Tsimbazaza

Tsimbazaza is a zoological and botanical tropical park in the capital Antananarivo offering visitors who do not necessarily have time to visit Madagascar's natural environment a glimpse of the country's flora and fauna. Tsimbazaza, meaning where children are forbidden, was once a sacred place. The no children rule does no longer apply.

The park route introduces visitors to examples of traditional houses of different ethnic groups in the country and various enclosures with animals unique to Madagascar. A museum exhibits relics, such as a skeleton of the Aepyornis maximus - the extinct elephant bird that once roamed the island. Several families of caged lemurs can be found along the route. A small group of lemurs living freely on an island can be observed from the shore of a small lake (as lemurs don't like water, they do not escape). The park is popular amongst locals for picnics. In the centre of the park, at Lake Tsimbazaza, there is a small garden restaurant.

Knowledgeable guides at the entrance offer to accompany tourists, for which they expect a tip at the end of the walkthrough. A second restaurant as well as a souvenir shop can be found at the entrance. Entrance fees for Vazaha visitors is 10,000 Ariary (2012) and the park is open everyday between 9am and 5pm.

Additional information

• All Tsimbazaza photos
• Tripadvisor reviews
• madamaki.com/TSIMBAZAZA.htm (French)
• Relais des Pistards is a hotel and restaurant very close to Tsimbazaza