Experience Some Of The Best National Parks In Unique Madagascar

Nestling in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa, Madagascar is the second-largest island nation in the world, after Indonesia. Meanwhile, the country offers everything from lush, green rainforests, to dry deserts and everything in between. Each area of the island supports its own endemic species of iconic lemurs and other creatures. Here, we offer a brief look into the wonders of the national parks of Madagascar.

Andasibe National Park and Lemur Island

Located in eastern Madagascar, Andasibe National Park comprises Anamalazaotra Reserve and Mantadia National Park. Here, the montane forest hosts many fascinating creatures, including the “singing” indri lemur and the Parson’s chameleon. Meanwhile, Andasibe features a vibrant and colorful collection of birds, butterflies, ferns and orchids.

Moreover, this forested area of Madagascar is also home to grey bamboo lemurs, common brown lemurs and woolly lemurs. Occasionally, black-and-white ruffed lemurs can also be found, as well as the nocturnal tenrec, a mammal resembling the hedgehog.

For those wishing to meet lemurs up close and personal, a visit to Lemur Island reveals orphaned lemurs who wouldn’t have survived on their own. A variety of bamboo lemurs, brown lemurs and black-and-white ruffed lemurs live here and are used to humans. In fact, these cute and friendly creatures allow close encounters, as well as excellent photo opportunities.

Berenty Reserve, Madagascar

Berenty is a small, private park that hosts one-third of the remaining tamarind forest of Madagascar. Meanwhile, it is also the ideal place to see a large variety of wildlife. Along the way, sifaka lemurs, ring-tailed lemurs and red-fronted brown lemurs are easy to spot and even pose for photos. Moreover, visitors often see these fascinating creatures “dancing” in the forest. Meanwhile, the sifaka lemurs love to jump along from tree to tree.

As for the bird life, Berenty features vasa parrots, grey-headed lovebirds, crested and giant couas, paradise flycatchers, Madagascar bulbuls and more. It is also worth watching out for flying foxes, fruit bats, radiated tortoises and large, multi-colored chameleons.

Amber Mountain National Park

Located in the north of Madagascar, Amber Mountain National Park has its own unique microclimate. Here, cool, fresh air and tropical foliage surround beautiful waterfalls and crystal-clear volcanic lakes. All of this makes Amber Mountain one of the best national parks in Madagascar.

The park hosts a wealth of wildlife. Here, 35 species of bird can be spotted, making it the ideal place for birders. Meanwhile, the park hosts crowned lemurs, Sanford’s brown lemurs and a range of the country’s fascinating chameleons. Among these is the world’s smallest chameleon, which is roughly the size of a fingernail and is pictured below.

Besides the tiny guy, blue-nosed chameleon, Parson’s chameleon, globe-horned chameleon, dwarf chameleon and stump-tailed chameleon all live here.

In fact, there are around 60 reptile species endemic to the national park, including 35 frog species and leaf-tailed geckos. Meanwhile, around 40 butterfly species can be seen flying around among the trees.

Find more information about the magnificent national parks of Madagascar on the official website here.