Madagascar is the fourth-largest island on Earth by land area and home to an incredible range of plants and animals you won’t find anywhere else. Because the island split from mainland Africa millions of years ago, everything here evolved on its own path. Visiting Madagascar’s national parks is one of the best ways to see this up close.
The national parks in Madagascar cover a wide range of landscapes and ecosystems: humid rainforests to dry canyons and sharp limestone formations. What makes them special is how much life exists only here. Lemurs are probably the most famous, but you’ll also run into chameleons, odd insects, and birds that have never left the island. Some areas are thick with trees and mist, others are dry and exposed.
These parks also help protect what's left of Madagascar’s forests, which are shrinking fast, and many are connected to local communities that depend on eco-tourism.
If you’re planning your trip to Madagascar, these parks are some of the best things to do in Madagascar, with specialist Madagascar accommodation typically offering guided nature tours.
Isalo, Madagascar © Shutterstock
Located in the south, Isalo National Park stretches across more than 315 square miles (815 square km) and is one of the best national parks in Madagascar. The landscape is dramatic with sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and pockets of palm trees tucked into shady gorges. It’s often compared to the American Southwest, but with its own character. The terrain is dry and rugged on top, but down in the canyons, you’ll find small streams and natural pools.
The park is also an important site for the Bara people, who use some of the caves and crevices as burial grounds. You might notice piles of stones marking these sites during hikes.
Getting to Isalo is fairly straightforward. It’s right off the RN7 highway, which runs between Antananarivo and Toliara. Most people stay in the town of Ranohira, just outside the park. From the capital, it’s about 435 miles (700 km) to the southwest—a full day’s drive if you go straight through, but most people break it up with stops in towns like Antsirabe or Fianarantsoa.
If you don’t want to drive the whole way, you can fly into Toliara, which is about 150 miles (240 km) from the park, then make the rest of the journey by car. Yo ’ll also need to hire a local guide, which is required for all visits.
Dry season runs from April to October, and that’s generally the most comfortable time to go. The weather in Madagascar in June is 68–86°F (20–30°C), which is manageable for hiking. Trails are easier to walk, and the pools at the bottom of the canyons tend to be clear and refreshing. Whenever you go, early morning and late afternoon are the best times to hike—cooler temps and more active animals.
Chameleon in the primeval forests of the Andasibe National Park, Eastern Madagascar © Shutterstock
If you're hoping to see lemurs without trekking deep into the wilderness, Andasibe-Mantadia is where you’ll want to start. This rainforest park is a few hours east of Antananarivo and includes two connected areas: Analamazaotra Special Reserve (also known as Andasibe) and the larger, wilder Mantadia section. The forest sits between 2,600 and 4,100 feet (800–1,260 meters), so it’s usually misty and cool, with thick greenery all around.
One of the main draws here is the indri, a large, tailless lemur known for its haunting morning calls. If you're up early, you’ll likely hear them before you even see them. There are 13 other lemur species around too—like the diademed sifaka and the black-and-white ruffed lemur—plus lots of birds, frogs, and chameleons. See more of the lemurs of this island in our guide to Madagascar wildlife.
The park is about 95 miles (150 kilometers) east of the capital, along a paved highway (RN2). The drive usually takes 3 to 4 hours. Most travelers hire a driver or book a tour from Antananarivo, but if you're going the budget route, you can take a taxi-brousse (shared minibus) to Andasibe village.
Getting around Madagascar, however, can sometimes be tricky, and getting to the Mantadia section is a bit more involved—it’s about 12 miles (20 kilometers) north and only accessible by 4x4. Hotels in the area can usually help set up transport, which is especially helpful if you’re visiting during the rainy season, when the road can get rough. You’ll need to register at the park office, pay an entrance fee, and hire a local guide.
April to May and September to November tend to be the most comfortable months to visit. You’ll get moderate rainfall, cooler temperatures around 59–77°F (15–25°C), and decent trail conditions. From September through December, you might spot lemur babies, which can be fun to watch.
If hearing the indri’s call is on your list, aim for an early start—between 7 and 11 AM is usually when they’re most vocal.
Ranomafana is in Madagascar’s southeastern highlands and stretches across about 160 square miles (415 square kilometers). The name means “hot water,” a nod to the nearby thermal springs that draw travelers to the area. This park is known for its mix of mountain rainforest, rivers, and waterfalls, with elevations ranging from 2,600 to 3,900 feet (800–1,200 meters).
It was created after the discovery of the golden bamboo lemur in the 1980s and now protects several species—including the greater bamboo lemur, which was once thought to be extinct. You’ll also come across other lemurs, dozens of bird species, butterflies, frogs, chameleons, and even some unusual mammals like tenrecs.
The park is about 37 miles (60 kilometers) from Fianarantsoa, and most people get there via RN7—the main highway that runs south from Antananarivo. The whole trip from the capital takes about 7 hours, so many travelers break it up with a night in Antsirabe or Ambositra.
You can also take a taxi-brousse to the town of Ranomafana, but it’s slower and a bit more unpredictable. Either way, you’ll register at the park office near town, pay the entry fee, and hire a guide to explore. Guides are required and tend to know the trails and animals well.
Dry season runs from April to November. Lemurs and birds are often easiest to spot first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. If you go in the wet season,you can expect lush forest and plenty of life, but also muddy trails and cooler nights—temps can drop to 50–59°F (10–15°C), so layers help. See more about what to pack in our Madagascar travel tips.
Tsingy de Bemaraha, Madagascar © Shutterstock
Tsingy de Bemaraha, in northwest Madagascar, is one of those places that’s hard to describe until you’ve seen it. It’s a giant stretch of sharp limestone towers—some of them more than 330 feet (100 meters) tall—that look almost like a stone forest. The name tsingy means “where one cannot walk barefoot.”
The park covers about 600 square miles (1,575 square kilometers) and has two main sections: Petit Tsingy, which is a bit easier to explore, and Grand Tsingy, which is more intense. In Grand Tsingy, you’ll be climbing through tight spaces, crossing suspension bridges, and using cables and ladders to move through the rocks. It’s not an easy walk, but it’s an experience you probably won’t forget. For adventure lovers, it could be a great addition to a Madagascar honeymoon itinerary.
It’s not quick or easy to get here. The park is somewhat close to a village called Bekopaka, and most trips start in Morondava, a town on the west coast. You can fly there from Antananarivo or drive, but the drive is long—about 435 miles (700 kilometers), usually split over a couple of days.
From Morondava, it’s another full day (8 to 10 hours) to Bekopaka on a rough road with two river crossings. You’ll need a 4x4 vehicle, and the road is only usable during the dry season (April to November).
Because of the conditions, many people go with organized tours from Morondava or Antananarivo. These usually include a stop at the Avenue of the Baobabs, which is on the way.
The park is only open during the dry season, from April to November. If you want to see both Petit and Grand Tsingy, aim for June through early November. That’s when everything’s generally accessible and the trails are safe.
Daytime temperatures between June and October usually stay between 77–95°F (25–35°C). It can get pretty hot on the exposed rocks, especially midday, so early starts are a good idea / is a good way to stay healthy in Madagascar.
Tropical jungle river at the beach of Masoala National Park in Madagascar © Shutterstock
Masoala is on the northeastern coast of Madagascar and is the largest protected area in the country. It covers about 888 square miles (2,300 square kilometers) of rainforest, plus about 39 square miles (100 square kilometers) of marine areas. It’s one of the most biologically diverse places in Madagascar, with everything from dense jungle and mangroves to coral reefs and quiet beaches.
You’ll see species here that don’t exist anywhere else. The red-ruffed lemur is one of the most well-known, but there are plenty of other lemurs, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, too. The reef areas are packed with marine life, including thousands of fish species. @madagascar
It takes a bit of work to reach Masoala. Most people start in Maroantsetra, a small port town that’s accessible by daily flights from Antananarivo or by boat from Toamasina. From there, you’ll need to take a boat across Antongil Bay. Depending on where you’re staying, the boat ride can take anywhere from two to four hours.
Most people book a package through a lodge or tour operator that helps with all the planning—permits, guides, transportation, and so on. There’s not much infrastructure, and going fully on your own can be challenging if you don’t know the area.
You can usually arrange the boat through your lodge, a local operator, or the park office in Maroantsetra. The weather makes a big difference here—especially during cyclone season (January to March), when the sea can be too rough to cross safely. Once you’re in the park, everything is done either on foot or by boat, depending on where you’re going.
The most comfortable time to go is between September and December. Rainfall is lighter, temperatures are pleasant— for example, the weather in Madagascar in October is usually between 72–86°F (22–30°C)—and travel by foot or boat is easier. October and November are good months to spot humpback whales in Antongil Bay.
Andringitra National Park view, Madagascar © Robin Nichols/Shutterstock
Andringitra National Park can be found in the southeastern highlands of Madagascar and covers a remote, mountainous stretch of the Andringitra Massif. The park’s been protected since 1999 and includes everything from low valleys to Madagascar’s second-highest peak, Boby Peak, which tops out at 8,720 feet (2,658 meters). The range in elevation means a lot of different plants and animals live here—some that only exist in this part of the country.
The landscape is dramatic: steep granite cliffs, natural pools, rivers, and waterfalls. If you’re planning on trekking, this is a good place to lace up your boots. You can go out for a short hike or take on a multi-day route, including the popular three-day trip to the top of Boby Peak. It’s not easy, but the views over the highlands are the kind that stick with you.
The park is about 29 miles (47 km) south of Ambalavao. Most people come through Ambalavao, which is about 34 miles (55 km) south of Fianarantsoa along the RN7. From Ambalavao, you’ll need to drive a bumpy dirt road to either Namoly or Morarano, the main park entrances. That stretch takes around 2 to 3 hours and usually needs a 4x4—especially if it’s been raining.
If you’re starting from Antananarivo, it’s about 7 hours by car (or longer in a taxi-brousse) to Fianarantsoa, then on to Ambalavao and the park. Because of the remote location, it’s common to fold this stop into a larger trip through southern Madagascar, with other stops like Anja Reserve or Isalo National Park.
Dry season—April through November—is usually the best window. April–May and September–October tend to have the most stable weather. Trails are easier to manage, and it’s more comfortable for hiking. The park technically stays open year-round, but January through March gets very wet, and many roads and trails can be unsafe or completely washed out.
Waterfall Amber Mountain National Park, Madagascar © Shutterstock
Amber Mountain (Montagne d’Ambre) is in northern Madagascar, just south of Antsiranana (also called Diego Suarez). It’s a volcanic mountain covered in rainforest, standing out in the middle of a dry, hot region. Because of its height—between 2,800 and 4,840 feet (850 to 1,475 meters)—the park has a cool, misty climate that feels totally different from the lowlands nearby.
The forest here is dense and green year-round. You’ll find crater lakes, waterfalls, wild orchids, and tree ferns. There’s a ton of wildlife too, like crowned lemurs, leaf-tailed geckos, and the one of the world’s smallest chameleons, Brookesia minima. Trails are well-marked and relatively easy to navigate, so you can explore the forest without needing to be a hardcore hiker.
The park entrance is about an hour south of Antsiranana by car—roughly 19 miles (30 km). Most travelers either stay in Antsiranana and do day trips, or spend the night in Joffreville (also called Ambohitra), a small village right on the park’s edge. Joffreville is quieter and puts you close enough to walk into the forest.
Trails can get muddy even in the dry season, so waterproof shoes help. Reptiles and amphibians are most active between November and April, but wildlife in general is around all year. Early morning hikes are your best bet for animal sightings and clear weather before the mist settles in. No matter when you go, bring rain gear and an extra layer—it can be damp and chilly under the trees.
Kirindy isn’t technically a national park—it’s a private reserve—but it protects one of the last patches of dry deciduous forest in western Madagascar. Around 24,700 acres (10,000 hectares) of baobab trees, sandy trails, and seasonal streams make this a good stop if you're curious about landscapes that used to stretch across this whole side of the island.
What makes Kirindy stand out is how much wildlife is packed into one area. It’s one of the few places you can see a fossa, a cat-like predator that lives only in Madagascar. The forest is also home to eight types of lemurs, including the tiny Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur—which weighs about an ounce (30 grams). You might also see giant jumping rats, tenrecs, and plenty of birds. Because the forest floor is relatively open, it’s easier to spot animals here than in the denser rainforests. Day walks are rewarding, but night walks are really worth it if you’re interested in seeing more nocturnal species.
Kirindy is about 37 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of Morondava. You can fly into Morondava from Antananarivo, or drive there overland via the RN35. The drive is long and usually broken up over a few days.
From Morondava, it takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Kirindy by dirt road. A 4x4 is necessary, especially during the rainy season. Most people arrange transport through their hotel or book a local tour, often with a stop at the Avenue of the Baobabs around sunset.
Dry season runs from April to November, and these months are generally better for spotting wildlife. From September to November, animals are especially active, and the forest is barer, so visibility improves.
This is also when fossas are more likely to be seen—they move around more in search of mates. Temperatures during the day typically sit between 77–95°F (25–35°C), so mornings and late afternoons are the most comfortable times to be out walking.
Zombitse-Vohibasia sits along the RN7 between Isalo and Tulear and makes a handy stop if you’re traveling that route. The park covers roughly 89,700 acres (36,308 hectares) and falls in a transition zone between Madagascar’s western dry forest and the southern spiny forest. Because of that, the vegetation is a mix of both and creates a habitat you won’t really see elsewhere.
Birds are the main draw here—over 85 species live in the park, including Appert’s greenbul, which is only found in this forest. You’ll also find lemurs (including Verreaux’s sifaka), reptiles, and butterflies along the trails. The forest is relatively easy to navigate and doesn’t take long to explore.
This is one of the most accessible parks in the country. The entrance sits right on the RN7 highway, about 91 miles (147 kilometers) northeast of Tulear and 56 miles (90 kilometers) southwest of Isalo. If you’re driving between the two, you’ll pass it naturally.
Most people visit with a private car or as part of a tour. There’s a small visitor center where you check in, pay your fees, and meet the local guide who leads all hikes. If you’re traveling by taxi-brousse, you can ask to be dropped off near the entrance, but you'll need to plan your onward transport in advance, since nothing stops there regularly.
The dry season from April to November is the best window for walking the trails and seeing wildlife. April-May and September-October are especially comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 68–86°F (20–30°C).
Because the forest stays greener than others in the region, it doesn’t dry out completely, but animals still tend to gather near water during the dry months, which makes them easier to see. If you’re planning on birdwatching, try to visit early in the day (between 7 and 10 AM), when the forest is most active.
Tsingy Ankarana, Madagascar © Shutterstock
Ankarana National Park in northern Madagascar is a fascinating place to explore, especially if you’re visiting Madagascar’s national parks to see geology or wildlife. It covers about 70 square miles (18,220 hectares) and is known for its dramatic limestone formations—sharp, jagged pinnacles known as “tsingy.” These spiky landscapes are broken up by dry forests, deep caves, underground rivers, and sunken pockets of greenery that feel completely hidden from view. Some of the cave systems stretch more than 75 miles (120 kilometers), and the park’s name—Ankarana—means “where there are rocks” in Malagasy.
There’s a lot of wildlife, too. Eight species of lemurs live here, including the crowned lemur and Sanford’s brown lemur, which are only found in the north of Madagascar. The forests are home to over 100 bird species, plus reptiles, amphibians, and insects that exist nowhere else. What’s nice is how easy it is to get around. You can follow marked trails through the forest, cross rope bridges that span the tsingy, and explore caves.
The park is about 67 miles (108 kilometers) southwest of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), and about 19 miles (30 kilometers) from Ambilobe. Most people enter through Mahamasina, right off the RN6 highway. If you're coming from Antsiranana, it’s a 2–3 hour drive by private car or taxi-brousse. You can also reach it from Nosy Be—first by boat to Ankify, then by road.
There are two entrances: Mahamasina (more commonly used) and another near Ambondromifehy. Both have offices where you’ll register, pay your entry fee, and meet your guide—it’s required to enter with one.
The best time to go is during the dry season—roughly April to November—with the driest and most comfortable months being May through October. Trails are easier to walk, caves are more accessible, and the limestone scenery stands out clearly against the dry-season skies. The eastern part of the park gets more rain than the west, but both are more manageable in the dry season. Lemurs and birds tend to stay near water sources, which makes them easier to spot.
Berenty isn’t technically a national park in Madagascar, but it’s made our list because it is one of the more accessible wildlife areas, and one of the most famous wildlife spots in Madagascar. It’s a small private reserve—about 1 square mile (250 hectares)—in the country’s arid south, sitting along the Mandrare River. It’s been around since 1936, and protects a pocket of spiny and gallery forest surrounded by sisal plantations.
The big draw here is the wildlife. Berenty is one of the easier places to see lemurs up close, especially ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux’s sifakas, which are known for the way they hop sideways across the ground. Because animals here are used to people, you don’t need to search for long before you spot something. There’s also a mix of birdlife, fruit bats, and reptiles. The trails are flat and straightforward, and there’s accommodation on-site, so you can take your time walking through the forest and watching animals go about their day. This is a great place to visit in Madagascar with kids.
Berenty is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of Fort Dauphin (Tolagnaro). The drive takes 2.5 to 3 hours and passes through a mix of spiny forest and sisal plantations. Fort Dauphin has regular flights from Antananarivo that take about two hours.
Because public transport isn’t reliable here, most people book a car through their hotel or go with a guided tour that includes Berenty. The reserve has its own lodge, and rooms can fill up, especially in the dry season, so it’s worth booking early.
Dry season, from April through November, is the most comfortable time to visit. It’s usually between 68–86°F (20–30°C), and the trails stay dry. That said, wildlife is fairly easy to see year-round because the forest is relatively open and the animals are used to people.Toward the end of the dry season (August to November), trees start to lose their leaves, which makes it even easier to spot lemurs in the branches.
Andohahela is a fascinating place in southeastern Madagascar. It covers about 293 square miles (760 square kilometers) and is unusual because it brings together three very different ecosystems in one area: rainforest, dry spiny forest, and a transitional zone in between.
You’ll find 13 species of lemur here, plus over 130 types of birds, dozens of reptiles and amphibians, and an impressive mix of plant life—including the rare triangular palm, which only grows in this region. The shifts in scenery are dramatic: parts of the park get around 71 inches (1,800 mm) of rain a year, while others see less than 24 inches (600 mm).
Your best base is Fort Dauphin (Tolagnaro), about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the park. From there, it depends which part of the park you want to visit. For the rainforest section (Parcel 1), head to the village of Isaka-Ivondro—about a 1.5-hour drive. The road is rough, and during the rainy season, you’ll need a 4x4.
To get to the spiny forest section (Parcel 2), drive about 2 hours along the RN13 to the village of Ihazofotsy. The transitional zone (Parcel 3) is less accessible and usually requires a bit of advance planning. Public transportation is minimal, so it’s easiest to arrange a ride and guide through a hotel or local operator.
For the rainforest section, September and October tend to have the best weather—still green but not too muddy. The spiny forest is drier year-round, but still more comfortable from April to November, with daytime temperatures typically between 68–82°F (20–28°C).
The rainy season (December to March) makes travel trickier. Trails in the rainforest can get too muddy to hike, and getting there by road might be slow going. The spiny forest stays relatively dry during this time, but the heat can make hiking less enjoyable.
Giant gecko in Madagascar's rainforest © Artush/Shutterstock
Nosy Mangabe is a small island in northeastern Madagascar, just off the coast near Maroantsetra. It’s only about 2 square miles (520 hectares), but it feels bigger when you’re there, surrounded by dense rainforest and the constant sound of running water.
The forest is thick, humid, and full of life—frogs, geckos, chameleons, and several lemur species all live here. The rare aye-aye was introduced to the island in the 1960s and is still here, though spotting one takes a lot of patience and luck. The beaches are quiet, the water is clear, and the forest feels untouched (this is home to some of the best beaches in Madagascar).
First, you’ll need to get to Maroantsetra. Most people fly in from Antananarivo, which takes about 1.5 hours. Driving is possible, but it’s slow and complicated.
From Maroantsetra, the boat ride to the island takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on weather and the type of boat. Boats can usually be arranged through the Madagascar National Parks office, your hotel, or a local guide. There aren’t any buildings or services on the island itself, so if you plan to stay overnight, you’ll need to bring your own tent, food, and water. There are some basic campsites, but that’s about it.
The best stretch of time is from September to December. It’s still a rainforest, so expect rain, but it’s a little drier and the temperatures—typically 72–86°F (22–30°C)—are easier to manage. The sea is usually calmer then too, which makes the boat ride smoother. Boat trips can be delayed or canceled during cyclone season (January to March), so it’s good to have flexible plans.
If you’re visiting between September and November, you might see humpback whales in the Bay of Antongil during the crossing from Maroantsetra.
Lokobe Strict Reserve beach view in Nosy Be, Madagascar © Shutterstock
Lokobe is where you can experience Madagascar’s national parks without leaving the island of Nosy Be. It’s about 1,830 acres (740 hectares) of protected rainforest on the island’s southeastern coast—the last bit of primary forest still standing here. It used to be a Special Reserve, but it became a national park in 2011.
It’s a manageable size, which makes it easier to explore, and it’s home to some animals you won’t find outside northern Madagascar. That includes black lemurs—males are black, females are reddish-brown—as well as the rarely seen northern sportive lemur and the tiny Nosy Be mouse lemur. You might also spot Brookesia minima, one of the world’s smallest chameleons, plus a mix of snakes, geckos, and more than 50 bird species.
What makes it convenient is the location: you can spend a few hours walking through dense forest, spotting lemurs, and then be back on the beach in time for lunch.
You’ll need to get to Nosy Be first. Most people fly into Fascene Airport from Antananarivo, or sometimes from international hubs. There’s also a boat from Ankify on the mainland if you're coming that way.
Once you’re on Nosy Be, head to the village of Ambatozavavy on the east coast—it’s about a 30-minute drive from the main town of Hell-Ville (also called Andoany). From there, it’s a 30–40 minute ride across Ampasilava Bay in a dugout canoe, or pirogue. The boat trip is part of the experience, taking you past mangroves before reaching the forest.
The dry season—from April to November—is the most comfortable time to visit. May through October tends to bring less rain and lower humidity, with temperatures around 68–86°F (20–30°C). The sea is also calmer during these months, which makes the boat ride easier.
Wildlife is active year-round, but mornings are best for spotting lemurs and birds. If you head out around 7 AM, you’ll catch animals feeding before the sun gets too hot and they retreat into the trees.
Montagne d’Ambre (or Amber Mountain) is a forested mountain park in Madagascar’s north. It was established back in 1958 and stretches across about 45,000 acres (18,200 hectares), rising from around 2,800 feet to just under 4,850 feet (850–1,475 meters). The altitude and forest cover create a cooler, wetter environment that’s noticeably different from the dry surroundings.
The forest here feels lush and green, with crater lakes, waterfalls, and huge trees covered in moss and ferns. You’ll potentially come across crowned lemurs and Sanford’s brown lemurs, plus loads of reptiles and amphibians, especially if you're walking slowly and paying attention.
Well-marked trails wind through the park, so it’s easy to plan short or longer walks depending on how much time and energy you have. The cooler temperatures also make it more comfortable than some of the hotter, lower-altitude parks.
The park sits about 19 miles (30 kilometers) south of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez). You can base yourself in the city or stay in the nearby village of Joffreville (Ambohitra), which is only about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from the park entrance. From Antsiranana, it’s roughly an hour’s drive—paved most of the way, then dirt toward the end. Local hotels can usually help arrange transport or guided tours.
April to November is the best window weather-wise, especially April–May and September–November, when conditions are drier and trails are easier to manage. That said, the park stays cool and humid all year thanks to the altitude. Expect daytime temperatures between 59–77°F (15–25°C), which is quite a bit cooler than the coast.
Even during the dry months, it can rain, so a light rain jacket is a good idea. The wet season (December to March) sees heavier rain and very muddy trails, but it’s also when you’ll see more reptiles and amphibians moving around.
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 12.05.2025
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