Bemaraha National Park

Wildlife & Animals

Expert

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Madagascar.

Bemaraha National Park is better known for its landscapes of limestone mountains than it is for its wildlife, but the park does have 11 species of lemur. The charismatic Decken’s sifaka is the main attraction. If you’re hiking in the Petit Tsingy, you might spot fat-tailed dwarf lemurs and grey mouse lemurs asleep in tree hollows alongside the trails. Other lemurs and reptiles inhabit the nearby forests and canyons.

Decken's sifaka Common

Bemaraha
woolly lemur Occasional

Rufous
brown lemur Occasional

Peter's
mouse lemur Common

Fat-tailed
dwarf lemur Occasional

Stump-tailed
chameleon Occasional

Western red
forest rat Common

Leaf-tailed geckos Common

Bemaraha
sportive lemur Common

Madagascar
straw-colored
fruit bat Common

Fossa Very Rare

Aye-aye Very Rare

Ring-tailed
mongoose Rare

Madagascar
ground boa Rare

Wildlife Highlights

Seeing any wildlife in this inhospitable, unique terrain is special, but watching the agile fluffy white Decken’s sifaka leaping from sharp pinnacle to sharp pinnacle is nothing short of amazing. Recent species discoveries include the Bemaraha woolly lemur, also known as Cleese’s woolly lemur after comedian John Cleese. Watch also for the Sambirano lesser bamboo lemur. Bemaraha’s biodiversity is incredible: the cliffs and caves of the park are home to half the country’s bat species.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Although wildlife viewing is good throughout the year, the park closes during much of the Wet season (November to March) as access roads become impassable. The Dry season (April to October) offers the best hiking and wildlife-watching conditions, particularly from May onward. July and August are the coolest months and the ideal time for strenuous hikes. In October and November, lemurs are most active and it’s a good time to see mothers with their young.