Ankarafantsika National Park
 |
Ankarafantsika
(formerly known as Ampijoroa Forest Station) is one of the largest and
last
remaining sections of dense dry deciduous forest in |
| Ankarafantsika
is the last refuge of several lemur and bird species, which makes the
conservation of the Park so important. The area is home to eight lemur
species:
a night walk is usually exciting and rewarding and one may find
Milne-Edwards sportive
lemur, mongoose lemur, western wolly lemur, grey mouse lemur,
fat-tailed dwarf lemur,
and it is the only place where the golden-brown mouse lemur occurs.
During the
day Coquerel's sifaka are commonly seen. The Park is also one of |
 Coquerel sifakas are
the only
strictly diurnal lemurs in Ankarafantsika, but at least very easy to see! © Muzzanese |
The flora is rich as well.
More than 800 species grow in Ankarafantsika,
with a high rate of endemism. Some
significant species are the Cedrelopsis grevei, an odorous medicinal tree used,
baobabs, palisander, wild vanilla,
retendrika, crocodile tree, lohavato or the
sakoanala
tree, all of them endemic. Interpretative
panels in the well
arranged botanical garden help visitors deepening their knowledge about
the
local flora.
Ankarafantsika can be
visited during all the year. It lies along the R4 highway
connecting
Tana and Mahajamga (Majunga). The road is in good condition, so the
journey
takes only about 2 hours from Majunga (it is possible to visit the park
as a
day trip, but so you miss the rewarding night walk through the Park).
If you
are coming from Tana you will need one whole day. Ask the driver to
drop you
out at the
During the dry season (April to November) it can be really hot here, so do not forget to bring a hat and warm clothes.
There are 11
very good maintained trails, which will enable visitors to obtain a
deep
glimpse into the park’s ecosystems. The fees are 15,000 Ar
for the short ones
and 25,000 for the longer circuits.
The Coquereli
circuit (2
hours) is an easy trail which allow the visitors to discover some of
the most
representative lemurs (specially the Coquerel´s sifaka),
birds and reptiles.
Another easy path begins at
the
The
Retendrika circuit
(2 hours) is ideal for birders and botanists. Visitors can
observe many different medicinal plants, flowers and the birds feeding
on them.
The
most rewarding circuits in terms of wildlife are probably the Source of Life
and the Ankarokarota. In the first one you will spot waterbirds around
the lake
as well as lemurs and reptiles. Besides you will get a glimpse into the
daily
life of the Sakavala communities and visit a pair of sacred places used
in
religious rituals by the Sakavala people. It takes around 3 hours.
The
Ankarokaroka trail
(4
hours) leads you through the savanna where you can find many animals
until a
big hole (lavaka) caused by erosion surrounded by a strange colourful
rocky
landscape with astonishing views over the forest.
 Snake © Madagascar Travel Guide |
 Dwarf lemur © Gail Johnson |
| The Nightwalk
is a
highlight of the Park. You will spot rare nocturnal lemurs and other night creatures. The fee is 25,000 Ar per person. |
|
Some boats are also
available on the
The park management offers
ten roofed tent sites and five guest rooms with electricity and shared
toilets/showers. Further tent sites are available at a camping site in
Ambodimanga, a village in walking distance to the park entrance. There
is also
a restaurant at the park entrance where you can have breakfast and eat
à la
carte.
Lately they also finished a
number of small more comfortable bungalows with private facilities
close to the
The Park Office is located in Ampijoroa, just on the R4. They have more than enough information about the wildlife and the traditions in this area. There is a cute gift shop as well.
Ankarafantsika
National Park
Ampijoroa, Marovoay point 114 on National Road 4
Phone: +(261 20) 62 780 00 / 00 87 07 63 93 58 23
Email: ankarafantsika@gmail.com
akf.parks@gmail.com
