Containing a unique geological wonder – an eroded fortress filled with limestone spires or ‘tsingies’ – Ankarana National Park was established in 1956, 90 kilometres south of Antsiranana. The topography of the park is varied and in addition to the limestone tsingies includes tropical jungle, raging rivers, green forest, canyons and the biggest underground network of caves in Africa.
This variety of landscape makes it a popular choice with hikers, with a diverse range of trails to explore varying from simple to challenging, combined with some excellent wildlife viewing.
Hiking trails and pathways will take you through scenes of rocks and ridges to spectacular viewpoints, which look out to a mighty sea of limestone tsingy tips. The best time for the trails is between April and November, when they are relatively dry. Crossing the long, famous rope bridge is sure to increase the adrenaline flow, or for a little more culture, meet the Antankarana ethnic group, who maintain a traditional life of farming and cattle rearing.
Ankarana is said to enjoy the highest density of lemurs in any of the reserves in Madagascar, thanks to the thick deciduous forests at the more isolated lower section of the park. Crown lemurs specifically are large in population, but dwarf lemurs, Sanford's brown lemur, perrier's black lemur and northern sportive lemur can also be found here. You may also come across fossa - Madagascar's largest mammalian carnivore – as well as tenrecs, ring-tailed mongoose and Madagascar stiped civet.
There are over 100 bird species to appeal to ornithologists and a wide variety of reptiles, bats and frogs of all shapes and sizes.
Contact one of our Destination Specialists to start planning your journey to Madagascar today.
In this safari you can experience a vast amount of wildlife in a short amount of time. Head into Andasibe National Park and Mantadia Reserve to offer you a truly unique insight into the initial fauna and flora of Madagascar.
From 6000 per person
This exhilarating adventure through some of Madagascar’s most biodiverse regions showcases the best of its wildlife and natural splendour.
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This exhilarating adventure through some of Madagascar’s most biodiverse regions showcases the best of its wildlife and natural splendour. Lacking in the big game and fierce predators of its African relatives, Madagascar offers a unique and ‘hands on’ experience for your safari. A range of weird and wonderful insects and reptiles can be discovered and closely inspected, and the instant appeal of cuddly lemurs is magnetic for many travellers.
From 54000 per person
