Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park: The Jewel of the Transition Forest

Welcome to Zombitse-Vohibasia, one of Madagascar’s best-kept secrets and an essential stop on your journey through the south. Tucked away in the Atsimo-Andrefana region, this park protects a vital and unique ecosystem, acting as a transition zone between the dry forests of the west and the spiny thickets of the south.

It is an oasis of green in a semi-arid landscape, offering an uncrowded and profoundly rewarding experience for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Why Visit Zombitse-Vohibasia?

This is a place where rare species flourish, and the dry forest habitat is unlike any other on the island. Zombitse-Vohibasia is a must for your itinerary:

• A Birdwatcher’s Dream: Nearly half of Madagascar’s endemic bird species have been recorded here. The park’s star attraction is the Appert’s Tetraka (formerly Appert’s Greenbul), which is found nowhere else on Earth. Other avian highlights include the Giant Coua, Crested Coua, and various colourful Vangas.
• The Dancing Sifakas: You are almost guaranteed to spot the iconic Verreaux’s Sifaka as they leap gracefully between the trees. The park is also home to the locally endemic Hubbard’s Sportive Lemur and other species like the Red-fronted Brown Lemur.
• Reptile Rarities: Keep your eyes peeled for impressive chameleons, including the world’s second-largest, the Oustalet’s Chameleon, and the beautifully patterned, locally endemic Standing’s Day Gecko.
• A Unique Botanical World: Explore a forest of adaptation where drought-resistant plants thrive. Witness towering Baobabs (Adansonia za and A. grandidieri) and spot the delicate, brightly coloured blooms of native orchids.

Planning Your Visit

Getting There

Zombitse-Vohibasia is one of Madagascar’s most accessible parks, located directly along the famous Route Nationale 7 (RN7).

• By Road: It is a convenient stop between Isalo National Park (approx. 90 km to the east) and the coastal town of Toliara/Tuléar (approx. 150 km to the southwest).
• Access: The park entrance and office are near the small town of Sakaraha.

Activities & Trails

The park’s trails are generally easy and flat, making them suitable for all fitness levels. Guided visits are mandatory and can be tailored to your interests, typically lasting a few hours.

• Wildlife Walks: Short loops allow for exceptional daylight sightings of lemurs and birds.
• Botanical Circuits: Explore dedicated trails to appreciate the unique flora, including baobabs and orchids.

Accommodation

There are no accommodations located inside the park itself. Most visitors stay in the nearby town of Sakaraha or at simple, charming options like the Zombitse Ecolodge just outside the park boundary. Alternatively, you can visit as a day trip while staying in Ranohira (Isalo National Park) or Toliara.

Your visit directly supports the local Bara and Mahafaly communities who act as guides and partners in conserving this precious forest.