The Best Reasons to Visit Madagascar
Located in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is a small jewel. This island nation is where Mother Nature seems to have let her imagination go wild. No visitor to Madagascar can remain untouched by the rich bounty of plants and animals. They seem to have evolved uniquely into some of the most unusual wildlife on the planet.
Parc National de L’Isalo
Located in the Toliary region, southwest of Antananarivo, Parc National de L’Isalo has sandstone structures that date back to the Jurassic era. This national park has deep canyons, open grassland, and fire-resistant forests. All this makes it one of the most stunning places in the region. It is perfect for hiking through the canyons.
The flora and wildlife is also nothing short of spectacular. The park hosts no less than 14 lemur species, 33 reptiles and 82 bird species. Some of these species are unique to this region and can be found nowhere else on the planet. Here you will find riparian forests along rivers, fire resistant Tapia and Heza forests. Be sure to book a guide and get on the trail. It can take anything from a day to seven days. However, it will be well worth it.
Ranomafana National Park
Meaning hot water in Malagasy, the Ranomafana National Park is perhaps one the most spectacular forests on this planet. It has an overwhelming range of wildlife species. It has 12 species of lemur, including the golden bamboo lemur. There are at least 115 catalogs species in these forests of which 30 are endemic to this region.
This is a rainforest and the wildlife is not just the sole attraction. Ranomafana National Park is almost like a magical forest straight out of a children’s book. There are medicinal trees, rare plants, and even carnivorous plants. It also has many species of orchids and palm trees. The forest is bisected in many areas by small streams, ending in the Namorona River.
Andasibe and Mantadia National Park
Originally part of the same forest, the Andasibe and Mantadia National Park is now divided into two different forests. The former is close to Andasibe village while the latter is a much larger national park. These are dense humid forests and full of some of the most unusual plant life on the planet. The forests are covered with moss, lians, ferns, and orchids. There are also some precious and rare trees here.
Whatever you do, you cannot miss Indri’s call. Indris are the largest lemurs, with heights reaching up to a meter. Their peculiar cry can be heard all around the park. What makes this national park the best place to spot them are a couple of families that are habituated to the
presence of humans. Apart from them, there are 13 other lemur species. In addition, the Park has some 100 bird species like the Madagascar Wagtail, and 15 mammal species. Do try to spot the reptiles. There are some 50 species here, including the island’s biggest chameleon and the leaf-tailed geckos.
You can go on the many trails that go through the forest to spot its unique wildlife. These often include many of the holy places of the ancient residents of these forests.…