Arboretum d'Antsokay

Arboretum d'Antsokay is a botanical garden near Toliara that spans a large area and houses numerous plant species adapted to the dry local climate. The collection emphasizes succulents and drought-resistant flora characteristic of this semi-arid region.

A Swiss botanist founded this garden in 1980 to study and document the flora of the dry region. Over time, the work there led to the discovery of several plant species previously unknown to the scientific community.

The name Antsokay refers to the limestone-rich soil that local communities traditionally used for making bricks in this region. Today, the site serves as a place where visitors can experience how the landscape's natural resources shaped local practices.

The site opens daily and offers guided tours in multiple languages as well as lodging on the grounds. Visitors should expect to do quite a bit of walking, as the property is expansive and located under the intense sun of the semi-arid climate.

Beyond its plant collection, the grounds are home to various animal species, including rare birds and reptiles that thrive in this dry environment. This combination makes the site an ecosystem where visitors can observe both the botany and local wildlife together.