Ankarana Reserve Tour

Ankarana National Park (Ankarana)

One of the most interesting places in Madagascar is the Anakarana National Park, located in the north of the island. Disturbances are bizarre forms created by nature over a thousand years of formation of limestone rocks from the basalt plain. The park’s territory is located at an altitude of 50 meters above sea level. Between the bare and thorny limestone rocks, we will take walks with breathtaking views of the reserve. This is a unique place where you can visit the caves and dive deep to see hundreds of bats in the flickering torchlight. Indescribable view! In addition to 14 species of bats (from the smallest to the largest in the world), 11 species of lemurs live here. In the Green Lake area, you can see rare species of lemurs such as: Sanford lemur and Crowned lemur. These caves are located in a picturesque location among forests and rivers in the lower part of the park and are many kilometers deep in limestone. Most of the caves, under the massive scurvy, are filled with water. From here begin the rivers: Ankara in the north, bezobob in the east and Menanjeb in the south. There are also many underground rivers that rise to the surface, beautiful lakes, picturesque canyons and, of course, amazing caves with stalactites and stalagmites. All this unique beauty of Ankarana Park attracts tourists from all over the world!

Park history

Ankaran National Park was founded in 1956 and has become the protected area of ​​the Madagascar Department of Water and Forestry Resources.

The park needs protection and preservation from forest fires, cattle grazing and hunters. There are also other problems associated with uncontrolled mining of sapphires and valuable tree species such as ebony, rosewood, ebony and other rare types of trees. The influence of local residents negatively affects the flora and fauna of the park, so they are trying to concentrate their activities on agricultural activities: growing vegetables, beans, raising chickens and beekeeping.

Flora and fauna

 In addition to lemurs and bats, Nile crocodiles live in the park. They can be seen in a crocodile cave. Even on the paths, you can find the Ebenawi white-tailed gecko, which can be well disguised in trees, around the height of human growth. You can also see the bird Lofotibus cristata, which delights in its red and white plumage. In total, 96 species of birds, 60 species of reptiles and amphibians live in the park.

The world of plants in the park is diverse and unique. Here you can see unusual trees such as camphor, endemic baobab and other unique plants that grow only here and nowhere else on Earth. In the first few months of the year, you can see how orchids bloom, but most plants bloom from September to November. In total there are 330 species of plants in the park.

Tourist routes

We offer several tourist routes of varying difficulty, designed for your choice.

1. The cave of bats. This is a scenic trail where you will meet lemurs, a large black parrot and visit caves with the biggest and smallest bats in the world. (steep descent 2-3 hours)
2. We will go to the headwaters of the rivers, where the three rivers originate. The path will lead us into a mighty whirlpool, vanishing into failure. We’ll also find lemurs, rare plants and baobabs. (2 hours road)
3. Scurvy towers. The road runs between two natural scurvy towers. Encounter with lemurs, reptiles. (4 hours)
4. Big scurvy from Benavuni. We will visit the cave through the scurvy, the road that passes through several suspension bridges, overlooking the gorges. (7 hours)
5. The Ambohimalaza observation point is the highest point on the plateau. Spectacular views of the sea and the Montagne d’Ambre. (5 hours)
6. Travel to the most beautiful caves in Andrafiabe and the temple cave, connected by a canyon. In the temple cave you will see a rainbow at the top. A single hole in the cave creates this effect. Of the animals, we will find lemurs, reptiles, bats and rare birds. (5 hours)
7. Skeleton Cave where the remains of a warrior of the Antankarana tribe are stored. This cave will impress you with its extraordinary beauty and rich vegetation. (3 hours)
8. We can also offer other day routes to lakes, caves and caves, which will leave an unforgettable vivid experience of Ankaran Park!