Croc’Farm Ivato is a renowned zoological and botanical park located just 3 to 5 km from Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo. Its close proximity makes it an ideal stop either upon arrival or before departure from the Malagasy capital. You can get there by taxi from the airport or the city center, but note that the ride can be relatively expensive, especially considering the waiting time. Nevertheless, it remains a popular detour for many travelers before catching a flight.
Croc’Farm is primarily a Nile crocodile breeding facility, with the skins mainly destined for the luxury goods industry. However, some of the animals also end up on the restaurant’s menu, which specializes in crocodile meat, or as leather goods in the on-site souvenir shop. The park is not limited to crocodiles ; it now hosts other iconic Malagasy species such as lemurs, fossas, chameleons and more.
Highlights of the Site :
Highlight | Description |
Nile Crocodile Breeding | Observe every stage of the breeding process from egg to adult. Leather and meat production. |
Malagasy Biodiversity | Over 80 species including lemurs, chameleons, fossas, tortoises, snakes, ostriches and more. |
Educational Visit | Experienced guides provide explanations on crocodile biology and Madagascar’s biodiversity. |
Restaurant and Shop | Dishes featuring crocodile meat, vegetarian options. Local products and crocodile leather goods. |
Conservation Commitment | Awareness-raising and participation in wildlife and flora preservation programs. |
Practical Information :
Item | Details |
Access | 10-minute drive from Ivato Airport. The road gets bumpy near the end. |
Opening Hours | Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Admission Fees | 10,000 to 25,000 Ariary per adult (about €4 to €5). Free for children under 5. |
Visit Duration | Plan 1 to 2 hours for a full tour. Longer if you dine on-site. |
Practical Tips | Feeding times on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 1 p.m. Closed shoes recommended. A suitable vehicle is advised. |
History and Management :
Croc’Farm is the public showcase of REPTEL, now also known as Sobek (Sobek Maroquinerie), a pioneer in crocodile farming in Madagascar for over 20 years. The company oversees the entire process from egg collection to leather processing and exports its luxury products to the international market.