Zombitse Vohibasia National Park

Set on the southwest coast of Madagascar’s Atsimo-Andrefana region, 135 kilometres from Toliara and just west of the Islolo Massif, Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park is an extraordinary, unspoilt natural area of rolling sandstone hills and canyons, transitional forest and vast savannah. The park is home to 85 recorded bird species, eight lemur species, and 41 frogs and reptiles. Important species include the Madagascar buzzard, Madagascar cuckoo roller, greater and lesser vasa parrot and grey-headed lovebird, as well as the rare endemic Appert’s Greenbul. Other interesting animals include one of the longest chameleon species on earth (as long as your arm): the iridescent green and turquoise Parson’s chameleon; and the spiky, hedgehog-like insectivore called a Tenrec. The threatened biome also contains many breathtaking orchid species and medicinal plants. There are four hiking trails between one and five hours length through the park.