Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park

Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park is a protected area in southwestern Madagascar, in the Atsimo-Andrefana region, notable for dry deciduous and transitional forests and high levels of endemism. The park conserves remnant forest blocks that are important for both plant and animal species unique to Madagascar.

Trails lead through dry forest and gallery forest where visitors can see lemurs, endemic birds and distinctive dry-forest flora; forest patches include tall trees, baobabs and dense understory. The park is valued for birdwatching and short guided forest walks rather than extensive long-distance hiking.

The protected area was officially designated to conserve these remaining forest fragments and their wildlife; protection has aimed to reduce local forest loss and to establish managed access for visitors and researchers. Scientific surveys have documented several species restricted to the region.

Geographically the park lies inland from Madagascar’s southwestern coast, between the towns of Sakaraha and Toliara, in a landscape of low hills and dry plateaus.

• Biogeographic importance: The park protects a transitional zone between western and southern Malagasy forests and is an important corridor for wildlife in southwestern Madagascar.
• Visitor access: Accessible by road from Isalo and Toliara; guided walks on marked trails are the primary way to see endemic birds and lemurs.

What to See #

• Zombitse block: Zombitse forest block comprises dry deciduous woodland with large baobabs and many endemic plant species; it is the western part of the protected area.
• Vohibasia block: Vohibasia forest block contains gallery forest and transitional habitats toward the south and east, important for bird and lemur populations.