The reserve was created in 1956 to protect its endemic plants and animals, such as the critically endangered Perrier's sifaka (Propithecus perrieri), which is considered to be one of the most endangered primates in the world.

[2] Analamera is in the Diana Region, of northern Madagascar and the range in altitude is between sea level on the east coast, up to 648 metres (2,126 ft), within the highlands of Ankarana.

The reserve is a karstic eroding limestone plateau, between the Indian Ocean and the Ankarana-Analamerana massif.

Due to the lack of infrastructure the reserve is difficult to access, with the best time to visit, during the dry season from May to September.

The roads around the reserve are poor and Diego Suarez provides the easiest access point.