the Zombitse Vohibasia National Park

 
 
Looking for exceptional panoramas? To enrich yourself with wilderness? To meet with lemurs? Then this destination is right for you: the Zombitse Vohibasia National Park, which is located in the southern part of Madagascar.
 
The legendary RN7 runs through it, linking the city of Toliara with the capital of the Big Island. There are four tours to choose from, which are worth a try due to their authenticity. Out there, it's the wilderness that catches everyone's eye. A semi-arid climate with two distinct seasons has sculpted the vegetation. On one hand, a dense and dry forest formation, as well as a savanna area characterizes the scenery. On the other hand, there is another area composed of a dense and dry deciduous forest and a humid formation sublimated by the Ravenea rivularis, a local endemic palm tree. These sites, which are fascinating in every respect, are the natural habitat of the famous lemurs, including Eulemur rufus, Lemur catta, Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi and five other species.
 
By following the "Mandresy" tour, you will be able to meet them. Dive amid baobabs, reptiles and the sweet songs of birds. Within two clock turns, this circuit, considered very easy to access, will provide you with an enjoyable adventure. If you love flora, this site is full of surprises and will take you to another world. The orchid and endemic flora enthusiasts can choose the "Velomihanta" tour, which will be very easy for you to access as well.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine December 2018

Useful Information

When to go

The park can be visited almost all year long, from 8am to 4pm. The region is characterised by a hot and dry tropical climate with an average temperature of 23 to 24°C. The "Tsiokatimo" wind blows there. The rainy season ranges from January to March.

How to get there

You can reach Zombitse Vohibasia National Park by flying with Air Madagascar / Tsaradia to Tulear and continue by car, 150km further to the north. Alternatively, you can use the N7, the park is 20km away from Sakaraha, 360km from Fianarantsoa and 841km from the capital.

Where to stay

In the flagship city of sapphire, you can stay at the Palace Hotel, located beside the national road or book at the Relais de Sakaraha. In Ilakaka, Friends Hotel will give you a warm and very friendly welcome. In Isalo, Le Jardin du Roy, Le Relais de la Reine or Isalo Rock Lodge are suitable addresses.

Where to eat

Try the menu at the Palace Hotel in Sakaraha, or at the Relais de Sakaraha. Hotel Satrana Lodge, located at the entrance to Isalo Park, is renowned for its mouth-watering cuisine.

What to see

In addition to the exceptional biodiversity displayed at this site of 36,000 hectares, take the opportunity to get acquainted with the Bara culture, the predominant one in the region. A short detour to Isalo National Park, 90km to the west, might not be a bad idea!