Northern Madagascar
Ankarana Lodge
The recently renovated Ankarana Lodge is located approximately 1 km from Ankarana National Park with superb views over the local savannah.
The lodge has simple yet comfortable air-conditioned bungalows and more simple rooms, the more basic terraced rooms have air- conditioning and all have private bathrooms. There is 24-hour power for lighting and charging of equipment.
There is a large swimming pool with deck chairs and a drinks service, and there are plans to build a bar. The spacious bungalows overlook the pool and have private verandas. Although without air- conditioning the rooms have fans and two doors to improve the airflow.
There is a restaurant towards the back of the pool serving traditional Malagasy cuisine.
The main reason for a stay here is to visit Ankarana National Park, a spectacular tsingy area of eroded limestone pinnacles and sunken dry deciduous forest containing one of the highest densities of primates in the world – it has to be one of Madagascar’s most exciting reserves. Highlights include the various chameleons, leaf-tailed geckos and the northern ring-tailed mongoose.
Facilities
Private bathrooms, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, restaurant, drinks service, swimming pool, terrace, 24-hour electricity.
Local Wildlife
There are 11 species of lemur in the park, including crowned, Sandford’s brown, northern sportive and greater dwarf lemur. Other wildlife includes ring-tailed mongoose, various chameleons and leaf-tailed geckos and the colourful Madagascar giant day geckos. The Madagascar crested ibis is also frequently seen here.
Optional Activities
Excursions in the Ankarana National Park could include visits to the impressive limestone karst pinnacles called tsingy, sunken caves, underground rivers and more.
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
It can get pretty hot in Ankarana so take plenty of water and a hat on excursions.
If you have any questions regarding our Madagascar tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
It was lovely to meet Helen face-to-face and to devise the ideal trip with her – her enthusiasm for Madagascar certainly confirmed us in our choice of destination. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides, seemed genuinely interested in their work and in interacting with tourists. Invaluable in spotting wildlife and discussing uses of local medicinal plants. [Our escort guide] was a delightful companion on our journey in Madagascar and very solicitous of our welfare. We were thrilled by the wildlife. Without the keen insight and knowledge of our guides we would certainly have failed to spot the giraffe-necked weevil and stick insects. The night walks were very productive – several mouse lemurs. The first sight of indris was an especial thrill as was the sight of a sleeping mouse lemur in broad daylight. Perhaps the most rewarding experience occurred when the lemurs came to us – six ring-tailed lemurs in Isalo, sifakas on the balcony in Anjajavy, flocks of grey-headed lovebirds on the lawn at breakfast. An excellent tour which gave us a good insight into the wildlife and potential conservation issues in Madagascar. We had opportunities to visit local communities. We were most impressed by the efficiency in ensuring a trouble-free and very enjoyable time in Madagascar. Our tour leader and driver were delightful and very hard working. We shall certainly look forward to booking a further tour with you.
