National Park · South-West Madagascar · Protected Areas of Southern Madagascar
Tsimanampetsotsa
National Park
A vast alkaline lake and spiny dry forest in the far south-west — a flamingo wintering ground, refuge of the radiated tortoise, and home to five of Madagascar's nine coua species.
About the protected area
Lake, spiny forest and alkaline shores
Tsimanampetsotsa National Park lies in the south-western part of Madagascar, 85 km south of Toliara as the crow flies. Originally established as a Strict Nature Reserve in 1927, it was redesignated as a national park in 2002 and is managed by Madagascar National Parks.
Each morning the lake's surface shifts colour — a phenomenon caused by the presence of calcium sulphate and white clay in the water, giving Tsimanampetsotsa one of the most distinctive landscapes in southern Madagascar.
More protected areas can be found at madagaskarhaus.ch. The park is also documented on the Madagascar National Parks website.
Fauna and Flora
Flamingos, radiated tortoises and the coua of the south
The park is an important wintering site for waterbirds, particularly flamingos, which gather on the alkaline lake in significant numbers. The lake and its shores also provide habitat for the radiated tortoise (Geochelone radiata), a species endemic to southern and south-western Madagascar.
Five of the nine coua species known to exist — Madagascar's distinctive coucal-relatives — are found within the park, making it one of the most significant sites for this endemic bird group on the island.
Location
South-West Madagascar, 85 km south of Toliara
Tsimanampetsotsa National Park is located in the far south-west of Madagascar, approximately 85 km south of Toliara as the crow flies. Visit and access arrangements should be confirmed with Madagascar National Parks.