NATIONAL PARKS IN MADAGASCAR Madagascar’s National Parks are divided into 4 parts: Deciduous Forest, Eastern Rain Forests, Island and Coastal and Spiny Forests and in total have about 28 National Parks across the island worth visiting DECIDUOUS FOREST 1. Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park Normally included as a short stop between Isalo and Tulear, the forest of Zombitse- Vohibasia is in a transition zone between dry deciduous and spiny forest habitats. Birders will appreciate seeing Appert’s greenbul, found nowhere else, giant, Coquerel’s and olive-capped couas, as well as various vanga species. 2. Andringitra National Park A spectacular and biodiverse reserve with an altitude range of 500 to 2,658 metres and mountainous outcrops of ancient Precambrian granite, waterfalls, lakes and unusual vegetation. Pic Boby, Madagascar’s second highest mountain, is a tough climb, but there are other less challenging trails through some magnificent scenery and habitats, including lowland forest, high humid tropical forest, sclerophyll and bamboo forest, bush and heathland. It has much endemic flora and over 100 species of birds, as well as over 50 mammal species including mountain-adapted ring tailed lemurs with thick coats. The climate ranges from humid tropical in the lowland rainforests to below freezing at altitude – indeed, it is the only place in Madagascar where snow has been recorded. 3. Ankarafantsika National Park ( Ampijoroa) This prime example of tropical dry deciduous forest, combined with a lake harbouring Nile crocodiles and endangered Madagascar fish eagles, contains many other rare, endemic birds including Van Dam’s vanga, sickle-billed vanga and red-capped coua. Reptiles are plentiful including iguanids, fish-scaled gecko and spear-nosed snake. Seven species of lemur inhabit the area, and Jersey Zoo’s exemplary Angonoka Project is located here, protecting the ploughshare tortoise, rarest in the world. Boby, Madagascar’s second highest mountain, is a tough climb, but there are other less challenging trails through some magnificent scenery and habitats, including lowland forest, high humid tropical forest, sclerophyll and bamboo forest, bush and heathland. It has much endemic flora and over 100 species of birds, as well as over 50 mammal species including mountain-adapted ring tailed lemurs with thick coats. The climate ranges from humid tropical in the lowland rainforests to below freezing at altitude – indeed, it is the only place in Madagascar where snow has been recorded. 4. Isalo National Park Famed for its stunning sandstone runiforme scenery, strange plants, canyon-dwelling lemurs and pandanus palms, the Isalo massif rises from the flat Horombe plateau offering wonderful hiking through impressive gorges, canyons and forested areas of fire-resistant tapia on which the endemic Malagasy silk worm feeds (harvested for centuries to weave expensive burial shrouds). Natural oases and waterfalls are encountered for refreshing swims in stunning surroundings. Unique flora abounds, such as the ‘elephant’s foot’ or pachypodium and the locally endemic feather palm. Three species of diurnal lemur (including ring-tailed and Verreaux’s sifaka), Oustalet’s chameleon, spiny tailed Oplurus lizards and the multicoloured rainbow burrowing frog can all be seen here. Birds include Benson’s rock-thrush and Madagascar kestrel. 5. Kirindy National Park This dry deciduous forest reserve is claimed to have the greatest density of primates in the world, with eight species of lemur including the world’s smallest primate, the pygmy mouse lemur, and 23 species of other mammals including fosa, the lemurs’ main predator, often seen near the accommodation area – a rare experience. Madagascar’s largest rodent, the giant jumping rat (vositse) is only found here, mainly in the wetter months. There are many endangered birds, plentiful reptiles and amphibians including the strange spear-nosed snake, and around 90 species of butterfly. En route to Kirindy is the iconic ‘Avenue des Baobabs’ featuring the giant baobab, and two more species of the ‘upside down tree’ can be found in the region. Nearby Bedo Lake holds 35 species of water bird including the endangered Madagascar teal, Madagascar plover, Madagascar heron, and migratory greater and lesser flamingos, as well as big-headed turtle. 6. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park A World Heritage Site only accessible to the public since 1998, this tsingy offers an other-worldly experience. Visitors are surrounded by tall limestone pinnacles, some over 45m (150 feet) high, and can enter sunken dry deciduous forest harbouring unusual flora and fauna. Plants such as aloe, pachypodium and delonix cling to the jagged rocks. Twelve species of lemur exist amidst the sunken forests, lakes and mangrove swamps. Excursions may involve walking, scrambling, climbing and caving over and under some wonderfully dramatic landscape. Peaceful exploration of the nearby Manambolo River gorges is possible by pirogue. Sixteen species of bat live in the area, and bird life on the river is plentiful, including the Madagascar fish eagle. As well as being a place of strong fady (taboo), the locals believe the prehistoric inhabitants of Madagascar, known as Vazimba, inhabited the region. A tomb with apparent Vazimba skeletons can be seen high up the sides of the gorge. EASTERN RAIN FORESTS 7. Nosy Mangabe Rising to 1000 feet off the luxuriant Masoala peninsula, the island is home to the shy aye-aye – subject of one of the Durrell Wildlife’s captive breeding projects – four further lemur species, reptiles such as leaf-tailed gecko and the rare tree boa, and two species of tenrec. Hikes can be taken around the island’s coastal trail and up to the lighthouse for wide views of the mainland. Going uphill can be challenging as the paths can be steep and slippery, but there are easy level walks to enjoy. 8. Andsaibe-Mantadia National Park A popular reserve reached by an easy drive from the capital, it consists of two protected tracts of adjacent montane rainforest: Analamazaotra (usually known as Périnet) and Mantadia (or Mantady). Perinet offers the best chance to view the largest lemur, the indri. Also, bamboo and brown lemurs, enigmatic insects such as the giraffe-necked weevil, giant millipedes and colourful birds such as vangas and couas can be seen on guided walks through the jungle. Goodman’s mouse lemur, greater dwarf lemur and woolly lemur are some of the reserve’s nocturnal species. It is particularly rich in herpetofauna, with more than 100 species of frog, leaf-tailed geckos and various chameleons. Nearby Mantadia boasts the agile diademed sifaka with its luxuriant orange, black and white fur, and the rare black-and white ruffed lemur, shy and fast moving. Rare birds include mesites, ground rollers, greenbuls, asitys and more. The trails are steeper and more slippery in wet weather than at Perinet. Other nearby reserves provide further opportunities for wildlife viewing. 9. Anjozorobe Located approximately 90 minutes’ drive to the north of Tana, Anjozorobe is perhaps the last remaining viable hauts plateaux forest in Madagascar, and one of the richest for biodiversity. Ten species of lemur, including indri and diademed sifaka, inhabit the high altitude (over 1500m) and montane (800m – 1500m) forests, which are drier and more open than Perinet. It is an excellent birding location, with species such as the endemic brown mesite, several couas and asitys present. Sixty-five per cent of the flora is endemic. 10.Farakaraina Forestry National Park Reached by boat via a branch of the Antainambalana River and a moderate trek from the town of Maroantsetra, this is a relatively unexplored area gaining a reputation for sightings of the strange nocturnal lemur, the aye-aye: also seen are white fronted brown lemurs, leaf-tailed geckos, chameleons and many bird species. 11.Marojejy National Park From the spice town of Sambava, penetrate inland to the pristine primary rainforests and highlands of Marojejy National Park – one of the most challenging wildlife locations on the island. Having been a Strict Reserve until the end of 1998, it had only been explored by scientific researchers. Clients of ours were the first lay visitors to enter Marojejy and it surpassed their highest expectations. They found the rare silky sifaka, four other lemur species and the rare helmet vanga, only seen in undisturbed upland rainforest and a delight for birders. It is perhaps the ultimate Madagascar reserve in view of its unspoilt status and range of altitudes. The three days’ ascension is strenuous, the camping simple and the trail rough and narrow, but certainly well worth it for the right people. 12.Masoala Forest National Park The Masoala peninsula protects the last remaining extensive coastal lowland rainforest in Madagascar. Given World Heritage Site status in June 2007 and accessible only by boat, the reserve boasts staggering biodiversity and a wide variety of habitats: rainforest, littoral forest, marsh, flooded forest, mangrove and coral reefs are all represented. Rainforest wildlife here can be more difficult to spot than in some other locations, and guided walks can be challenging due to steep and slippery trails (it’s the wettest place in Madagascar) but you may spot the red ruffed lemur (locally endemic), white-fronted brown lemur, greater hedgehog tenrec, brown-tailed mongoose, day geckos, leaf tailed geckos, panther chameleons, helmet vanga and the recently rediscovered Madagascar serpent eagle. There are three marine reserves providing excellent snorkelling and kayaking. Humpback whales visit the Bay of Antongil between July and early September to breed and give birth and can be seen from shore or by boat. Two further areas in the Masoala area, Farakaraina and Nosy Mangabe, are described below. 13.Montagne d`Ambre National Park Easily accessible from Diego Suarez (Antsiranana), this area of montane rainforest situated on a volcanic massif lies between altitudes of 850m and 1475m and is characterised by towering trees, waterfalls, crater lakes, ferns and orchids.