Discover Madagascar's Biodiversity: 5 Must-Visit Sites
With around 12 million hectares of forests (both tropical and dry), numerous canyons and underground caves, rivers, and savannahs, Madagascar ranks as one of the richest places on Earth in terms of biodiversity. It is home to countless endemic species. Let’s explore Madagascar’s incredible biodiversity through 5 must-visit locations.
- Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park --------------------------------
Located in the Melaky region in the central-west part of the island, the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is one of Madagascar’s most spectacular sites. It’s famous for its unique geological formations known as tsingy, which are karstic limestone deposits formed over 200 million years ago.
Blending wet and dry habitats, the Tsingy de Bemaraha is a biodiversity hotspot and a remarkable center of endemism. The park is home to several lemur species, a variety of aquatic and terrestrial birds, reptiles including crocodiles, and an array of extraordinary plant and tree species.
Exploring the park can be done through canoe rides and hikes, offering the chance to discover the stone canyons and labyrinths while encountering the wildlife and vegetation that have found refuge here.
- Andasibe Mantadia National Park
Just 135 km from Madagascar's capital, Andasibe Mantadia National Park is a haven of rich flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This protected area is especially known for hosting a wide variety of lemur species (14 diurnal and nocturnal species), as well as numerous reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. It’s also one of the best spots on the island for birdwatching.
On the vegetation side, you’ll find evergreen plants, epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants), hardwoods, precious woods, pandanus, vines, palms, and an incredible collection of endemic orchids.
Visits to Andasibe Mantadia are conducted with local guides who reveal the secrets of this extraordinary natural world.
- Parc national de l'Isalo
Head south to discover another iconic site: Isalo National Park. This sandstone massif stretches over 82,000 hectares, featuring canyons, caves, waterfalls, and natural pools. Alongside its breathtaking landscapes, the park is home to diverse wildlife and flora.
During an expedition through Isalo, you might encounter lemurs such as the ring-tailed lemur, Verreaux’s sifaka, and the red-fronted lemur, along with endemic bird species like Benson’s rock thrush, reptiles, small mammals, and amphibians. On the flora side, you’ll find species like euphorbias, Pachypodium aloes, palms, ferns, and pandanus.
Note :
A visit to Isalo also offers insight into the culture of the Bara people, who have installed tombs in the rock formations.
- Kirindy Forest
Located in western Madagascar, Kirindy Forest is a remnant of dry primary forest. Like many of Madagascar's natural areas, it boasts a high rate of endemism, making it a delight for naturalists, botanists, and nature enthusiasts.
Once again, lemurs dominate the landscape. Among the eight recorded species, you’ll find fork-marked lemurs (Phanar Pallescens) and microcebes, Madagascar’s tiny nocturnal lemurs. You might also spot a fossa, a small endemic predator, along with reptiles such as crocodiles and turtles. Kirindy Forest is also one of the top destinations for birdwatching in Madagascar.
Flora enthusiasts can marvel at three varieties of baobabs: the Reniala, recognizable by its narrow gray trunk; the Bozy, with its bottle-shaped trunk and round fruits; and the Za, known for its massive gray trunk and oval fruits.
Tip:
Since most of Kirindy's fauna is active during the day and night, consider a guided visit at dusk or a nighttime trek to increase your chances of encounters. Overnight stays in the forest’s bungalows are also an option.
- Ankarana National Park
In northern Madagascar lies Africa’s largest network of underground rivers: Ankarana National Park. These water systems have formed 11 spectacular caves, some of which serve as sacred worship sites or house magnificent royal tombs. Ankarana is also one of the two places in Madagascar where you can marvel at the famous **tsingy** (the other being Tsingy de Bemaraha).
Between the tsingy, underground caves and sinkholes, rivers, and seasonal dry forests, the park features a unique ecosystem that’s perfect for adventure treks. Its residents include 10 lemur species, 92 bird species, and numerous reptiles such as chameleons and 6-meter-long crocodiles. The caves also host 13 bat species and rare animals from the troglodyte family.
On the botanical side, the karstic plateau is covered with invasive plants, Madagascar canarium, pandanus, vines, aerial orchids, and baobabs.
Florine Dergelet