- Address: Andohahela National Park, Anosy, Toliara Province, Madagascar
- Area: 800 square meters. km
- Year of foundation: 1970
- Phone: +261 22 92 904 85
One of the most beautiful national parks on the planet is Anduhahela (Andohahela National Park). It is located in the south-eastern part of Madagascar and ranks first in the country for biodiversity.
Description of the protected area
The reserve was established in 1939, and had an area of 30 thousand hectares. The official opening of the National Park occurred in 1970, today its territory is 800 square meters. km. In 1999, the nature protection facility was nominated for the best environmental program, and in 2007 Andukhakhelu was recognized as a world heritage.
The National Park is surrounded by the Anosy mountain massif, which forms a natural barrier against the damp eastern winds. This is one of the main reasons why the territory of Anduhahela is divided into 3 different ecosystems. Here there is a temperature fluctuation from +20 ° С to + 26 ° С and a difference in altitude from 118 to 1970 m above sea level.
This is the only southern reserve in the world, which has dense tropical forests and includes a transition between natural areas: from the moist east to the arid southern. Here springs and rivers originate, which bring moisture to many regions of the country and are the main sources of water.
Fauna of the nature protection zone
In the National Park, tropical amphibians and reptiles, birds and mammals live peacefully among themselves. The reserve is the main habitat for ring-tailed lemurs.
They live in large groups, the number of which can reach up to 30 individuals. In total, there are 12 species of these animals (red-necked, sifaki), and 5 of them live in a semi-desert area.
There are 75 species of reptiles in Andúchakhela. The largest of these are Sitri (Chalarodon madagascariensis) and Citrimba (Oplurus quadrimaculatus), they reach a length of 20 and 40 cm, respectively. The largest and most beautiful snake is Acranthophis dumerili, its length is about 3 m.
On the territory of the reserve there are 129 different birds. The most rare is the Madagascar fanovan flytrap. It can be found in the vicinity of Manangotry.
Flora of the National Park
In Andukhakhela, there are approximately 1000 different plants, of which more than 200 varieties of fern. The most interesting are such endemics:
- tree Fantsiolitse or Alluaudia procera, its height reaches 12 m, blooms in August and September;
- baobab Pachypodes - dwarf species of plants;
- Diospiros sp - ebony tree, up to 20 m high, blooms in June;
- palm Dypsis decaryi;
- the traveler's tree is equal. It is a symbol of Madagascar, having a height of 4 m and up to 12 m, blossoms all year round;
- Vahinamalo - wild vanilla, presented in the form of a creeper, blossoms with large white flowers in September and August.
In the reserve you can have a great time, watching the life of animals and admiring the unique landscapes.
What else is the park famous for?
On the conservation area, the indigenous tribes Antanosy and Antandroy live. They are engaged in beekeeping, livestock farming and farming. Travelers who want to get acquainted with local culture and life can visit the settlement.
Features of visit
For the rest to be comfortable, tourists should have with themselves warm and light things, a hat with fields, a waterproof raincoat, bathing accessories, a supply of drinking water, sunscreens and repellents.
Several trekking and hiking routes have been created for travelers in the park, which have a different path and complexity. There are tourist companies that provide services for the guide and porters, as well as accommodation.
How to get there?
You can get to Andujahela National Park from the city of Tolanaro (Fort Dauphin) only on the off-road car on the road number 13. The journey takes up to 2 hours.