The National Park of Ankarafantsika

 
Dreaming of a new adventure? The National Park of Ankarafantsika is guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable memories. The fauna and flora of the site deserve a visit for their conserved natural environment, both authentic and generous.
 
In the National Park, you will find yourself at the heart of a kingdom of birds. The famous Van Dam’s Vanga and the White-breasted mesite, two of the birds endemic to Madagascar that in themselves attract ornithologists from the world over, are a true delight to see. The beauty of the spectacular movements of these birds is indeed a moving sight. Further on during your visit, you can take a trip across Lake Ravelobe in a specially-designed boat, to observe the stunning water birds. Here you will be at the heart of the sacred lakes.
 
The lake, covering an area of 20 hectares, reflects all the magic of a stretch of water, in addition to the beauty of the rocky forests surrounding it, as well as the magnificent landscape of raffia trees. If you want a change of scene, the National Park also has a canyon. In the Savannah grassland of Ankarokaroka, you can explore the picturesque spot of the ‘lavaka’, a cathedral-like structure resulting from a geomorphological phenomenon that is still active. It offers a true kaleidoscope of shapes and colours, presenting breath-taking majesty, a constant source of wonder. The famous Adansonia boeniensis (baobab trees), unique in the world, the eight species of lemurs and the reptiles, 80% of which are endemic, are all waiting to greet visitors coming to experience this extraordinary landscape.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine January 2019

Useful Information

When to go

The climate in the region is of the tropical dry type, with contrasting seasons and constant heat. The dry season lasts from April to November. Winds are moderates with prevailing trade winds.

How to get there

Ankarafantsika is located 115 km to the south of Mahajanga. Take a regular flight with the Madagascar/Tsaradia airline to the capital of Boeny, then go by car as far as the Park. You can also take the RN4 main road from Antananarivo, enjoying the scenery during the eight-hour drive.

Where to stay

You can stay at the hostel inside the Park or at one of the many hotels in Mahajanga. You can choose between: Les Roches Rouges, Hôtel Zahamotel,The Baobab Tree Hotel & Spa, Coco Lodge and Sunny Hôtel.

Where to eat

During your stay at the Ankarafantsika National Park, you can obtain meals inside the park or bring a picnic. In Mahajanga, we recommend eating at Papi Râleur, the relaxed atmosphere of La Petite Cour or the restaurant of Chez Karon.

What to see

Take advantage of your stay in Ankarafantsika to visit the raffia workshops and chat with the craftsmen working there. A visit to the Cirque Rouge is also a must when staying in Mahajanga: legend has it that it was the site of an ancient species, close to the dinosaurs.