World Heritage Sites in Madagascar

The island of Madagascar is full of varied traditions and cultures, mixing sacred places, particular arts and protected natural areas where a multitude of endemic animals and plants are living. Thus these numerous treasures have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site so that they’ll be always protected, and because they represent and exceptional interest for the common heritage of humanity.

Zafimaniry Art
The Zafimaniry occupy a mountainous area to the southeast of Ambositra and have developed an exceptional architectural art across the ages. Doors and windows are elaborated in wood and sculpted in the form of geometric figures representing the Zafimaniry universe. Registered as a UNESCO Wolrd Heritage Site, this incredible art will impress you.

An art recognized worldwide
Registered in 2008 as a UNESCO Wolrd Heritage Site, Zafimaniry art is the last repository of woodworking in Madagascar. History tells how in the 18th century, the Zafimaniry people retreated into the forested lands of the Southeast to escape deforestation. Their refined art is very interesting and many tourists come to admire their symbols. During your excursions you’ll find that all the houses, shutters and daily life objects are meticulously carved and richly carved in wood. The tree forms reflect the Austronesian culture but also the Arab influence.

The Zafimaniry use 20 different species of endemic trees, each one is adapted to a specific type of construction or decorative function. The geometric motifs which decorate the shutters and windows of these wooden houses are reminiscences of magic signs designed to protect the community and to testify to its links with its environment. This is the peculiarity of their art: in the ties that the Zafimaniry weave between themselves and with nature.

GREAT ARCHITECTS
The Zafimaniry are known to be very good architects. Indeed, during your strolls in the villages you won’t miss to see that all the houses are built without nails or hinges and are completely removable. With relatively large sizes, they are decorated with geometric engravings called “sokitra”.

Go to visit the Zafimaniry land
Treks from 2 days to a week are offered. They allow you to immerse yourself in this particularly preserved and authentic region. In the evening, you’ll be accomodated in these beautiful traditional carved houses. You will live at the rhythm of the village, a true initiatory journey in lands where beliefs and legends are transmitted from generation to generation.

Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
Religious capital and holy city of the kingdom of Madagascar in the 19th century, today it’s a sacred and spiritual place. True representation of the Malaasy identity and of the political structure, it has kept all its splendor and its strength through time.

Vestige of Malagasy culture
Made up of a royal city, funerary sites and numerous sacred places, the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga reflects a history and a strong identity of the Malagasy culture. Mix of sacred and spirituality, for 500 years it’s a place of pilgrimage and worship to discover and to admire. Indeed, with an exceptional architecure and authentic landscapes, you feel the strength of history and the passing time. It’s also the remarkable testimony of Austronesian culture, through the cult of ancestors and agricultural practices. The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga constitues a remarkable architectural ensemble endowed with exceptional cultural landscapes reminiscent of the great periods of the history of the country.

Some history
Ambohimanga is the base of the dynasty which led the Merina kingdom at its height (today Madagascar). Twelve hills directed and unified by the great king Andrianampoinimerina who ruled for seven years and transferred the capital of the kingdom to Antananarivo.

Mahandrihono Royal Palace
You must go admire the former house of Andrianampoinimerina, the greatest king of the country. You’ll discover a place full of history and next to it, the summer Palace of the queen as well as the conference room of the queen and prime minister. An excursion that will delight the whole family.

Bemaraha National Park
The Tsingy was the first refuge for the inhabitants of the island and it is located 820km west of Antananarivo. The Tsingy offers one of the most spectacular landscapes in Madagascar. This is why it was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by the Bemaraha park. You will be able to admire these fabulous landscapes with sharp spikes.

An incredible natural reserve !
The Tsingy was classified as UNESCO World Heritage in 1990 and occupies a part of the limestone plateau of the same name that is a part of the Bemaraha National Park which was classified as UNESCO World Heritage in 1997. The Tsingy is one of the most spectacular landscapes of Madagascar with its network of rifts, crevasses, and limestome blocks that are carved in sharped blades.

Millions of years ago, this region was buried beneath the sea. Corals and shells were stacked and welded together to form a huge plate of 200m thick. The water gradually retreated, leaving the limestone in the open air, forming diaclases and canyons.

After that, the rain begain its long erosion work on the surface and in the depth. The “roof” of the Tsingy can reach very high temperatures while at the bottom of the canyon, the vegetation has difficulty tending towards the light to get vital photosynthesis. With its breathtaking landscapes, the Bemaraha National Park is the first place of visit in Madagascar. You won’t be disappointed.

AN INCREDIBLE NATURAL WEALTH !
The Bemaraha Reserve has a considerable number of endemic and diverse species. Nearly 400 animal speacies (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians) are listed in the park, and no less than 900 native plants of the island grow there.

Discover the tsingy
It is recommended to hire a guide when surveying the maze of these limestone cathedrals. Besides, it is obligatory to hire a guide when visiting the Tsingy of Bemaraha. Make sure you have good walking shoes and a comfortable outfit. Tours are organized and adapted according to the amount of time you want to spend and your whether you want to go far or close.

What activities are offered?
Two large rivers cross the park and those are ! The Tsiribihina and the Manambolo. When you are accompanied by your guide, you will travel in a pirogue through these rivers that border steep gorges that are the sharp points of the tsingy.

For the more sporty, you will have the opportunity to go trekking or bike riding through the plateau of Bemaraha. Vacuum lovers will also be able to opt for a session in the limestone wells and in the impressive underground cavities of the rock. If you wish to explore the underground galleries of the canyongs, caving tours are also available.

Marojejy National Park
You should go for a ride in the sublime park of Marojejy to see its misty massif. In an indescribable land of mystery and escape, you will be able to stroll through the depths of thick primary forests and watch this nature sanctuary and its amazing biodiversity closely.

A breathtaking landscape
The Marojejy National Park is located in northeast Madagascar between cities of Andapa and Sambava. This unique massif contains and enigmatic and mysterious atmosphere. It is often described as a wonder of nature, and you cannot ignore the excess of its scarps and its high cliffs, where there is impenetrable mist. Be prepared to climb, because Marojejy overflows with steep reliefs offering sublime landscape to the nature lovers.

You will discover rich biodiversity and incomparable fauna and flora awaits you there such as ferns, palms, birds, lemurs, amphibians, and reptiles of all kinds. The park is open all year long but the best times to go are from April to May and from September to December when rains are rare.

The Marojejy massif is recognized worldwide for its exceptional biodiversity. There are 4 different types of forests, with a multitude of ferns, palms, and flowers that will delight all the nature lovers. There are also many animals such as boophis or sanzinia. The park is full of colorful birds with endemic species such as the blue coua or siketribe, but also white-fronted lemurs. If you feel like it, you can admire an old fossil of the famous takthajania perrieri, a plan of the dinosaur period, discovered 120 million years ago.

What can you do ?
Sport enthusiasts will not be outdone. This park offers numerous camps to stay at. After pacing the meanders of the rainforest, you will only want one thing and that is to rest. The more adventurous will be able to cross the park more sportively during special activities such as treks or specialized hikes. Many providers will offer you customized trekking hours or hiking hours, where you will be able to admire the rich and colorful nature that the park offers.

Masoala National Park
The Masoala region, especially the Cape Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an exceptional location thanks to the diversity of its landscapes and the activities that can be done there. You will discover a unique and incredible spot where all dreams are allowed. A wide choice of hiking, diving, and cultural visits is offered to you.

Masoala is located in northeastern Madagascar, in the region of Diego Suarez, and it is the largest protected area of the island. Masoala is one of the greatest hotspots of global biodiversity. That is why it has been declared as a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2007. Half of the endemic plan species are observable in the park. You will also find a great diversity of animals such as red ruffed lemurs, aye-aye or tomato frogs there. Different adjustable excursions are available there to explore the wet and dense forests of the region: You will discover a world filled with life and surprises like waterfalls and old railways.

Masoala is one of the rarest Malagasy regions that has managed to connect the forest to the sea. Three marine sites are accessible, where you can do diving or snorkeling activities. It is also the humpback whale region, where they come to mate and give birth in the bay of Antongil, offering the possibility to observe them.

NOSY MANGABE
Nosy Mangabe is part of Masoala Park, and is located in the heart of Antongil bay. It recounts the vestiges of the great visitors of the island, who came to make a stop on the Indies route. It will be normal for you to come across inscriptions engraved in the rock of former Dutch sailors who recount their adventures.

Activities for everyone !
The Masoala region offers many different activities: trekking or hiking in the wet forests of the park, kayaking, diving or snorkeling in the warm and turquoise waters of Antongil Bay. You can also enjoy cultural and historical excursions. Numerous tours and excursions are proposed by local guides who will make you discover the most beautiful places of the region.

Ranomafana National Park
The Ranomafana National Park is located near the town of Fianarantsoa and covers nearly 41,600 ha of rainforest. Venture into the forest labyrinth and discover species you won’t see anywhere else on the island (including dangerous species).

An exceptional fauna and flora
Ranomafana National Park is a must-see when visiting the island. Indeed, it will make you discover an exceptional fauna composed of rare species, unfortunately endangered. If you like nature and animals, you won’t be disappointed: many birds, butterflies, bats and lemurs live in these forests. You will also find unique plant species that grow only in this park. Various medicinal plans but also a wide variety of orchids, and carnivorous plants that litter the soil and trees.

The park is surrounded by mountain ranges where it is possible to make incredible hikes, which will please the most sporty. When you leave the park, you will be face to face with a thermal pool and its baths near 38°C, renowned for its beneficial virtues. A small relaxation break after long hours of walkings. It is also recommended to provide impermeable clothes due to frequent rains, as well as anti-mosquito gels that will keep mosquitoes and leeches away.

26 SPECIES OF LEMURS
26 species of lemurs were recorded, including two species of great rarity (hapalemur with camus nose and golden hapalemur). You will also observe many birds, as well as rare species.

What species will you see ?
The forest of the Ranomafana park is sub-humid evergreen and has been classified as a UNESCO Wolrd Heritage Site by the Antsinanana forests, with an extremely rich and varied fauna and flora. The tree-filled stratum is composed of many plants: palm trees, ferns, bird’s nest or orchids, you will have so much to observe. In addition to the many plants that line the forest, you can see many endemic animals.

What can you do ?
This magnificient park offers a multitude of activities. You must go to the great thermal baths of Ranomafana where you can enjoy a swim in its warm waters. You can also visit the Kelilalina Botanical Garden, 12 km from the park where you can observe endemic species. For hiking or trekking lovers, many circuits are proposed. You won’t be disappointed.

Zahamena National Park
How to come to Madagascar without visiting the beautiful park of Zahamena on the eastern forests of the island… Classified as a World Heritage Site, this park is full of rich and varied fauna and flora that you can observe throughout your excursions.

Cradle of an exceptional wealth
This one of the most beautiful parks of Madagascar because of its biclimate both maritime and terrestrial, it’s the reason why the Zahamena Park has been classified World Heritage of Humanity. There is an incomparable floristic and faunal diversity with an endemism rate of almost 100%. Indeed, there are nearly 112 species of birds, some very rare. But you will also find many lemurs, bats, reptiles and butterflies always more colorful than the others.

There is an exceptional vegetation where you won’t risk to miss numerous plants which cover the forests: orchids, epiphytes, and other carnivorous plants. The site is protected and local populations are fighting to preserve and to value this site so dear to the Malagasy. The Zahamena Park will make you discover all the beauty of the forests of the East of Madagascar.

Natural pool of Bemoara
During your excursions in the circuit of Bemoara, you’ll be able to refresh in this nice natural swimming pool with the paces of refreshing oasis. Another trasure this fabulous park has to offer.

Tyto Soumagnei : the rare bird
This owl-like bird is an extremely rare nocturnal predator. This is why it’s a protected species. It’s found only in the forests of eastern Madagascar. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to see it…

Andringitra National Park
This National Park belongs to World Heritage of UNESCO. It is the second highest peak in Madagascar and is fomed of granit and gneiss. An exceptional adventure awaits you: splendid landscapes, picturesque villages, and incomparable diversity.

A wild mountain range
One of the most beautiful parks in Madagascar, the Andringitra massif offers an incredible natural wealth. It is open to all, and large spaces’ and moutain walks’ lovers won’t be disappointed as a panoramic view awaits them! Despite the difficult access to the park (only 4×4), the park offers an exceptional wet rain forest and the opportunity to climb the Peak Boby which culminates at 2,658 m (2nd highest on the island).

Andringitra offers many landscapes: meadows, small islands of forests, thickets and large expanses. A breathtaking show punctuated by an exceptional surprise: the Riambavy, 300 m high waterfall. And, according to the legend, bathing in these waters would bring fertility. The surroundings of Andringitra Park also offer a rich cultural itinerary that will make you discover endearing people anchored in ancestral traditions.

WHAT SPECIES TO SEE ?
You’ll discover an unsuspected wealth in this region of the Andringitra. 14 species of lemurs, but also many non-venomous snakes, chameleons and many birds with flamboyant colors.

Walk the slopes of Andringitra
Go on trek for 2-3 days in an exceptional setting. The massif offers various activities to do including trekking, in an exuberant and incredible nature. Camping, birdwatching, and trekking are the main activities to do in the park. The Pic Boby climb is also a must-do when you go to Andringitra. However, you should wear warm clothes because it can be very cold when the night comes out. For the most adventurous, the site offers climbing. A sporty trip, rich in adventure and discovery. Note that you also have the possibility to bivouac under tents.

Andohahela National Park
The Andohahela National Park gathers three different climates and is incredibly rich in fauna and flora – A real crossroads between two worlds. It is classified as UNESCO World Heritage. It is a thrilling adventure that awaits you.

A crossroads between East and South
Andohahela has three different climates and landscapes. In the East, it is a warm and wet climate. In the West it is a warm and dry climate. And then in the middle, there is a zone of transitions between the two rainy climates. Diversity has thus generated an extremely rich biodiversity and the many endemic species found there. This is a true paradise for nature lovers and 90 percent of plant species are medicinal. You’ll also find numerous iguanas, lemurs, reptiles and birds there.

Go with your family or friends to visit this natural treasure, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have the possibility of going trekking, hiking, and bivouac in the evening. Many accommodations are found, not far from the park, according to your desires and your budget. You will also find restaurants that serve local products.

WHAT SPECIES CAN YOU SEE ?
Because it is a true haven of biodiversity and has a variety of different climates, we can see lots of animal and plant species including dozens of lemurs, hundreds of birds with ultra colored feathers, and numerous reptiles and amphibians. Perhaps you will tremble, crossing the Do, which is a yellow snake spotted with brown and which can reach more than 3m long! An unforgettable stay in a unique park awaits you.

What to do in Andohahela ?
There is a variety of activities to do in Andohahela Park, including numerous circuits by foot or by bicycle.

Ride your bicycle through the beaten paths of the park and discover the various vegetation of the forest with its thorny bushes. The circuit of Malio can be done walking and leads to two passes of the same name, before descending to Talakifeno. The park has many places that will provide you with the necessary equipment if you wish to extend your excursion for one night or more.