Western Madagascar - Madagascar - page 206

Birdwatchers will be rubbing their hands in anticipation: Ankarafantsika is one of Mad-
agascar's finest birdwatching venues, with 129 species recorded, including the rare Mad-
agascan fish eagle and the raucous sickle-bill vanga . There are over 70 species of reptiles,
including small iguanas, a rare species of leaf-tailed gecko and the rhinoceros chameleon
(the male sports a large, curious-looking bulblike proboscis).
Vegetation consists of low and scrubby deciduous forest with pockets of such dryland
plants as aloe and Pachypodium (or 'elephant's foot') plus baobabs and orchids.
PARC NATIONAL D'ANKARAFANTSIKA
Best time to visit Year-round.
Key highlight The profusion of birdlife and scenic landscape.
Wildlife Birds, birds, lemurs, more birds!
Habitats Dry deciduous forest.
Gateway towns Ampijoroa.
Transport options Taxis-brousses or private vehicle.
Things you should know Ankarafantsika makes an ideal stopover to break the
journey between Tana and Majunga.
Park Fees & Guides
Park permits (1/2/3/4 days Ar25,000/37,000/
40,000/50,000) must be bought at the MNP office ( 62 780 00; www.parcs-madagas-
car.com ; 7am-4pm). Guides (Ar15,000-40,000 depending on the circuit) are compuls-
ory and must be booked here too. Most speak excellent English.
ACTIVITIES
Hiking is the name of the game here. There are eight short circuits in the park, some
of which can be combined into a half-day hike. Circuits in the western half of the park
go through dense forests on a sandy plateau and are great for lemur-spotting (sifakas and
brown lemurs in particular) and birdwatching. There is also a breathtaking canyon that is
well worth the trek in baking heat across the grassland plateau.
The northern half of the park is all about the lake and the baobabs. The birdwatching is
excellent here, too (and completely different from the south), and there are more reptiles,
including crocodiles. If you have time, try to see both sides.