The Zahamena Protected Area is home to exceptional biodiversity, comprising two major ecosystems:
A terrestrial ecosystem dominated by evergreen tropical rainforest, with the presence of mountain sclerophyll forest, ericoid scrub, and a herbaceous savannah formation with shrubs, forming the transition with the peripheral zone (western part).
An aquatic ecosystem made up of a dense network of watercourses and swampy formations dominated by Cyperaceae and aquatic birds such as Anas mellerii, Tachybaptus pelzelnii, etc…
With its six (6) main rivers – Onibe in the south, Ihofika and Sahatavy in the center, Sarondroina, Manambato and Antsahabe in the north – Zahamena National Park is vital to the Analanjirofo, Atsinanana and Alaotra Mangoro regions.
Main ecological features :
Belonging to Madagascar’s Eastern ecoregion, Zahamena National Park features three (3) habitat types:
Low-altitude evergreen rainforest, with a surface area of 6,730ha
Medium-altitude evergreen rainforest, with a surface area of 35,500ha
High-altitude evergreen rainforest, with a surface area of 22,705ha
With a surface area of 64,935ha, Zahamena National Park has had protected status since 1927. Prior to this, Zahamena National Park was managed by the Malagasy state, then by international conservation organizations. Since 1994, its management has been entrusted to Madagascar National Parks.
le Rhodolaena acutifolia (Sarcolaenaceae), le Diplazium zakamenense (Polypodiaceae)
le Elaphoglossum zakamenense (Lomariopsidaceae), l’Athyrium zakamenense (Athyriacea),
le Melanophylle aucubifolia, le Melanophylla crenata (Melanophyllaceae) ;
le Rhopalocarpus macrorhamnifolius, le Rhopalocarpus louvelii (Sphaerocepalaeae).
le Rhodolaena acutifolia (Sarcolaenaceae)
le Canarium madagascariensis (Burseraceae) ; le Macphersonia madagascariensis (Sapindaceae),
le Burasaia madagascariensis (Menispermaceae), le Phyllarthron madagascariensis (Bignoniaceae), l’ Anthostema madagascariensis (Euphorbiaceae).
Mining, Land clearing, Precious wood cutting
Lemur trapping, Collection of secondary forest products
A number of initiatives have been planned to address the environmental challenges and human pressures on the park.
The management objective of Zahamena National Park is to reduce the threat level to low. To this end, a number of management interventions have been carried out:
School maintenance
Depending on your means of transport :
Hiking, camping, bird watching, guided tours, boat trips, school trips, excursions, etc.
- A reception office in Antanandava, located at the entrance to the Park, to welcome visitors on their arrival and provide them with information on how to organize themselves, find accommodation, eat and prepare for their visits.
- A camping site with 03 tent shelters for researchers and other visitors along the circuit.
To enjoy the park to the full, it's best to bring the following equipment:
Animals may not be touched
Always carry a ticket with you on every visit
Guided tours compulsory
Download the reference document to find out more about park fees and charges.
Tours | Summary | Difficulty | Duration | Tour plans |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bemoara | Indri indri, Varecia variegata, Eulemur fulvus, Propithecus diadema, Hapalemur griseus, orchidées, le plus grand fangeon de Madagascar, piscine |
Difficult route (uphill) |
03 hours |
|
Cascade | Waterfall, natural pool Worship area |
Moderately difficult route (downhill) |
2h 15mins |
|
Ambarihely | Loop circuit: Less sporty, but not very easy. |
Indri indri, Varecia variegata, Eulemur fulvus, Propithecus diadema, Hapalemur griseus |
2h 15 m |
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