Ankarafantsika National Park

Located in the Boeny region in northwestern Madagascar, Ankarafantsika National Park is bordered by the Mahajamba River to the east and the Betsiboka River to the west. The park is crossed by National Route 4 and spans an area of 136,000 hectares. Formerly known as the Ampijoroa Forestry Station, it is renowned for its lake, birdlife, and turtles.

Ankarafantsika National Park: The sacred lake Ravelobe

The name Ankarafantsika derives from "Garafantsy," meaning "mountain of thorns" or "cunning and fearsome man." These forests were once the refuge of a legendary patriot-turned-bandit named Ravelobe, who terrorized the region. The name Garafantsy evokes the fear that once gripped travelers passing through. One of the park’s highlights is the vast sacred Lake Ravelobe, spanning nearly 27 hectares. Legend has it that Ravelobe and his family committed suicide in this lake. The Sakalava people believe that the Nile crocodiles inhabiting the lake are Ravelobe’s descendants and thus hold them sacred. The lake also provides sanctuary to numerous aquatic birds, such as herons, fish eagles, ibises, and ducks, as well as the Rere, a freshwater turtle species.

In addition to Lake Ravelobe, Ankarafantsika is home to other sacred sites for the Sakalava people, such as the Doany (royal tombs). These locations are used for traditional ceremonies, including the Joro (a sacred invocation ritual), prayers, and zebu sacrifices.

Ankarafantsika National Park: Stunning and extraordinary landscapes

The park features a mosaic of ecosystems, including dry dense forests, savannas, and the multicolored Ankarokaroka Canyon. This canyon, shaped by large lavaka (erosion gullies), offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forests. Over 800 plant species have been recorded here, including an endemic baobab species (Adansonia madagascariensis var. boinensis), hardwoods like rosewood, herbaceous plants, euphorbias, medicinal plants, and woody plants. The park’s flora is particularly adapted to thrive on its sandy massif.

Ankarafantsika National Park: A haven for rare birds and wildlife

A prime birdwatching destination, Ankarafantsika is one of the few places in the world with such a rich variety of avian species. It is home to the Madagascar fish eagle, Madagascar paradise flycatcher, Madagascar bulbul, Newton’s kestrel, and vangas, among others. The park hosts 129 bird species, 75 of which are endemic. It is also home to chameleons, iguanas, snakes, tenrecs, and eight species of lemurs, both diurnal and nocturnal. Notable lemurs include Coquerel’s sifaka, the park’s emblem, and the Microcebus ravelobensis, one of the smallest mouse lemurs, endemic to the area.