Madagascar has some of the most beautiful and biodiverse sites and offers visitors a chance to see some exceptional wildlife. Madagascar has 5% of the plant and animal species in the world (80% of which are found nowhere else on Earth), and this island is a nature lover’s dream come true.
The island is off the southeastern coast of Africa, the fourth largest island in the world. Its area is 587,000 square kilometers, and its population is around 27 million. The country has a tropical climate, with two seasons: a warm, wet season from November to April; and a cooler, dry season from May to October.
Madagascar is also home to several national parks, which protect its unique ecosystems and species.
Here Are Some Of Our Favourite National Parks In Madagascar
1. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is located in northwestern Madagascar and is known for its unique landscape. The park has massive limestone formations (known as tsingy) that have been eroded over time by wind and rain. The tsingy is a sight to behold, and the park offers several hiking trails that allow visitors to explore them.
Tsingy de Bemaraha is one of the top national parks of Madagascar where you can see lemurs, chameleons, snakes, and other types of wildlife up close. Visitors can explore the park by foot, boat, or 4×4 vehicle.
What to do?
Hiking its several trails is the best way to see Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, and there are different routes for different levels of ability. It has three main trails – all promising breathtaking landscapes and the opportunity to observe the park’s unique flora and fauna. One of them is Anjohimanintsy Trail, a two-day hike that may include overnight camping. It is part of the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park that will take you through giant limestone cathedrals above ground and visit an underground cave, discovering the area’s rich geology and wildlife.
The park also offers zip-lining, canyoning, and rock climbing for those looking for a more adventurous experience.
2. Isalo National Park
Isalo National Park is located in southern Madagascar and is known for its dramatic sandstone formations. The park’s landscape includes canyons, gorges, and rivers, and its vegetation is mostly plants adapted to the dry climate.
Isalo National Park is home to several species of lemurs, chameleons, lizards, and snakes. The best way to explore the park is to reach several guided hikes on foot.
What to do?
There are many different trails available in Isalo National Park that range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. One of the most popular is the Piscine Naturelle Trail, which is a 3.5-kilometer hike that leads to a natural swimming pool at the base of a sandstone cliff. It is decorated with old pandanus trees and offers a refreshing place to take a dip.
For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the Canyon des Singes Trail or “Canyon of the Monkeys” is a 10-kilometer trail that is considered to be one of the most difficult trails, but rewards hikers with multi-coloured canyon walls and the chance to see ring-tailed lemurs.
Another gem of this park is the Portuguese Caver Route. It is a four-day moderate hike going through canyons and gorges to reach a natural cave used as a refuge by the Malagasy people during wars with the neighbouring country of Sakalava. This place will awe you with its magnificent landscape and rare species of plants and animals.
3. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is located in eastern Madagascar and is known for its flourishing rainforests. The park includes two separate reserves: the Analamazaotra Reserve and the Mantadia Reserve.
The Analamazaotra Reserve is where you can naturally find Madagascar’s largest lemur, the Indri, and 11 other species of lemurs. The Mantadia Reserve dwells several rare birds, including the Madagascar Pochard and the Pitta-like Ground Roller.
What to do?
The Andasibe-Mantadia National Park has remarkable waterfalls, including the sacred Vakona Forest Lodge Waterfall and the breathtaking Andasibe Waterfall, the tallest in the park.
However, the best way to experience Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is by going on a night walk. This is when most of the lemurs are active, and you might even see species that are only active at night such as the Aye-Aye, the world’s largest nocturnal primate.
4. Andringitra National Park
Andringitra National Park in southeastern Madagascar is known for its mountainous landscape. The park includes Mt. Boby, the highest peak and the second-highest mountain you can climb in Madagascar, as well as several other mountains that offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
Andringitra is one of the top national parks of Madagascar where Riambavy resides, a 300-meter high waterfall, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Madagascar. Locals believe that this waterfall could cure any illness.
What to do?
Climbing Mt. Boby is the most popular activity in Andringitra National Park. It is a challenging hike that takes two to three days, but the views from the top are all worth it. If you are interested in climbing Mt. Boby, hiring a local guide will take you to the best routes and campsites.
Another popular activity in the park is canyoning, which is an adrenaline-pumping activity that involves rappelling down waterfalls. The most popular spot for canyoning is the Tsaranoro Valley, where you can find several different routes with varying levels of difficulty.
If you want to explore Andringitra National Park without all the physical activity, you can go on a scenic drive through the park to see what it offers. Here is where you can see all the different landscapes of the park, as well as the various plants and animals that call this park home.
5. Ranomafana National Park
Ranomafana National Park means hot water in the local language, and this park got its name from the many hot springs within the park.
The Ranomafana National Park is located in southeastern Madagascar where you can find 12 different lemur species, including the rare Golden-backed Lemur and rare golden bamboo lemurs found only in this part of Madagascar and nowhere else in the world.
What to do?
There is something for everyone. The most popular trail is the Circuit des Thermes, a 4-kilometer loop that takes you to three different thermal springs.
A visit to Ranomafana National Park will not be complete without going on a night walk if you want to spot some of the rare nocturnal animals like owls, chameleons, and mouse lemurs.
If you are interested in learning more about the local culture, you can visit the ethnobotanical garden where you will learn about the traditional uses of plants by the local people.
6. Masoala National Park
Masoala National Park is located in northeastern Madagascar where dense rainforest and pristine beaches meet. It has incredible biodiversity where over 90% of the plants and animals found are unfamiliar to tourists. The park is one of the largest of Madagascar’s protected areas and it is also one of the most remote.
Critically endangered Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur, as well as the world’s smallest chameleon, the Brookesia minima are just two examples of the hundred species you can find in Masoala National Park.
The nearby villages have the most interesting culture where you can learn about their traditional way of life.
What to do?
Ask the locals for a guided hike or explore the park’s majestic rainforest. You might also be able to see rare plants and animals that you have never seen before.
Don’t forget to enjoy the pristine beaches and take a dip in the crystal clear water. You can take a kayak or boat ride to explore the mangrove forests and see the diverse wildlife. The park also offers a boat tour where you can appreciate different landscapes of the area and get up close and personal with some of the animals.
7. Amber Mountain National Park
Amber Mountain National Park is in northern Madagascar and is famous for its lush rainforests and stunning views. Its name is derived from the resin of the endemic tree, the Ambre (Dacryodes madagascariensis), found in this part of the world. This is believed to have medicinal properties used by the Malagasy and traded by the Arabs.
Amber Mountain National Park embraces a wide variety of landscapes from volcanic crater lakes to waterfalls and even rare alpine forests. You can find over 100 species of birds, 12 species of lemurs, and 30 types of reptiles.
What to do?
You can go for a hike or take a swim in one of the crater lakes. The most popular trail is the 3-kilometer round trip hike to the summit of Montagne d’Ambre where you can see a rich diversity of herps and chameleons.
You can also explore the park’s waterfalls, including the Cascade d’Emeraude which is a spectacular 30-meter tall waterfall. It is also home to the world’s largest lake, Lake Tritriva with the presence of many hot springs. However, locals prohibit swimming in the lake as it is considered sacred.
Amber Mountain National park is also a great place for bird watching. It is where you might even be lucky enough to spot the rare endemic Amber Mountain Rock Thrush. Other animals you can find in Amber Mountain National Park include chameleons, geckos, snakes, and several species of lemurs.
8. Ankarana National Park
Ankarana National Park is located in northern Madagascar and has a unique landscape due to massive limestone formations called tsingies that have been eroded over time by wind and rain. Just like in the other parks with tsingies, this is a sight to behold and the park offers several hiking trails where visitors can explore them.
You may meet lemurs, chameleons, snakes, and many other types of wildlife in Ankarana National Park. It also inhibits the only known population of subterranean blind cave fish, Typhleotris madagascariensis.
What to do?
Most tourists come to see the tsingies and the best way to explore them is by going on one of the many hiking trails. You can also visit caves where the rare subterranean blind cave fish lives.
Aside from admiring the scenery, visitors can also go bird watching, lemur watching, or take a dip in the refreshing waters of one of the several swimming holes in the park.
You can explore the park by foot, boat, or 4×4 vehicle. The important thing is to take your time and enjoy all that Ankarana National Park has to offer.
Madagascar has the most beautiful national parks in the world. From the lush rainforests of Amber Mountain National Park to the tsingies of Ankarana National Park, there is something for everyone to enjoy. All of the parks offer extraordinary landscapes and plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Things To Know When Visiting National Parks Of Madagascar
There are a few things to keep in mind when visiting the national parks of Madagascar:
- Wear proper clothing and footwear. The terrain can be challenging, so make sure you are prepared. You can make use of gears when hiking the trails which you may find at the ranger station.
- Pack plenty of water and food. There are no stores inside the parks, so it is best to come prepared.
- Be mindful of the animals and their habitat. Do not try to feed them or get too close. Remember that you are in their home. Some of them might be aggressive, so it is necessary to keep your distance and not to disturb them.
- Do not litter. Please help keep the parks clean by disposing of your trash properly.
- Respect the park rules and regulations for your safety and the safety of the animals.
- Follow the guidance of the ranger station. They know the park better than anyone and will be able to give you the best advice on how to enjoy your visit.
- Although there are guides available, it is always a good idea to have a map with you so you don’t get lost.
The Best Time To Visit The National Parks Of Madagascar
The best time to visit the national parks of Madagascar is during the dry season from April to November. This is when the trails are more passable and the weather is cooler. However, it is still best to check with the ranger station before you book your trip to get the most up-to-date information on conditions in the park.
Madagascar has some of the most beautiful places on Earth. No matter what time of year you decide to visit, the top national parks of Madagascar are sure to take your breath away. So it’s time to start planning your trip and experience all that this amazing country has to offer!