Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park

Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park was established in 1997 and covers 363 km² covered by dry forest, swamps and savannas. The reserve is located in the southwestern part of Madagascar, about 90 km south of Isalo N.P and 20 km northeast of Sakaraha. The national park consists of Zombitse (168 km²), Vohibasia (161 km²) and Vohimena Isoky (32 km²). Thus, it is divided into three different areas. This national park embodies the greatest environmental problem that constantly affects Madagascar. Due to bushfires, agriculture, demographic pressure, deforestation and the transformation of trees and shrubs into charcoal, the landscape turns into a dry and almost lifeless plateau. The local Bara and Mahafaly populations are zebu owners who need more and more space to feed their herds. Nothing grows here except tiny amounts of cassava and maize. Only a part of the protected forest remains today in the middle of this devastation and provides shelter for a rich fauna and flora. Thus, this part preserves something of the original biodiversity. These isolated forests form the most important remnant of Madagascar's dry deciduous forests. Therefore, the flora in the protected area is particularly rich. Baobabs and several orchids are particularly common. The number of animal species living here is also remarkable. 15 small mammals and 8 species of lemurs can be observed here. Birds are also a park highlight. There are 85 species, most of which are endemic, such as the rare Apperts Greenbul, which lives only in this forest. 33 species of reptiles and amphibians have been studied in Zombitse.

Four different short and quite easy tours, from one to five hours of walking, are offered by the park authorities so that visitors can discover the richness and diversity of this last natural refuge.
Zombitse-Vohibasia is easily accessible all year round. The N.P. is located directly on the best road of Madagascar, the RN 7. The distance from Fianarantsoa is 350 km and from Tuléar 130 km.

There are two, recently built campgrounds within the park. However, most visitors still prefer to stay in a hotel in the nearby town of Sakaraha or visit the park for a few hours on their way from Isalo N.P. to Tuléar. A few park guides speak some English.