Andohahela National Park

Andohahela straddles the Anosy mountain chain, and the ridge makes a sharp climatic divide: the eastern side catches the moisture and holds rainforest, the western side is in rain shadow and holds spiny forest of didiereas and octopus trees, and the two grow within a few kilometres of each other, which happens nowhere else. The park is in three parcels. Malio and Tsimelahy give the transitional and spiny sections, with the triangular palm Dypsis decaryi growing wild only here, plus ring-tailed lemurs, sifakas and radiated tortoises; the rainforest parcel needs more time and effort. It is a component of the Rainforests of the Atsinanana World Heritage property. Visitor numbers are low and facilities are almost nil, so trips are arranged from Fort Dauphin with a guide.

History

Andohahela has been a protected area since 1939 but became a national park only in 1998, and in 2007 it was inscribed as part of the Rainforests of the Atsinanana World Heritage Site (Wikipedia, Andohahela National Park).

Highlights

• Rainforest and spiny forest - two opposite habitats within a few kilometres.
• The triangular palm - a palm growing wild only in this park.
• Ring-tails and sifakas - lemurs in the drier western parcels.
• Natural pools - swimming spots on the Tsimelahy circuit.

When to go

April to November for tracks and trails. The eastern rainforest is wet in any month. October and November are hot in the western parcels. Access roads deteriorate badly in the rains.

Practical notes

The parcels are far apart and a vehicle is needed to move between them. Trails are rough and unmarked, and guides are compulsory. There is no accommodation inside and little nearby. The rainforest parcel involves a long approach and is skipped by most visitors.

Nearby

Berenty lies west; Fort Dauphin is east.

Key facts