Ankarafantsika National Park is 120km south-east of the west coast port Mahajanga. Getting there is easily achieved by means of a 2 hours drive along a good, tarmac road.
Wildlife:
Its approximately 10,000 hectares of western dry deciduous forest, protects much the same wildlife as the Anjajavy Forest Reserve does, with the addition of the now Critically Endangered Mongoose lemur; Western woolly lemur and the Golden-brown (Lac Ravelobe) mouse lemur.
This long-established wildlife and birding hotspot is extremely rewarding year-round, so it is included in all comprehensive birding itineraries to the country. The bird list resembles that of Anjajavy, with the addition of the much-sought-after Schlegel's asity and Endangered, range-restricted Van Dam's Vanga.
The trails traverse gentle terrain and are well maintained.
Visitors have the chance to see the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust's largest Madagascar-based project, 'Projet Angonoka' which is at the centrally-located Ampijoroa campsite near the open-air restaurant. The aim of this project has been to establish captive populations of Madagascar's four endemic tortoises and 1 endemic freshwater turtle.
Accommodation:
In 2017-8 the accommodation here underwent refurbishment. Gite de Ampijoroa has rustic lakeside bungalows with en-suite facilities by the shore of Lac Ravelobe. These can accommodate up to 4 guests each, and now have 24hr electricity, but cold water only. All reports from our 2016 - 2018 guests indicate that food is excellent. The restaurant has new management, from Mahajanga.
4km down the road at the village Andranofasika, is the small and simple Blue Vanga Lodge.
Because lodging at this wonderful park is quite limited, booking visits early is advisable.
