This park of the southwest region is mostly famous for its salty lake that is spread over 20km. Nature lovers will love the numerous animals and plants that live there. There is such a biodiversity there that the endemic rate is close to 100 percent.
Tsimanampesotse
The park offers an exceptional endemic faunistic and floristic diversity. There are 72 bird species that are the following : Grey head inseparable, Crested croots, Madagascar drongo and Newton hawk.
The park is also full of lemurs such as the maki catta, or the galidictis grandidieri (that you’ll find only in this park). You can also observe a lot of turtles and reptiles. Inside the numerous caves of the park, you will discover blind fish (typhleotis) which lives in the unenlightened bottom of the cracks. You will also find specific vegetation there, that have adapted to the very dry temperatures and to the limestone relief. Some of these include thorny plants, traditional medicine shrubs, and also baobab forests that are 10 to 12 meters long.
The park is accessible by car or boat from Tulear and Anakao. You will discover wonderful landscapes such as the famous Malagasy Baobabs, and also lemurs and graceful birds. Once you get there, there are 4 circuits available: the Andaka circuit and the Emande circuit (approximately 1 hour long), the Tsiamaso circuit (about 2 hours long), and the Anadalamaiky circuit (approximately 3 hours long). Do not forget good walking shoes and a lot of water).
The lake is located in the heart of the park and extends on 20 km. It’s water is shallow and full of calcium sulfate, which is why no fish live in it. You will be enchanted by its colors – from topaz to turquoise. Avifauna lovers won’t be disappointed because the lake has almost 112 bird species, especially pink flamingoes, and Coua. The sacred lake offers a wonderful landscape that is bordered by vegetation that is typical to the south. It looks like an oasis in the middle of the desert and appears as in a dream.
Rudimentary accommodations are proposed around the park. You will be able to do some trekking, birdwatching, and also surfing (at the beach located 2.5km from the park). You will also have the opportunity to observe dolphins and whales (depending on the time of year you choose to visit).
