Madagascar's National Parks and Reserves

The national parks

Madagascar’s national parks and reserves offer an extraordinary panorama of biodiversity in the heart of the Indian Ocean. Over 40% are managed by Madagascar National Parks in collaboration with local communities. Three types of protected areas preserve this ecosystem: national parks such as Isalo or Bemaraha with its Tsingy, special reserves to protect particular animal or plant species, and finally, integral nature reserves open only to researchers.

What can you see in Madagascar's national parks and reserves?

Madagascar’s national parks and reserves offer unrivalled immersion in ecosystems of incomparable richness. With one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world, these places are home to 97% of the animal species that can only be discovered here, often bearing the distinctive Latin name Madagascariensis.
Among Madagascar’s most emblematic treasures are the lemurs, fascinating creatures that come in a variety of species. The island’s parks and reserves are home to a plethora of lemurs, a distinctive symbol so sought-after by visitors. They are also home to a wide variety of colour-changing chameleons.

The variety of species in the parks is equally captivating. Imagine discovering 90% of the 12,000 species of flowering plants, 50% of the 250 species of birds, 90% of the 109 species of mammals, 95% of the 260 species of reptiles, and all the species of frogs. A true paradise for nature lovers and botany enthusiasts.
These parks are also home to exotic species, with different types of endemic flora that can only be found here: endemic aloes, majestic baobabs, flat-tailed geckos and harmless snakes. The varied landscapes oscillate between mysterious thorn forests and tropical rainforests, not forgetting the enigmatic cloud forests at high altitude. Consider thundering waterfalls, babbling brooks and winding streams amid lush vegetation. And what about the peace and tranquility of deserted islands, tranquil lagoons and secluded oases, or the deep gorges and singular rock formations that characterize these national parks? Let yourself be amazed by these volcanic landscapes and unspoilt nature.
Madagascar’s national parks and reserves invite you to a unique adventure, a thrilling exploration at the heart of one of the planet’s most fascinating natural wonders.

Entrance fees to Madagascar's national parks :

Entrance fees to Madagascar’s parks vary according to their categorization. There are exceptional parks, such as Isalo and Ankarana, and flagship parks, including renowned sites such as Bemaraha, Ankarafantsika, Montagne d’Ambre, Lokobe, Andohahela, Nosy Hara and Ranomafana. Finally, there are the natural parks, covering the majority of Madagascar’s parks, with the exception of exceptional flagship parks such as Analamazaotra-Mantadia in Andasibe, Andringitra, Kirindy Mitea, Zombitse Vahobasia, etc.
Entrance fees vary accordingly: around 15 euros for the exceptional parks, 12 euros for the flagship parks and 10 euros for the nature parks, depending on the daily rate, with the possibility of buying tickets at the reception desks of each park or at the kiosk of the Analamanga Regional Tourist Office in Antananarivo. It should be noted that entrance fees for children are around 6 euros, regardless of the type of park.

What you need to know about Madagascar's national parks and reserves :

Madagascar National Parks is the leading organization dedicated to managing the island’s parks and reserves. Its main objective is to establish, preserve and sustainably manage a national network of parks and reserves representing the treasures of Madagascar’s unique biodiversity and natural heritage. These Protected Areas play a crucial role in stimulating the local economy while preserving the country’s environmental wealth. They are complemented by private reserves managed by independent local communities.

All the parks have specially trained local guides. They have in-depth knowledge of the parks and are responsible for guiding you on tours tailored to your needs. The commitment of these local guides is synonymous with local development and community support. They also play a fundamental role in the preservation and protection of nature, as they are responsible for the proper management of protected areas. Using the services of local guides is not only an excellent way of discovering the parks in greater depth, but also a concrete means of supporting local communities and participating in environmental conservation. Guiding rates vary according to the type of park and the number of people for a one-day visit.