Ankarana National Park

A land of Tsingy and underground caves

Located in northern Madagascar, Ankarana National Park is a natural gem renowned for its vast network of underground rivers, the largest in Africa. With its unique ecosystem, this protected area offers adventure and discovery like no other!

Visiting the Park

Upon entering the park, you step into an extraordinary world found nowhere else. Situated 10 km from Antsiranana, the park covers an area of 18,220 hectares and is a protected zone due to its topography and the richness of its fauna and flora. Nature lovers and adventure seekers will enjoy trekking through the park's rugged terrain. 

The park features a strikingly uneven landscape built on basaltic soil, with parts covered by seasonal dry forests. It is also home to the Tsingy, a unique limestone formation sculpted by erosion, creating narrow labyrinth-like corridors.

- Exploring the Tsingy

Ankarana is one of only two locations in Madagascar where the Tsingy can be admired (the other being Bemaraha). Exploring these extraordinary rock formations requires physical endurance, as some sections involve climbing large stone blocks or navigating narrow crevices before reaching the majestic limestone expanses shaped by wind and rain over time. 

The Anilotra campsite is the best spot to appreciate the beauty of the Tsingy. Reaching it requires a two-hour hike, passing the Green Lake, a crater lake, along the way. This day-long excursion provides stunning views. Wooden plank bridges offer breathtaking perspectives of the brittle rocks, and you’ll spot plants like Pachypodium thriving on the limestone.

- The sacred caves

The park’s magnificent caves were formed by underground water systems. There are 11 caves in total, some containing royal burial sites and others serving as sacred places of worship. Locals visit these caves to leave offerings. 

Inside, the caves are adorned with formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, and heligmites. You’ll also find stunning calcite draperies resembling fabric. While the outside heat can be intense, the caves provide a refreshing coolness.

- Fauna and Flora of the Park

Some inaccessible sinkholes in the park have allowed rare plants and animals to thrive undisturbed. The vegetation on the karst plateau includes invasive plants, Madagascar canarium trees, pandanus, vines, aerial orchids, and baobabs, which you can see along the botanical trails. 

The park is home to 10 lemur species, including the gray bamboo lemur (Hapalemur griseus), the common brown lemur (Eulemur fulvus), and the northern sportive lemur (Lepilemur septentrionalis). Among the 92 bird species inhabiting the park is the endemic White-breasted Mesite (Mesitornis variegata). You may also encounter fosa, chameleons, and other wildlife along the trails. 

The underground rivers house a troglodytic fauna, including species without pigments or eyes. The caves are inhabited by bats, with 13 species recorded in the park. Be cautious, as some rivers are home to crocodiles up to 6 meters long!