year strategic plan to ensure the sustainable management of marine and terrestrial protected areas.
Ensure sustainable financing and effective management of PAs by supporting biodiversity conservation while involving local communities
Durrell: in the conservation of endangered species Astrochelys yniphora and marine areas. It also contributes to the development of local populations by mobilizing associations such as VOAMAMY, VOI and the Women's Association.
Conservation allies: contribute to park conservation through active bushfire control and CLP support
Depending on your means of transport :
None
First by motorboat/coque from Mahajanga to the village of Katsepy (approx. 1h journey), then by 4x4 car from this village to the town of Soalala (approx. 7h journey in dry season), where there is the Madagascar National Parks reception office.
By plane direct from Mahajanga to Soalala then take the pyrogue, or speedboat
The ideal time to visit Baly Bay National Park is the dry season from May to November.
Availability of local cooks in Betanomby and Baly.
But for other infrastructures:
Download the reference document to find out more about park fees and charges.
Tours | Summary | Difficulty | Duration | Tour plans |
---|---|---|---|---|
Beaboaly tour | A 3h tour, crossing the sea by motorboat or pyrogue from Soalala, then on foot into the forest to see lemurs, Angonoka, reptiles such as chameleons, snakes, ... and forest birds such as coua cristata, coua coquereli i, Lophothibis cristata, pink flamingo... |
3h |
||
Bemosary tour | A 6-hour circuit along the beach and into the forest to see day lemurs, chameleons (Furcifer oustaliti, Furcifer labordi), snakes (Acrantophis madagascarensis) and forest birds (coua cristata, coua coquereli, Lophothibis cristata). |
6h |
||
Lac sariaka | Duration approx. 4 hrs. Panoramic view of the park's biodiversity, observation of aquatic birds: Haliaeetus vociferoides (Fish eagle, Ankoay), Mycteria ibis, Dendrocygna viduata Anhinga rufa. |
4h |
Immerse yourself in the unique biodiversity of our national parks and discover our commitment to conservation and ecosystem protection. Marvel at unspoilt landscapes and exceptional wildlife. Together, we create a model of responsible and beneficial coexistence