IFATY (Sud)
Located north of Tulèar, there is a small paradise where all kinds of fish come together in multicolured coral, in a landscape where shellfish abound. It is ideal to dive underwater.Behind the beach you can see the bush with didieracees,euphorbia,cactus and a large number of baobab trees and swamps where many species of birds live.
The place offers a great opportunity for forest excursions epecially around the Lake Ranobe where you can see water-birds and lemurs.
SAINT-AUGUSTIN (Sud)
The Bay of St.Augustine is situated 37 km south of Tulear,the village is located near the estuary at the foot of very high cliffs. Do not miss the excursion to Nosy Ve which is appoximately 5 minutes by boat from the bay of Saint-Augustin. It is the favourite place of many ornithologists to find the elusive bird called “Straw Tail.
ZOMBITSE-VOHIBASIA (South)
The forest was classified Zombitse National Park since1997, sharing together the statutes with the Vohibasia and Isoky forest.
The park is divided into three portions representing an important part of the remains of the dry deciduous forest that once covered the West Coast. 85 species of birds are counted as the Giant Coua and Bulbul Appert, an endemic species found only in Vohibasia forest.
RANOMAFANA
The Ranomafana National Parc is situated 60 km from Fianarantsoa, located between 600 and 1400 mt above sea level with 41600 ha. Opened in1991, the park has its purpose in preserving the beautiful and picturesque rainforest (dense forest low and mountain forest high ) with endemic plants such as orchids like Bulbophyllum.
At the same time, it hosts a rich fauna and as yet scarsely known species of lemurs very rare (some exist only at Ranomafana and were discovered only in1987 such as “ hapalemur aureus” or bamboo eater) and nocturnal specie ( the Aye-Aye and the avahina).It is also a paradise for birds (110 species) as the Vanga, butterflies and spiders. The existence of cascades, waterfalls and several rivers linked to the rugged landscape is also a characteristc of this park.
ANAKAO AND NOSY VE(SUD)
Situated south of Tulèar, Anakao village is located in the bay of St. Augustin where in 1600 pirates used to relax and find the boats after crossing the Cape of Good Hope. An unforgettable scene of fishermen returning to the village makes a painting of sails and colourful boats backdrop a magnificient sunset.
The island of Nosy Ve: a wonderful island protected by coral reefs, where you can se a moltitude of colourful fish, lobster, shellfish, a variety of corals and the famous Straw Tail.
ANDRINGITRA (SUD)
Located in the province of Fianarantsoa, this massif is a climatic door between the regions in the Highlands and the tropical coast of South East. The altitude varies from 720 mt to 2658 mt (Pic Boy).There is a wide diversity in the ecosystem ranging from rainforest low altitudes in the east to high mountain meadows in the west.The park contains 50% of mammal species non-volatile known in Madagascar.
The massif was one of the protected special reserves (only for researchers) but in May 25 1988 the area was classified Nationa Park accesible to everyone. WWf has been committed to the development of the ecotourism in the region for several years. The park has an area of more than 40000 hectares and the scenery is spectacular and varied. A paradise for those who love trekking and mountain tours, the best place for outdoor activities in an area still wild and vast.
ISALO
It lies halfway between the towns of Fianarantsoa and Toliary. This solid mass of sandstone is one of the most beautiful landscape in Madagascar. Dating back to Jurassic Era, incised by carved gorges and generation of deep canyons, such as the Canyon of Maki and the Canyon of Rats, they are unusual places.
Trips to the massif of Isalo, also called by Malagasy “Colorado Madagascar”, are very popular and they can be as easy as walking to the natural pool or the waterfall nymphs. Isalo was classified National Park in 1962 (with Unesco Agreement) and covers an area of over 8,0000 hectares. Located between 500 mt and 1200 above sea level,it is a granite massif that offers a glance at a uniform mountain in the heart of a vast grassy area ,like African savannah.
A variety of endemic flora, especially the “Pachipodium” and “Aloe” shares the land of the lemurs (Lemur Fulvus,Sifaka and Verrauxi), small reptiles (chamaleons and geckos) and a variety of insects.
The park has also a number of sacred sites of the Bara, the local people, who buried the bodies in caves among the cliffs.
TSIMANAMPETSOTSA
The reserve is located in a region consisting of a limestone highland and around by a shallow lake located on a sandy coastal plain 275 km South of Tulèar.It covers an area of 45000 hectares. It includes an amazing fauna,with birds that represent the main attraction of this park, including many flamingoes.The emblem of the region is very rare: the Grandidieri’s Mongoose.
Regarding the flora, three types of plant formations characterise this park :thick xerophyla and dry dense forest with red sand. The Mitoho sacred caves are worth visiting where you can find rare endemic species of blind fish. Not to mention the lake saturated with calcium sulphate, the only one in Madagascar.
ANDOHAHELA (Sud-Est)
Located just North-West of Fort Dauphin, this park is one of the most tropical forest of the southern world. It is situated on the area dividing the highlands and the semi-arid south.The western part of the park is semi-arid while the East receives abundant rainfalls.They are the meeting point between two worlds and give the chance to see the tropical and sem-arid wildlife inside the same park.
The parc is ideal for far-reaching walks ranging from a few hours to some days.
BERENTY (Sud-Est)
This reserve has been strictly protected for 30 years and its natural environment has never undergone any intervention. One can easily approach the different species of lemurs. Walking in this forest is a fascinating experience which will give the opportunity to see snakes (not poisonuos), eagles, parrots in a lush vegetation resembling a jungle. In the village surrounding the Berenty Lodge you may find the Antandroy Museum.
