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These are my picks for the top national parks in Madagascar, although the competition is fierce, as we will see.
Lying off the east coast of Africa, Madagascar is often described as a Noah’s Ark. Separated from the rest of the continent for millions of years, 90% of its species can be found nowhere else.
Of these, it’s Madagascar’s one hundred-plus species of lemur that are its most famous inhabitants. But there’s far more to see in this extraordinary country, from its Avenues of Baobabs to its spiny forest.
The world’s second-largest island nation is more than tripling its protected land. Eventually 10% of the entire country will be reserved for its unique flora and fauna.
But the sheer number of parks and size of Madagascar means careful planning is necessary to avoid spending all your time in the air or on the road.
Masoala National Park
Masoala National Park is the largest of Madagascar’s protected areas, and lies on a peninsula on the country’s northeast coast.
It covers a stunning 2,300 square kilometres of rainforest and extends offshore to incorporate Nosy Mangabe Reserve. Here you’ll find a population of gremlin-like aye-aye.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, the park provides habitat for half of all Madagascar’s plant and animal species. This makes it a great introduction to the country’s natural wonders. It is also the only habitat for the red ruffed lemurs outside of zoos.
Come between July and September, and there’s the chance to witness humpback whales as they use the bay for calving too.
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is situated in the hills that extend north-south along Madagascar’s east.
While only created in 1989, its 155 square kilometre area is one of the most important remaining natural habitats for the indri.
One of the largest species of lemur, indri live in family groups high in the canopy of this altitude rainforest. Critically endangered, they feed off fruits and seeds, and arguably has one of the best-known calls of any lemur.
Also home to aye-aye, the park is linked to two other protected areas. These are Analamazaotra Reserve and Zahamena National Park. Together it’s hope these spaces can create stable populations of indri, as well as protecting the unique landscape for future generations.
Andohahela National Park
Located in the far southeast of the country, Andohahela National Park was created to protect the region’s spiny forest.
Five times larger than Andasibe-Mantadia, it lies within the Anosy Mountains and contains the last of southern Madagascar’s humid rainforests.
The park was declared an UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007 as part of the Rainforests of the Atsinanana. It protects the near extinct triangular palm, and is home to one of the densest populations of lemurs in the country.
Ring-tailed lemurs and sifaka can be spotted during the day. At night, hikes offer the possibility of catching sight of mouse and dwarf lemurs.
Tsimanampetsotsa National Park
Away from the forest regions of Madagascar you’ll find Tsimanampetsotsa National Park. It is the location for the country’s sole saline lake, which makes it a haven for flamingos throughout the year.
Located on the southwest coast, it comprises the western edge of the Mahafaly Plateau. Beside the lake, it consists of the distinct spiny forest that originally covered much of this part of the country.
Recognised by scientists as one of the most important ecological regions on Earth, it was once home to the elephant bird. Extinct since the thirteenth century, this ostrich-like flightless bird is thought to have been the largest bird to have ever lived.
Despite this loss, Tsimanampetsotsa’s lake is perfect for bird watching. A variety of hiking trails allow visitors to explore other points of interest. Trails include the Emande Circuit, which takes in historic burials and landscapes of ancient baobab trees.
Baie de Baly National Park
Baie de Baly is located in Boeny, on the arching band of Madagascar’s northwest coast. Its 570 square kilometres drift through an unusual blend of dry deciduous forest, mangrove, and coastal reefs. It’s for this reason I’ve included it as one of my top national parks in Madagascar.
This series of landscapes provide a home to more than 85% of all Madagascar’s water birds. The endangered Madagascan sideneck turtle, and dugong, can also be found here.
Perhaps partly protected by the fact its komanga tree gives off poisonous fumes if used for fire wood, the park contains six monkey species and is a key hunting ground for the Madagascan fish eagle.
Isalo National Park
Isalo isn’t a national park to head to purely for its wildlife. And that’s in spite of the fact it’s inhabited by both ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux’s sifaka.
Instead, Isalo National Park’s relatively barren landscape of sandstone cliffs and natural pools is known for its outdoor pursuits. Suitably kitted out, visitors can undertake a number of hikes that delve into Madagascar’s natural and cultural history.
Few miss the opportunity to check out the Cascade des Nymphes, an almost hidden waterfall ending with a beautiful pool. Others come to see the sacred burial sites of the region’s Bara people in the high cliffs.
A further top attraction within the national park is the Window of Isalo. Formed by weathering over thousands of years, the window of rock provides the perfect place to admire the sunset.
The top national parks in Madagascar
Madagascar has no shortage of impressive national parks. Home to the country’s lemurs and a wealth of other treasures, here it really can be said there’s nowhere else like it in the world.
