Ankarafantsika National Park
Overview
Madagascar Parks
Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Madagascar.
Ankarafantsika National Park (Parc National d’Ankarafantsika) is one of Madagascar’s more interesting parks. It protects a vast area of dry deciduous forest and is home to eight lemur species, 129 bird species and all manner of reptiles. The most popular hiking trail takes you to a viewpoint overlooking the impressive Ankarokaroka canyon. Boat trips on Lake Ravelobe offer good birding opportunities and a chance to see Nile crocodiles.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
The park offers good wildlife viewing. Coquerel’s sifaka and the mongoose lemur are common and can often be found around the headquarters. The other main lemur to look out for in the daytime is the common brown lemur. There are five lemur species active at night. The rare endemic western big-footed rat, which resembles a mini-kangaroo, can sometimes be found hopping on the forest floor.
Scenery
The most popular of the eight hikes on offer is the Circuit Grande Boucle (Big Canyon Trail), which takes you through a lovely stretch of forest and a grassland plateau to finally reach a viewpoint overlooking the photogenic Ankarokaroka canyon. The red-sandstone canyon is about 80m/260ft deep and keen hikers can descend the cliffs to the bottom of the gorge. Another scenic landmark is the mangrove-fringed Lake Ravelobe.
Activities
Hiking is the most popular way to get out and explore Ankarafantsika. Along the park’s handful of hiking trails is where you’re most likely to see the lemurs, birds and reptiles. Guided night hikes may also be possible: ask at the park gate upon arrival. Boat excursions on Lake Ravelobe are another highlight.
Weather & Climate
Ankarafantsika has a hot, tropical climate with a Wet (November to March) and Dry (April to October) season. Temperatures are quite even throughout the year, but it is a bit cooler with lower humidity in the Dry season. Temperatures regularly peak over 40°C/104°F. Rainfall is seasonal and downpours are to be expected from January to March.
Best Time To Visit
Ankarafantsika is worth visiting at any time and lemurs are present throughout the year. However, November and December are the best months for reptiles and birds, which are more active in the Wet season (November to March). January to March are the wettest months and it tends to be very hot and humid at that time. The terrain is mostly flat, but some hiking trails can get muddy after heavy rains.
