National parks in Madagascar

Off the coast of Africa lies an island with wildlife and plant species unlike anywhere else in the world.

This island is Madagascar. A hidden gem where, due to its remote location, the biodiversity is so unique that 90% of its species are exclusive the island. It’s in Madagascar’s national parks where you can experience this biodiversity up close.

We’ve gathered some of the country’s finest national parks and nature reserves that get you right up close to the island’s natural treasures.

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, situated east of Madagascar’s capital, is famed for its remarkable biodiversity and is thus one of the most popular national parks in Madagascar.

The park spans over more than 15,500 hectares and comprises two protected areas: the Analamazaotra Reserve, established in 1970, and the larger Mantadia, which was founded in 1989. Together, they form the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park.

Home to diverse wildlife including vibrant birds, lemurs, stick insects, and chameleons, Andasibe-Mantadia is particularly notable for its large indri lemur population, known for their distinctive songs echoing through the dense rainforest.

Besides its impressive wildlife, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park offers rich and varied flora. With a warm and humid climate, the park creates ideal conditions for orchids to flourish, allowing you to potentially marvel at over 100 orchid species during your visit.

Ranomafana National Park

Ranomafana National Park, located in the southeastern part of Madagascar, is nestled in Atsinanana Rainforest, one of the country’s most biodiverse sites and a UNESCO world heritage site since 2007.

With its lush nature and dramatic, mountainous landscapes spread across 40,000 hectares, Ranomafana National Park is a tropical paradise. Steep slopes covered in dense, green forest, adorned with tall ferns and soft moss, lend an enchanting atmosphere, beautifully interrupted by rushing rivers weaving through the terrain and cascading down steep inclines.

The wildlife in Ranomafana National Park is as spectacular as its scenery, hosting a myriad of amphibians and reptiles such as chameleons and frogs, alongside colourful insects like giraffe-necked weevils and butterflies.

The park is also home to 12 different lemur species, including the sifaka lemurs, known for their amazing leaping abilities, and the rare bamboo lemur, which exclusively feeds on bamboo.

Isalo National Park

Situated in the southwest of Madagascar, Isalo National Park is perhaps the country’s most renowned. The park boasts a natural environment vastly different from Madagascar’s other parks.

Spanning over 81,000 hectares, Isalo is famed for its dramatic sandstone formations, deep canyons, emerald lakes, and grass-lined, savannah-like landscapes – a sharp contrast to the lush rainforests further east.

Isalo National Park is home to rich flora and fauna, with several species found nowhere else on earth. This includes the distinctive elephant’s foot plant, likely named for its large, rounded root resembling an elephant’s foot.

In Isalo National Park, you may encounter reptiles and amphibians such as frogs and lizards, as well as colourful birds. There are also opportunities to spot 6 different lemur species within the park, including ring-tailed and sifaka lemurs.

Alley of baobabs

The ‘Alley of Baobabs’ is an iconic stretch between Morondava and Belo sur Tsiribinha in western Madagascar. The road is renowned for its giant baobab trees that beautifully rise into the landscape along the 250-metre stretch.

Baobab trees are one of Madagascar’s most famous landmarks, known for their thick trunks and sparse foliage, imparting a picturesque appearance. Thus, the ‘Alley of Baobabs’ is a popular destination for photographers worldwide.

The ‘Alley of Baobabs’ is located in a protected area managed by a non-governmental organisation. In this protected area, approximately 330 baobab trees are preserved.

V.O.I.M.M.A Reserve

V.O.I.M.M.A Reserve is a small nature reserve associated with Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, but unlike Andasibe-Mantadia, it is owned and operated by the local community.

Established in 2012 by local citizens eager to participate in conservation, the reserve fittingly takes the name ‘Vondron’olona Ifotony Mitia sy Miaro ny Ala’, translating to ‘the local people love the forest’.

This small nature reserve not only contributes to the protection of Madagascar’s flora and fauna but also supports the village community, with proceeds used to provide running water and a small hospital in the village.

Although V.O.I.M.M.A Reserve covers only about 40 hectares, it is abundant in endemic plants and animals. When visiting, you might be fortunate enough to spot lemurs, chameleons, frogs, and geckos within the reserve.

Anja Reserve

Anja Reserve is another nature reserve managed by the people from surrounding local villages. It was founded in 1999 with the aim of preserving Madagascar’s nature amidst challenges of deforestation and slash-and-burn practices.

Despite its relatively modest size of about 30 hectares, Anja Reserve is home to a host of exciting animals, several of which are rare. You might be fortunate enough to spot chameleons, snakes, and brightly coloured birds. Furthermore, Anja Reserve is one of the best places in Madagascar for a close encounter with the distinctive ring-tailed lemur.

You can only visit Anja Reserve with a local guide from one of the villages that manage the nature reserve. The revenue from these visits supports both the conservation and expansion of the reserve and the local communities involved. This funding is used for initiatives such as education and mosquito nets.

Zombitse National Park

Situated in the southwest part of Madagascar, Zombitse National Park spans around 36,000 hectares. Despite its incredible biodiversity, it remains one of the country’s lesser-known national parks.

It boasts a rich wildlife that includes lemurs, chameleons, and frogs. Of all the animal species, Zombitse National Park is particularly renowned for its many rare and endemic bird species, making the park a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Some of the birds you might spot include the grey-capped tetraka (Xanthomixis apperti), Vasa parrots (Coracopsis vasa), and Couas.

Beyond its captivating wildlife, Zombitse National Park also features stunning natural landscapes, ranging from dry deciduous forests and thorny thickets to vast grasslands and rocky outcrops. The park is also home to several characteristic baobab trees, which stand majestically with their thick trunks and flat canopies along many of the park’s trails.

Kirindy Reserve

Located on Madagascar’s west coast, Kirindy Reserve is part of the Kirindy Forest, one of the country’s largest dry forests. The Kirindy Forest covers an area of about 60,000 hectares, with Kirindy Reserve making up approximately 12,500 hectares, managed by a private organisation.

One of the animals that the reserve is particularly famous for is the fossa – Madagascar’s largest predator. Although the fossa is primarily nocturnal, you may be lucky enough to spot it during the day, either on the hunt or relaxing in a tree. Besides stealthy predators like the fossa, Kirindy Reserve is home to a myriad of other fascinating species, including lemurs, birds, turtles, and snakes.

Although situated in a dry area, Kirindy’s landscape is far from barren. Over 200 different plant species have adapted to the dry environment, including many baobab trees that line the reserve’s dirt roads.

Reniala Reserve

Reniala Reserve is nestled in the southwestern part of Madagascar and is a small nature reserve spanning just 60 hectares, operated by a non-governmental organisation.

Within the reserve, you have the chance to encounter some of Madagascar’s oldest baobab trees. The name ‘Reniala’ actually means ‘baobab’ in Malagasy, aptly given as it translates to ‘mother of the forest,’ a nickname for this unique succulent. The reserve also hosts several other endemic plant species.

Even though the park covers a modest area, Reniala offers ample opportunities for observing wildlife. It is home to various reptile species, such as the common spider tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides) and the warty chameleon (Furcifer verrucosus).

Frequently asked questions about Madagascar’s national parks

We have compiled the most frequently asked questions regarding Madagascar’s national parks below.

How many national parks are there in Madagascar?

As of 2025, Madagascar boasts 43 protected areas, comprising everything from national parks to nature reserves.

Which national park in Madagascar should one choose?

It depends on what you’re eager to experience.

Each of Madagascar’s national parks is spectacular in its own right. Which one you should visit depends on your interests and the type of nature and wildlife experiences you seek. Certain plant and animal species are easier to find in some parks compared to others.

For example, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is an excellent spot for observing indri lemurs, whereas Isalo National Park is the place to go to see the unique elephant’s foot plant.

What is Madagascar’s most famous national park?

Isalo National Park is typically considered Madagascar’s most renowned national park, and it is consequently among the most visited parks in the country.

When is the best time to visit Madagascar’s national parks?

The best time to visit Madagascar’s national parks largely depends on the part of the country you’re looking to tour and what you wish to experience on your tour.

Most people prefer to travel during Madagascar’s dry season from May to October, when the weather is more stable and temperatures are cool and pleasant. The end of the dry season is also an ideal time to spot young lemurs or humpback whales along the coast.

Find out more about the advantages of travelling during both the wet and dry seasons in Madagascar.

Fancy visiting Madagascar’s national parks?

Whether you’re eager to experience Madagascar’s intriguing wildlife or be captivated by its fascinating landscapes, enchanting adventures await when you visit the country’s national parks.

Do you need assistance figuring out which tour to Madagascar is right for you? Don’t worry – our experienced travel specialists are ready to help you find your dream tour!

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