Andohahela Park

Specificity of the Park

Terrestrial National Park classified as a World Heritage Site, Andohahela represents the biological diversity of the extreme South-East of Madagascar. It is the only protected area in Madagascar with a dense humid forest south of the Tropic of Capricorn that is rare worldwide; as well as a transitional "formation" between the Eastern and Southern ecoregions. As Andohahela is a considerable water reservoir, it represents great economic potential for the region for the development of ecotourism. The following species must be monitored as a priority: Eulemur fulvus collaris, Hapalemur griseus meridionalis, Lemur catta, Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi

The Flores of Andohahela National Park

More than a thousand plant species:

• Five of the 11 species of Didieraceae endemic to southern Madagascar exist in the Andohahela National Park (Decarya madagascariensis, Alluaudia humbertii, Alluaudia procera, Alluaudia dumosa, Alluaudia ascendes).
• Local and regional endemic species such as the trihedral palm or Dypsis decaryi and the Hapalemur griseus meridionalis

Faunas of the Andohahela National Park:

• 207 species and varieties of ferns, more than 90% of which are in the humid forest
• 12 species of lemur, including 5 in the dry forest,
• 129 species of birds,
• 65 species of reptiles,
• 50 species of amphibians, including 4 in the dry forest

How to get there

National Road No. 7 (towards Tuléar), junction at Ihosy (PK 593) on RN 13, then on Amboasary for Ankazofotsy, Ranomainty for Mangatsiaka, Ankariera for Tsimelahy Manambaro for Malio and RIP 118 for Manangotry. Road condition: secondary, passable in all seasons. Approximate travel time from Antananarivo: 3 days.

Location of the Park

GPS: Between 24º30′ – 25º02′ South latitude and 46º32′ – 46°54′ East longitude. The park is located in the extreme South-East of Madagascar, 40 km North-West of Fort Dauphin and 30 km as the crow flies to the West of the Indian Ocean. It is located in the Anosy Region and straddles the two districts of Fort-Dauphin and Amboasary-Sud. It is surrounded by the villages of Tsimelahy, Mangatsiaka, Malio, Ihazofotsy and Manangotry Area: 76,020 ha Region: Anosy

Geography

Hydrography

The Andohahela NP, with its very important hydrographic network, constitutes a water tower for the Anosy and Androy region. The main rivers and streams of the region have their source there.

Altitude

120 to 1972 meters Hot and humid climate for the eastern slope of the rainforest with an annual precipitation of 1500-2000 mm; dry climate in the plot of the thorny Bush and finally the climate of the forest transition between the extreme climates of the first two plots.

Ideal period for the visit

November to January Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

History

The Park was created in 1939, under the status of Integral Natural Reserve (RNI nº 11). In 1999, the Andohahela National Park was promoted to Laureate of the Best New Ecotourism Projects, which made it win the Silver Otter Award, in London.

Population

Dominantly Antanosy and Antandroy tribes