Mahavavy-Kinkony, Protected area in western Madagascar

Mahavavy-Kinkony is a large protected area in western Madagascar containing dry forests, wetlands, mangrove swamps, and a major lake. The landscape forms a patchwork of different ecosystems, each defined by its own vegetation and water systems.

The Tsiombikibo Classified Forest was established on 19 October 1957 by Order No. 299-AE/PL, covering 21,600 ha. Lake Kinkony became a hunting reserve on 13 January 1972 by Order No. 0126-SEHAEF/DIR/FOR, covering 15,000 ha of its eastern and southeastern portions. Both sites were incorporated into the Mahavavy-Kinkony harmonious protected landscape on 21 April 2015 by Decree No. 2015-718.

The reserve's inhabitants are mainly rice farmers, herders and fishers: 60,452 people recorded, of whom 57% are Sakalava, 32% permanent migrants and 11% seasonal workers. Respect for the cultivated fields marks local custom. The name comes from the Mahavavy Sud River and Lake Kinkony.

The complex lies in Mitsinjo district, Boeny Region, bounded by the districts of Mahajanga to the north, Ambato-Boeny to the south, Marovoay to the east and Soalala to the west. Reaching it from Mahajanga means crossing the Mahavavy and continuing on secondary roads; these become harder to use in the rainy season, so plan travel for the drier months.

Lake Kinkony was declared a hunting reserve on 13 January 1972 by Order No. 0126-SEHAEF/DIR/FOR, covering 15,000 ha of its eastern and southeastern portions. The Tsiombikibo Classified Forest, established on 19 October 1957 over 21,600 ha, was folded into the protected landscape only on 21 April 2015 by Decree No. 2015-718.