The National Park of Zahamena - Buried Treasures

 
The park is one of the rare spots sheltering the Paroedura masobe, a species of gecko classified as being of 'Exceptional Universal Value', easily identified thanks to its colouring: black with white spots and large black eyes.
 
This little treasure of Mother Nature shares the beautiful park with the Propithecus diadema, a lemur whose distinctive feature is a yellowish white stripe across its forehead, over its ears and going down to its throat. The Zahamena National Park is in a region of dense rain forest, with stunningly rich flora, including 60 species of orchids.
 
The site also has natural pools and waterfalls, one of the latter being the sacred falls of Andranomitsangana, over 80 metres in height.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine October 2019

Useful Information

When to go

The park has two microclimates: subtropical in the west and humid in the east. The site is open to visitors all the year round from 7am to 4pm.

How to get there

The park is situated between the regions of Alaotra Mangoro, Atsinanana and Analanjirofo, 348km from the capital. To get there, take the RN2 main road from Moramanga. When you get to Ambatondrazaka, continue driving as far as Imerimandroso, then turn off at Ankasina (bridge of Lovoka). The entrance to the park is in the village of Ankosy.

Where to stay

It is possible to camp in the park. Otherwise, there are several places to stay in the town of Ambatondrazaka: the Paradis du Lac, Zama Meva, Hotel Max’Irène and the 3 Cocotiers Hotel.

Where to eat

The region of Antsihanaka is well-known for its freshwater fish, caught in the lake of Alaotra. The restaurants and snack-bars, both in Imerimandroso and Ambatondrazaka, serve various dishes prepared with Tilapias, Carp and Snapper. You can taste typical Malagasy dishes at the Maminjatovo restaurant or Chinese specialities at the Restaurant Tsang.

What to see

Both lovers of sport and of nature are welcome. If you are lucky, you may spot a rare bird called the Tyto soumagnei (Malagasy red owl). During your stay, learn about the history of the Imerimandroso (‘Imerina who move forward’), a village founded in 1794. In the south of the village, visit the two rocks that are a symbol of the authority of King Andrianampoinimerina.