The Village des Tortues of Ifaty, also known as the Mangily-Ifaty Turtle Village, is a conservation center located in the southwest of Madagascar, about 25 to 30 km north of Toliara, near the seaside village of Mangily and the Ifaty resort. This site is dedicated to the protection of Madagascar’s endemic land tortoises, mainly the radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) and the spider tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides), both of which are critically endangered due to poaching and habitat destruction.
Managed by the Association for Environmental Protection (ASE) and supported by SOPTOM (which leads similar projects in France and Senegal), the park rescues and cares for tortoises from across southern Madagascar. On average, around 4,000 specimens are housed on site, although not all are visible to the public as some are in quarantine.
A natural space dedicated to conservation
The site covers an area that varies depending on sources, but most agree on 37 hectares. This vast semi-natural space allows the tortoises to live in semi-freedom. They are grouped according to age, sex, and species to promote their rehabilitation and eventual reintroduction into the wild. Most of the residents are individuals seized by authorities (customs or police) or confiscated from wildlife traffickers. Depending on the season and source, the number of tortoises ranges from over 1,000 to more than 10,000.
In addition to tortoises, the park is home to other endemic species such as chameleons, lizards, snakes, and bulbuls—small birds typical of the region.
An educational and community-driven visit
The Village des Tortues offers guided tours in French or English. These visits provide deeper insights into the lives of tortoises, the threats they face, and the conservation efforts in place to protect them. The park also plays a vital role in raising awareness about wildlife conservation by training local guides and involving the local population in the fight against animal trafficking.
At the end of the tour, a small solidarity shop offers handmade products (spices, pareos, turtle figurines). The profits help fund animal care and support the association’s initiatives.
The park is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with an entrance fee of around 25,000 ariary per person.
How to get there
The site is located near the Reniala Nature Reserve, along an unnamed track near Ifaty beach. It is easily accessible on foot, by bicycle, or by tuk-tuk from the center of Ifaty or Mangily.
A model project for biodiversity
The Village des Tortues plays a crucial role in the preservation of Madagascar’s land tortoises. It provides a safe haven for rescued animals, ensures their recovery, and prepares them for a return to the wild. Beyond its ecological mission, the project also contributes to local development by creating jobs and training conservation professionals.
