Ankarana Special Reserve

Pros & Cons

• Unique dramatic landscape
• Mysterious bat caves
• Boardwalks over the tsingy
• Several hiking circuits, from easy to difficult
• Good accommodation options near the entrance gate
• Very hot, which can be challenging on longer hikes
• No accommodation inside the park, only camping

Wildlife

The park has a large variety of lemurs including Sanford's brown lemur and crowned lemur. Lucky visitors might spot a ring-tailed mongoose, and Ankarana is one of the few parks where the sought-after fossa is regularly seen. Reptiles are well represented as well. Some species to look out for are the panther chameleon, giant day gecko, the well-camouflaged leaf-tailed gecko and the Madagascar ground boa.

• More about Ankarana’s wildlife

Scenery

The park protects the Ankarana Massif, a limestone plateau formed millions of years ago. The formation of limestone pinnacle karst is a unique phenomenon, and has been made very accessible with boardwalks and bridges crossing the plateau. Viewing platforms offer a bird’s eye perspective over this natural wonder.

Weather & Climate

Ankarana is located at low altitude and has a hot, tropical climate. Temperatures are quite even through the year and easily peak over 30°C/86°F. Rainfall however is very seasonal and torrential downpours can be expected from December to March.

• More about the weather and climate

Best Time To Visit

Ankarana can be visited throughout the year, but as the park is primarily a hiking destination, the months from May to November offer the best conditions. These months are also slightly less hot. In October and November many lemurs have babies.

• More about the best time to visit

Want To Visit Ankarana SR?

Ankarana Tours

• Ankarana Safaris & Tours
• Tour Operators for Ankarana