In northwestern Madagascar in the Boeny region, there is the approximately 1300 km² large Ankarafantsika National Park, which is rightly considered as one of the most beautiful and interesting national parks in Madagascar. Although the Ankarafantsika National Park has only been an official national park since 2003, it has existed since 1927, making it one of the island’s oldest protected areas. The very varied park, which combines various forms of land, is easily accessible via the national road RN4, which leads from Antananarivo to Mahajanga. Dense forests, numerous lakes and extensive savanna landscapes characterize the Ankarafantsika National Park, which has an extremely rich flora and fauna unique in its form and composition in Madagascar.
The botanical diversity of the Ankarafantsika National Park is really impressive. Of the 823 different plant species found in the park, many are endemic. This means that they are native only in this part of Madagascar. In particular, many of the tree species that have their habitat in the vast forests, which include, among other things, a Madagascar almost unique deciduous forest. One of these tree species is, for example, the Lohavato, up to 25 meters high, which is very well defined by its gray-brownish trunk and the cup-shaped flowers.
But the wildlife of the Ankarafantsika National Park is also unique and is populated by many different species that have their last retreat in these latitudes. In addition to many species of birds, some of which are endemic, the Ankarafantsika National Park is also inhabited by various reptiles such as iguanas, cameleons and freshwater turtles. In addition to the large population of reptiles, which also includes crocodiles, several species of lemurs are omnipresent, most of which are nocturnal. One of the most striking animals in the Ankarafantsika National Park is the Coquerel-Sifaka, the only lemur of the day-active region whose preferred habitats are the dense and unique deciduous and mangrove areas of the Ankarafantsika National Park. Although the Ankarafantsika National Park is one of the most visited national parks in Madagascar with 6,000 visitors a year, the flow of tourists in this beautiful landscape is still limited. The park, which is open all year and also has a remarkable turtle breeding station, is a very worthwhile destination on a trip to Madagascar, as you can experience untouched nature and a fabulous biodiversity close. Particularly noteworthy is the peaceful coexistence of man and nature in the Ankarafantsika National Park. The park is inhabited primarily by members of the people of the Sakalava, who operate a nature-friendly agriculture in this water-rich area. This area is also ideal for relaxing on many lakes, such as Ravelobe Lake.
Highlights
– 25m high Lohavato
– Coquerel Sifaka
– Turtle rearing station
Equipment
– Hiking shoes or trekking shoes
– enough liquid
– Sunscreen
Duration
Day Tour (1-4 hours)
