Located in the extreme south of Madagascar, just 40 km northwest of Taolanaro (Fort-Dauphin), Andohahela National Park is a natural gem that stretches across the Anosy region, straddling the districts of Taolanaro and Amboasary-Sud. Nestled among four large villages, this park is truly a natural treasure. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Andohahela is unique in its kind, combining three distinct ecosystems in one place. You will be able to explore evergreen humid forests, sub-arid thorny thickets, and a rare transition formation between dry and humid forests all in a single parcel!
Andohahela is divided into three non-contiguous parcels, each revealing a unique type of vegetation and an incredible diversity of species. Parcel 1, located between 300 and 1,972 meters in altitude, covers an area of 63,100 hectares and is home to evergreen humid to sub-humid mountain forests. Parcel 2, lower in altitude (120 to 1,006 meters) and covering 12,420 hectares, features thorny thickets typical of sub-arid areas. Finally, Parcel 3, at about 125 meters in altitude and 500 hectares, is a transition zone that protects the tridécus palm (Dypsis Decary), endemic to southeastern Madagascar. Created in 1927, this park is the only one protecting dense humid forest south of the Tropic of Capricorn, a rare phenomenon on a global scale.
Andohahela National Park stands out not only for its variety of ecosystems but also for its exceptional biodiversity. More than 90% of Andohahela’s plants are used in traditional Malagasy medicine, such as Jabihy. The park also shelters unique species like the famous triangular palm Dypsis Decary, endemic to Madagascar, and iguanas usually found only in America. For those who come to observe lemurs, thirteen species populate the park, including the Sifaka, known for its spectacular leaps. The park’s geology, with its forms and colors drawn by erosion, gives the southern tip of Anosy a particular magic that fascinates every visitor.
Ready to discover this incredible diversity? As a major water reservoir for the region, Andohahela National Park also plays a crucial role in the development of local eco-tourism, offering considerable economic potential. Winner of the Best New Ecotourism Projects in 1998 and recipient of the prestigious Silver Otter Award in London, Andohahela invites you to explore its natural wonders while supporting conservation and sustainable development. Pack your bags and come experience an unforgettable adventure in this biodiversity treasure of southeastern Madagascar!
