The 72,200 hectares (178,000 acres) park contains many endemic animals and plants and claims to have the greatest density of primates in the world.

The national park is situated on the south-west coast of the Mozambique Channel and includes a marine area with seven small islands.

The entrance to the park is 70 kilometres (43 mi) south of Morondava[3] During the warm, dry season from March to November, much of the wildlife is hibernating, the vegetation is brown and the trees are leafless.

Animals and plants come to life in the rainy season when temperature can reach 40 °C (104 °F)[1][4] The dominant ethnic group in the area are the Sakalava people.

Other mammals endemic to the Menabe region include the giant jumping rat (Hypogeomys antimena) and the narrow-striped mongoose (Mungotictis decemlineata).