The best animal parks and aquariums Madagascar

On a domain of 5 ha, at the edge of the Katsaoka river, one can observe 7 species of lemurs, of which the sifaka coquereli (or "dancing lemur"). An area of the park has been set up to welcome visitors. The infrastructures, works of the stone mason Philippe Manet, are integrated into the environment. Restaurant service, store offering handicrafts. A site appreciated by travelers who do not have time to go hiking in national parks and can here easily observe lemurs and better understand these endemic primates.

Croc Farm is a pleasant excursion near the capital. The park is shaded, pleasantly flowered (Malagasy periwinkle, hibiscus, coconut trees...). One will discover chameleons, batrachians, boas, radiated tortoises and... crocodiles of the Nile of course (of which the park makes the breeding for the marquetry). Lunch time (Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays around 1pm) is an opportunity to contemplate the formidable flexibility and power of these animals. It is possible to have lunch or a drink in the restaurant, in a pleasant setting.

Founded in 1925, covering 27 hectares, the Botanical and Zoological Park of Tsimbazaza offers a taste of Madagascar. Malagasy families flock there on Sundays. This visit is far from essential if you plan to visit several national parks, but if not, it can be a pleasant moment.

The park includes first of all a botanical garden. The immense flora of Madagascar unfolds there in summary: tree ferns, palms, bamboo orchids, aloes, euphorbias, pachypodium ..

You can also visit the zoo, which hosts a wide variety of lemur families that you will meet in their different natural environments. You can also discover two fossas (predators), warthogs, reptiles (in a vivarium) and about a hundred species of colorful birds including the ankoay (a kind of eagle). Of course, it is a zoo, so the animals are in cages... Some guides know the caretakers and will be able to invite you behind the scenes... The visit then reveals all its interest.

The last section is a museum of archaeology and paleontology. Unique are the collections of skeletons from the circle of extinct animals such as the "elephant bird" Aepyornis, the "lalomena" (a strange creature reminiscent of a hippopotamus) or the giant lemurs. We will also discover, in a room dedicated to ethnology, musical instruments, basketry, silk fabrics, ritual objects..

A short visit allows you to meet the black lemurs, the island's emblems. They'll be on hand to sample the bananas provided by the guide. This is certainly not a responsible approach, and we have mixed feelings on the question: should we go or not? Feeling the weight of a lemur on your shoulder is a magical experience... but at what price? And yet, this park has prevented the extinction of makis, which are now seen as a resource. 580 lemurs were counted in 2018, and now there are more. It's up to you to make up your own mind...