Where to See Chameleons in Madagascar (Top 10 Places)

Madagascar is an island country that is teeming with wildlife. One such animal that is found throughout Madagascar is the chameleon.

Chameleons are known for their ability to change colours and camouflage with their environment. These unique lizards are found in different habitats ranging from rainforest to desert.

There are around 100 species of chameleons in Madagascar, which is half of the world’s 200 species as of 2015. This abundance makes them easy to spot in some areas and national parks on the island.

In this article, we will look at where to see chameleons in Madagascar and also learn a few things about them.

Top 10 Places to See Chameleons in Madagascar

1. Ankarana National Park

The first place on our list is Ankarana National Park, which is located in northern Madagascar. The park is known for its rich biodiversity and unique wildlife.

The Ankarana region is famous for its limestone formations, which are known as tsingy. In the local language spoken in Madagascar, the word tsingy means “where one cannot walk barefoot,” and this describes the geological formations.

In Ankarana, you can find several species of chameleons, including the Panther Chameleon and the tiny Brookesia. The panther chameleon is very colourful and can range from bright reds and blues to greens and yellows.

The Brookesia is one of the smallest chameleons in the world, often compared to the size of a thumb. They are commonly referred to as leaf chameleons because of their appearance.

You are sure to see chameleons and other reptile species in Ankarana National Park.

If you plan on visiting Ankarana National Park to spot chameleons, you might want to go when they are more active. This is usually during the dry season, from April to November.

2. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Another place where chameleons thrive in Madagascar is Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, which is located east of Antananarivo.

This national park is made up of a lush rainforest that is full of wildlife. This is a good spot in Madagascar to see many endemic rare species and other endangered species in their natural habitat.

At Andasibe-Mantadia, you can spot the Parson’s Chameleon, one of the largest chameleons in the world. They can grow up to 70 centimetres in length, including the tail.

There are also other chameleon species found throughout Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. You can choose to go on night walks and spot chameleons as they sleep.

3. Ranomafana National Park

Ranomafana National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Madagascar. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is rich in biodiversity.

Ranomafana covers an area of 160.61 square miles (41,600 hectares). The landscape consists of tropical rainforests and mountains that make it ideal for wildlife to thrive.

In Ranomafana, you can find carpet chameleons, Perinet chameleons, Glaw’s chameleons, leaf chameleons, and many others.

There are 22 species of lizards (12 species of chameleons and 10 species of lizards) in Ranomafana National Park. The local guides at the park know where to look and how to find chameleons.

4. Isalo National Park

Another place to see chameleons in Madagascar is Isalo National Park. This park is known for its sandstone landscape, which comprises plateaus, plains, and deep canyons.

You are sure to encounter unique wildlife in Isalo National Park since many endemic species thrive in this environment.

In Isalo, you will find the Oustalet’s chameleon, the jewel chameleon, and the stump-tailed chameleon, among others. Oustalet’s chameleons are one of the largest chameleons in Madagascar, so they can be quite easy to spot.

5. Amber Mountain National Park

Amber Mountain National Park is also known as Montagne d’Ambre National Park. It is located in northern Madagascar.

This national park is often classified as one of the most biologically diverse places in Madagascar. I would say lush, tropical forests make this possible.

Other features of the park are waterfalls, crater lakes, and wildlife, most of which are endemic, like chameleons.

The chameleon species to find in Amber Mountain include the Amber Mountain Chameleon, the Brookesia minima, and the blue-nosed chameleon.

Another good thing about Amber Mountain is its accessibility. Unlike many other places in Madagascar, guests can explore the park without a guide.

6. Kirindy Forest Reserve

Kirindy Forest, also known as Kirindy Private Reserve, is a private nature reserve located in western Madagascar. The reserve is about 50 km northeast of Morondava, the gateway to the Avenue of the Baobabs.

The forest is home to a variety of wild animals, from lemurs and fossas to geckos and chameleons. The dense forest provides a home for these animals.

In Malagasy, the word ‘Kirindy’ means “dense forest with wild animals.” It is also known as Northern Kirindy or Kirindy Nord because it is located in the northern area of the Kirindy Mitea National Park.

In Kirindy, you can spot Brookesia chameleons, Labord’s chameleons, and Panther chameleons, among other species.

7. Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park

Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park is located in southwestern Madagascar. This national park covers an area of 36,308 hectares, which serves as home to the wild animals in the region.

There are three main forests within the park: Zombitse forest, Vohibasia forest, and Isoky-Vohimena forest.

The region where Zombitse-Vohibasia is situated is classified as Madagascar succulent woodlands. This area comprises woodlands in southwestern and central western Madagascar.

They are known for their arid climate and long dry seasons where trees like baobabs and wildlife live.

In Zombitse-Vohibasia, there are different chameleon species, including Oustalet’s Chameleon, Warty Chameleon, and Southern Carpet Chameleon.

The best time to visit Zombitse-Vohibasia for chameleon viewing is from April to October when the weather is cooler.

8. Anja Community Reserve

Anja Community Reserve is a woodland area that is located in the southern part of Madagascar. In this reserve, you will find fallen rocks, boulders, and amazing wildlife.

The reserve has the highest concentration of maki, or ring-tailed lemurs, in all of Madagascar. Aside from lemurs, there are many other endemic species.

In Anja Community Reserve, you will find several chameleons, including Oustalet’s chameleon, the Anja Reserve stub-tailed chameleon, and the jewelled chameleon.

The reserve is run by the community, and visitors must be accompanied by a local guide. This initiative creates revenues and jobs for the locals.

9. Berenty Reserve

Berenty Reserve is another private reserve that is home to many wild animals in Madagascar. Although Berenty is more popular for its lemur population, it is also a good place to see chameleons.

The reserve also offers a good experience for night hiking. There are also forest trails where you can spot wildlife.

The chameleon species to see in Berenty include Warty Chameleons, Oustalet’s Chameleons, and verrucosus chameleons. Guides at the reserve can make spotting them a breeze.

10. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

The number 10 spot goes to Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in western Madagascar.

Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is known for its limestone formations and biodiversity. There are many endemic plants and animals found throughout Tsingy de Bemaraha.

In the Malagasy language, the word tsingy is used to describe the formation. The word translates to “where one cannot walk barefoot” in English.

Dwarf chameleons, panther chameleons, Brookesia chameleons, and other chameleon species can be found in Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park.

Bonus

You have read this article to this point; here is your bonus destination to see chameleons in their natural habitat in Madagascar.

Marojejy National Park

Marojejy National Park is another destination in Madagascar that is teeming with wildlife. The park, which is located in northeastern Madagascar, is known for its mountains and rainforests.

In Marojejy, you will find Marojejy chameleons, Brookesia chameleons, and panther chameleons, among several other species.

Conclusion

Madagascar is a must-visit travel destination mainly due to the biodiversity and endemic species of plants and animals found throughout the island. In this article, we have covered where to see chameleons in Madagascar.

The article provides the top 10 places to see chameleons in their natural habitats in Madagascar, but there are still other places to look. Many other national parks, communities, and reserves have chameleons roaming around forest areas.

My goal with this article is to give you exact places to look and explore.

FAQs

What is the best time of year to see chameleons in Madagascar?

The best time to see chameleons in Madagascar is from October to December and from April to May. This is when chameleons are most active since the weather is more favourable.

What part of Madagascar do Panther Chameleons live in?

Panther chameleons live in the northern and eastern parts of Madagascar. They live in trees and bushes primarily in tropical rainforests.

Can I see chameleons at night in Madagascar?

Yes, you can spot chameleons at night. This is one of the best times to find them since they sleep on branches or leaves.