Ankarana National Park (formerly Special Reserve) presents a fantastic landscape, with its expanses of razor-sharp pinnacles (tsingy). The 35km-long limestone massif is pierced by caves and canyons, and, between sheer cliffs, sunken moist deciduous forests harbour rare wildlife. The reserve contains ten species of lemur, with large concentrations of Crowned, Sanford’s and vociferous sportive lemurs.
Other mammals present include Madagascar striped civet, tenrecs, fosa – and at least 13 species of bat. The 54 endemic birds include Crested coua, White-breasted mesite and Blue vanga. Of the island’s tsingy plateaus, Ankarana is by far the most rewarding for wildlife enthusiasts and also, the most accessible. ??
One km from the Mahamasina Gate at Ankarana Est, Ankarana Lodge offers comfortable accommodation with the the added attraction of being a rewarding site for nocturnal wildlife. Lemurs, chameleons and other wildlife inhabit the area around the lodge.
Nearer to the spectacular Ankarana Ouest – an area noted particularly for its awe- inspiring caves and the imposing 'grand tsingy' formations – is Iharana Bush Camp, a true 'bush camp' renowned for its creative design. Note that while Ankarana Est is accessible year-round, Ankarana Ouest can be reached only from May to November.
Derek Schuurman
Travel Specialist
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