Cape Sainte Marie is a very small protected natural reserve. It is mainly known for its large turtle population. Locals refer to the place as Vohimena. The reserve consists mainly of large tracts of dry spiny forest. The place is known for spectacular 'moving sand dunes'.
The place is home to different species of marine and terrestrial turtles; notably the Spider turtle and Radiated turtle. Besides turtles the ecosystem is home to different species of lemurs, bats, geckos and chameleons. Since the land is arid you'll not see too many bird species, though you are likely to spot eggs of the 'Elephant bird' on isolated beach stretches. This bird became extinct a few hundred years ago.
For those interested in nature treks there are two trails within the reserve, the Cave circuit and Cape circuit. You can even camp overnight inside the forest, with permission from the local authorities!
As far as vegetation is concerned you'll see a wide variety of dwarf plants, shrubs and periwinkle across the nature reserve. In case you happen to be in this part of the world anytime between August and November; you can watch hump backed whales sail past the coast. The reserve undoubtedly is one of the Madagascar's beautiful tourist attractions.
