Zoos and Botanical Gardens near Antananarivo
Tsimbazaza Zoo
The Tsimbazaza Zoo, located in the southwest district of the capital, is surrounded by a peaceful and green environment thanks to its extensive park. The zoo includes an arboretum, a paleontology museum, and an ethnographic museum.
Visiting this park will help define Madagascar’s identity before exploring the various regions of the island.
The main entrance to the park, near the National Assembly, is also the main entrance to the National Academy of Arts, Sciences, and Literature.
The Botanical Park of Tsimazaza
Surrounding a shallow lake inhabited by water lilies, water hyacinths, and clumps of Zozoro (Cyrus madagascariensis), the park features a variety of plant species representative of Madagascar’s diverse environments.
The park also showcases Madagascar’s famous orchids, including the vanilla-producing Angraecum. The park’s paleontological section displays dinosaur fossils and subfossil remains of lemurs and other extinct species.
The Tsarasoatra Park (Ramsar Reserve)
Formerly known as the “Alarobia Bird Island,” the Tsarasoatra Park is a private family park surrounding a small freshwater lake where visitors can observe various bird species.
The park is crucial for the survival of endemic and endangered bird species in Madagascar, providing a refuge and nesting site for waterfowl.
The Lemurs Park
The Lemurs Park, located 25 km from Antananarivo, is dedicated to conserving and reintroducing lemurs into their natural habitat. Visitors can observe lemurs and other endemic species in a natural setting.
Croc Farm
The Croc Farm is a pleasant half-day trip near the capital, featuring a variety of plant and animal species, including crocodiles, chameleons, and turtles.
The Peyrieras Reserve or Madagascar Exotic
The Peyrieras Reserve, located about 120 km east of Antananarivo, offers a unique opportunity to observe Madagascar’s exotic wildlife and flora. Combining a visit to this reserve with the nearby Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is highly recommended.
