Welcome to Ankarafantsika National Park, a true kingdom of birds and land of sacred lakes. Located in the Boeny region, just 450 km from Antananarivo and 114 km east of Mahajanga, this park spans an impressive area of 136,513 hectares. Ankarafantsika, whose name derives from “Garafantsy,” meaning “mountain of spiny plants,” evokes a time when its forests inspired both terror and mystery.
The history of Ankarafantsika is fascinating. It is said that once upon a time, a bandit sowed terror in the region, leaving his mark (or rather his name) on Lake Ravelobe, now renowned for its crocodiles. The term “Gara-fantsy” also designates a cunning and fearsome man. The park’s flora features a unique plant formation on a sandy massif, rich in faunal species, with an exceptional rate of endemism, including species not found in other protected areas.
The varied landscapes of Ankarafantsika, between forests, savannahs, and lakes, offer a breathtaking contrast. Five major rivers and several lakes, such as Tsimaloto, Ampijoroa, Antsimalo, and Ankomakoma, serve as refuges for endemic fish, aquatic birds, and crocodiles. The vegetation is characterized by a mix of dry forests, humid forests, raphia swamps, and savannahs, hosting 92% of tree species and 84% of herbaceous species that are endemic. Unfortunately, it is threatened every year by bushfires.
Ankarafantsika is also a paradise for ornithologists, with 126 species of birds, including the famous Vanga of Van Dam and the White Mesite, attracting enthusiasts from around the world. The adjacent Ampijoroa forest station is home to three endemic species of turtles: the Angonoka tortoise, the flat-tailed Kapidolo tortoise, and the large freshwater tortoise Rere. This park is an important research site, where institutions such as the University of Hanover discovered the Microcebus ravelobensis, an endemic lemur species, in 1997.
The local population, primarily composed of farmers, is estimated at 37,456 inhabitants, with a strong presence of the Sakalava ethnic group. The peripheral area contains 133 villages and hamlets, adding to the cultural richness of the park. Don’t miss the chance to experience an unforgettable adventure as you traverse the park’s trails. One circuit begins at Lake Ravelobe, crossing a secondary forest dominated by Raphia farinifera, while another leads you to the impressive lavaka of Ankarokaroka, results of massive erosion.
Get ready to discover the wild beauty of Ankarafantsika, an unmissable destination for nature lovers and adventurers!