Nestled in the extreme southeast of Madagascar, in the heart of the Anosy region, Andohahela is one of the country’s largest national parks, covering 76,140 hectares of mountains, valleys, dense forests, and thorny savannas.
This natural mosaic protects the only junction on the Big Island between the humid forests of the east and the arid landscapes of the south, offering a unique range of habitats—mountain forests, Didieraceae thickets, trihedral palms, savannas, and transition zones—that make Andohahela a living laboratory of evolution.
Here, biodiversity is expressed in all its splendor: the park is home to some of Madagascar’s rarest endemic species, from the extraordinary trihedral palm tree (Dypsis decaryi) to lemurs, sifakas, unique birds, and remarkable island flora.
🗺️ Andohahela covers 76,140 hectares, stretching from the slopes of the Anosy massif to the savannahs of the south.
🌳 More than 68,000 hectares of forests and natural formations remain intact, covering altitudes from 100 to over 1,900 meters.
🐒 14 species of lemurs, including the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta), Verreaux’s sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi), and the aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis).
🦜 129 species of birds, including the Fanovana Newtonia, unique in the world.
🦎 110 species of reptiles and amphibians recorded to date.
🌺 Nearly 1,900 plant species: palms, tree ferns, Didieraceae, including many local endemics.
📅 Andohahela National Park has existed since 1939 and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007.
Created in 1939 under RNI status (RNI n°11) with a surface area of 30,000 hectares. Later, after the discovery of the importance of its biological diversity, this area has occupied, since 1966. An area of 76020 Ha by decree 66-242 of June 1, 1966. Decree 97-1043 of August 08, 1997 changed Andohahela's status to that of a National Park. Since 2007, the wet forests of parcel I of the park have been part of the “Forets humide Atsinanana” world heritage site. Andohahela National Park is made up of 03 unevenly distributed parcels. The park is currently undergoing a re - delimitation process initiated in 2012, which has resulted in the following surface area: ParcelleI (62,124Ha) , Parcelle II ( 13,795 Ha), Parcelle III ( 437 Ha),i.e. 76,140 Ha; Among the AP with a high density of diurnal lemurs (Propithecus verreauxii verreauxii and Lemur Catta)
🌄 Mountainous terrain, steep peaks, deep valleys
🌳 Dense mountain rainforests (plot I), transitional forests, dry savannas, and Didieraceae thickets (plots II & III)
💧 Rivers, streams, swamps, temporary lakes
🌬️ Contrasting climate: strong east-west gradient between wet and dry areas
🪨 Granitic soils, rocky outcrops, high plateaus
🐒 14 species of lemurs: Lemur catta, Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi, Eulemur collaris, Hapalemur meridionalis, Avahi meridionalis, Daubentonia madagascariensis, etc.
🦜 129 species of birds, including Newtonia fanovanae (locally endemic)
🦎 61 species of reptiles and 49 species of amphibians
🦇 Bats, tenrecs, micro-mammals
🌳 Over 1,890 plant species, 65% of which are endemic
🌴 13 species of palm trees (including Dypsis decaryi, the trihedral palm)
🌵 5 species of Didieraceae, baobabs
🌿 13 species of tree ferns, including 2 locally endemic species
🌺 Over 150 families of flowering plants
Despite its ecological contrasts, Andohahela is not immune to threats.
Bush fires: Fires remain a persistent threat.
Logging and charcoal production: Selective logging and charcoal production are still observed, particularly in peripheral areas.
Targeted land clearing
Illegal settlements
Increasing anthropogenic pressure
A balance preserved between two worlds
Concrete projects rooted in local realities:
50 hectares of forest restoration with BIOCOM and FAMINDRA
Stronger community involvement in patrols
Mini-dams and hydro-agricultural infrastructure built for local resilience
Revitalized COSAP, a true local force for shared governance
💪 Active conservation on the park's three plots!
Success story
Thanks to restoration, more than 20 hectares have regained dense forest cover. Flagship species are gradually recolonizing the restored areas.
Conservation is not just an environmental mission, it is also a lever for development:
Support for income-generating activities (IGAs)
Economic reforestation (fruit trees, wood energy)
Improved access to drinking water via dams
Creation of local jobs through tourism and catering
Success story
161 million Ar in economic benefits in 2024 for local populations, with more than 138 riverside villages benefiting.
Andohahela is a place for observation, discovery, and education:
Four varied ecotourism circuits (Tantelisarotra, Lafa, Tsimelahy, Mangatsiaka)
Camping sites equipped with sanitary facilities
Interpretation center in Ankazofotsy
Activities offered: hiking, birdwatching, nature classes, etc.
Success story
A revival of tourism is on the horizon, with prospects for sustainable development in partnership with local communities.
In 2024:
Enhanced monitoring across all plots
50 ha of effective forest restoration
Technical support from BIOCOM, FAMINDRA, COSAP, and DREDD
Implementation of the 2022–2026 Management Plan
Success story
The monitoring system is now operational across all three plots, with consolidated data available.
Transparency and accountability are at the heart of the park:
Data on deforestation and fires shared
Monitoring of community activities
Annual publication of results and sharing of information with partners and neighboring villages
Coordination with authorities to combat trafficking
🛡️ Threat level: Medium, improving
🔥 Area burned: 91 ha
🦧 14 species of lemurs
🌳 1,720 species of flowering plants
🏞️ 4 ecotourism circuits
💰 $161 million in economic benefits
💧 864,000 m³ of water/day supplied to the population
🌍 5.48 Mt of CO₂ sequestered – estimated value of $27 million
Enhanced monitoring of flagship species, newly restored plots
Strengthening COSAP platforms, creation of new CLPs
Promotion of circuits, improvement of visitor facilities
Scientific collaboration with ISTE, MBG, and REDD+ programs
Mobilization to combat illegal exploitation, strengthened participatory management
Fund Madagascar National Parks' five-year strategic plan to ensure the sustainable management of marine and terrestrial protected areas.
Ensure sustainable financing and effective management of PAs by supporting biodiversity conservation while involving local communities
Depending on your means of transport :
🚗 Accessible via the RN 13 for the Lafa, Tantelisarotra, Tsimelahy, and Mangatsiaka circuit
🚗 Accessible via the RIP 118 Ranomafana for the Manangotry circuit
🛳️ There is no direct maritime access to the park, but you can reach Fort-Dauphin by boat.
✈️ There are no direct flights to the park, but you can reach Fort-Dauphin by plane.
🚶♂️ The park is open all year round!
🌞 June to November: the ideal time to observe wildlife—lemurs, birds, and endemic species—in the best conditions.
🦜 August to November: perfect for birdwatchers.
🌧️ December to April: lush nature and flowering plants.
🥾 Hiking
⛺ Camping
🦜 Bird watching
👣 Guided tours
📚 School trips
🚶♂️ Nature excursions
🏠 Visitor center: Located at the park entrance, it welcomes visitors upon arrival and provides them with information to help them organize and prepare for their visits.
⛺ Camping site with tents for researchers: located in Mangatsiaka.
⛺ Camping site with 04 tents: for night visits and researchers. Both campsites are equipped with showers and toilets and areas for eating and cooking; located in Tsimelahy.
🦉 Interpretation center: For welcoming visitors and purchasing entrance tickets to visit the park, located in Ankazofotsy.
📄 See all rights and fees applicable to the reserve in the reference document below.
To make the most of your visit, bring:
🥾 Appropriate clothing: hiking boots, light but covering clothing.
🦟 Mosquito protection: repellent, cream, or mosquito spray.
🔭 Binoculars: ideal for observing animals from a distance.
💧 Useful accessories: water bottle, hat, sunglasses.
🚫 No touching animals or buying forest products
🎫 Always have a ticket with you on each visit
👨🏫 Guided tours with a certified guide are mandatory
Tours | Summary | Difficulty | Duration | Tour plans |
---|---|---|---|---|
TANTELISAROTRA | Landscape, lemur, birds, medicinal plant, reptile, transitional forest | Average | 3h30 | |
LAFA | Trihedron palm (endemic species of Andohahela), Lemur, reptile, medicinal plant | Easy | 2h | |
TSIMELAHY | Lemurs, birds, reptiles, medicinal plants, baobab, natural swimming pool, botanical tour | Average | 2h | |
MANGATSIAKA | Cultural site, crocodile, waterfowl, fishing eagle, reptiles, lemurs, varied plant life, lakeside landscape | Average | 1h30 |
Immerse yourself in the unique biodiversity of our national parks and discover our commitment to conservation and ecosystem protection. Marvel at unspoilt landscapes and exceptional wildlife. Together, we create a model of responsible and beneficial coexistence