Ankarana Park

Ankify to Ankarana West

After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Ankify by boat (1 hour). Then, start driving towards the entrance of Ankarana West National Park (4 hours). This road will take you across an agricultural paradise. This region is volcanic and therefore one of most fertile lands in Madagascar. Coffee, cacao, sugar cane, vanilla, cashews and ylang ylang plantations grow all along. You will also drive along the mountain chain of Tsaratanana, which has the highest peak on the island. Stop in the picturesque markets of the Muslim villages of Ambilobe and Ambanja and don’t miss a visit to the Cyrille cacao and vanilla plantation. Continue to your lodge (1,5 hours).

Ankarana West

After breakfast, visit Ankarana West Reserve: limestone caves, lush forest-filled canyons, and a network of captivating underground rivers. This extraordinary ecosystem is renowned for its impressive primate population, making it home to the highest density of primates in any forest worldwide. Prepare to encounter an array of fascinating creatures, from the big, green leaf-tailed geckos to the rare and unique cave-dwelling crocodiles and a diverse mix of lemur species. You will visit lime stone cave such as Andrafiabe Cave, Cathedral Cave and Skeleton Cave. Some of the caves have rivers that you can swim in. Then, visit of green river canyon, a network of captivating underground rivers. A picnic lunch from the hotel will be arranged during hiking. After the trip you will return to your lodge.

Ankarana East

Today visit Ankaraka East Reserve. There are eight captivating circuits that traverse its eastern region. All circuits commence at the main office located in Mahamasina. The classic 6-hour circuit from Mahamasina encompasses the exploration of notable sites such as Lost Rivers, Bat Caves, Petit Tsingy, Ambahibe Cave, and the panoramic point of Ambohimalaza. Your visit today will be a combination of the following circuits (6 hours):

The Cave of the Bats: Easy trek, but including a steep slope to an underground cave with 8 species of bats from small to large size. It is possible to see some lemurs such as the Crowned lemur, Sanford's lemur and Northern sportive lemur. If lucky, one can see a Ring-tailed mongoose and even a Fossa.

Lost Rivers: Easy 1-2 hours trek, with great views over the Ankarana landscape from the Ampasambazaha viewpoint. The track crosses a baobab forest, very close to the Ampondrabe river. The circuit ends at a big gulf (lost rivers) where the three Ankarana rivers flow away (especially spectacular after lots of rain). Along the track it is possible to observe animals such as Brookesia (Leaf Chameleon), Crowned lemur, Sanford's lemur and Northern sportive lemur as well as birds such as the rare Drongo and Magpie Robin.

Tsingy Meva: The track passes through the northern Ankarana massif and the southern part of the Montagne d'Ambre. Along the track it is possible to see the entrance of the bats grotto. Trekkers have the opportunity to touch the tsingy and observe its particular vegetation, such as the endemic Pachypodium decaryi, Cyphostemma and Euphorbia ankaranensis. Lemurs include the Crowned lemur, Sanford's lemur and Northern sportive lemur. Furthermore, one can see the Ring-tailed mongoose, skinks (in the rainy season), Velvet gecko, Leaf chameleon and Flat tailed gecko.

The Turrets of the Tsingy: The trek is easy, but the crossing of a small river is required in the rainy season. The track leads through the tsingy in the shape of turrets. A walk through crevasses gives the possibility to learn more about the typical vegetation of the tsingy. A large baobab tree with over 8m in perimeter is an ideal location for a break. Throughout the track one can see the Northern sportive lemur, the rare bird Crested coua and reptiles such as skinks (in the rainy season) and the Leaf chameleon.

Tsingy Rary: The trek is easy, but the crossing of a small river is required in the rainy season. This circuit shows the picturesque landscape of the tsingy, the duality between limestone and volcanic rocks and the particular vegetation that grows there. Crowned lemur, Sanford's lemur, Northern sportive lemur, Madagascar crested ibis, White-breasted mesite and skinks (in the rainy season) can be seen

The Viewpoint of Ambohimalaza: Easy but steep in the final stretch. The track leads through a forest of the endemic tree "Taim-papango" and through the forest of big lianas and ficus. At the viewpoint a postcard picture surprises with views of Ambilobe in the west, over the tsingy and the Mozambique Channel spotted with islets (Nosy Be, Mitsio etc.) at the horizon. From the highest point of the plateau one can see the whole northern part of the Ankarana National Park, which is dominated by the silhouette of Montagne d'Ambre. Along the track one may spot Crowned lemur, Sanford's lemur, Northern sportive lemur, Spear-tailed gecko and birds such as Madagascar harrier-hawk, Peregrine falcon and Guinea fowl.

A picnic lunch from the hotel will be arranged during hiking. Upon your arrival, enjoy the evening at leisure.