Zahamena National Park

Localization

East Madagascar, 40 kilometres north-east of Ambatondrazaka, 70 kilometres to the northwest of Tamatave and about 25 kilometres east from Lake Alaotra.

Access

Quite difficult - by 4x4 vehicle only. From Ambatondrazaka 67 km offroad to the park office in Antanandava and another 8 km to the park entry nearby Ankosy (altogether about 4 hours drive). Very experienced driver is a must.

Characteristic

423 km²; Rugged, hilly landscape of the eastern rock faces as part of the mountainous hinterland of Madagascar with an elevation range of 254–1,560 metres. This terrain forms the dividing line of the lowlands with lots of canyons and steep slopes. The land area of the park has well defined boundaries on the north east and south. The park is divided into two zones (on the east and west) by a corridor with settled villages in between. The park area is made up of many valleys and is drained by lots of rivers. Climatically, the park is tropical and humid even during the dry season. It receives an annual rainfall in the range of 180–200 cm; the average temperature recorded is in the range of 15-28C. Typical ecosystems: primary tropical rain forest, sclerophyllous montane forest, freshwater ecosystems.

Fauna + Flora

Species List - See the Attachment Below

(Species list may not be complete)

Possible activities

There exist only two circuits hiking ciruits inside Zahamena National Park. Both need at least one whole day or longer.

Note

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO

No tourist infrastructure inside the park.

Rarely visited national park.