Northern Madagascar
Relais de l’Ankarana
Situated just 200m from the entrance of Ankarana National park, this hotel is simple but very convenient for access to the park. The spacious but basic bungalows have twin or double beds with mosquito nets and three have ensuite bathrooms. Hot water is usually available, but it can be variable due to the remoteness making showers sometimes a (likely welcome) refreshing experience! The open-air restaurant serves simple meals but with friendly service.
Please note that there is no Wi-Fi or phone reception here and the staff do not have perfect English but are always very friendly.
Facilities
Simple bungalows with private bathrooms. Restaurant and friendly service. There is no phone reception or Wi-Fi here and the lodge is simple.
Local Wildlife
Ankarana National Park's sunken tropical dry forest is home to one of Madagascar's highest lemur densities. Crowned lemurs are particularly abundant, and Sanford's brown and nocturnal Ankarana sportive lemurs are also regularly spotted. The colourful panther chameleon, ground boa, giant hog-nosed snake and some camouflaged leaf-tailed geckos are among the commonly encountered reptiles. Birdlife is also diverse and includes Madagascar crested ibis, cuckoo rollers, Chabert's, blue and rufous vangas and the white-breasted mesite. The Grotte de Chauve Souris bat cave is another highlight where hundreds of Madagascar straw coloured and rousette bats can be seen. The inquisitive ring-tailed vontsira (mongoose) is also common in the park.
Optional Activities
Exploring Ankarana National Park on its wide range of trails.
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
If you have any questions regarding our Madagascar tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Tour guide was perfect (Excellent++). Attentive and caring. Outstanding person. Became part of the family. Give her an award!!! Local guides very enthusiastic and knowledgeable and pleasant people to be with. Helen’s enthusiastic and sparkling voice was a pleasure to hear on the ‘phone. All questions answered in detail and printed information sent was helpful. You guys really cared. Very attentive in Madagascar and went well. Very pleasant and good driver. No corners cut and a well planned trip with all details covered. Perfect for us. Due to good guides and spotters we saw 16 species of lemurs and plenty of them. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to see so many species and so close to us. Marvellous – very emotional. Lemurs are such wonderful gentle creatures. This trip was so well-designed for people like us. I will never forget this trip in my life. What a humbling experience it was. Some time in the future we will be back to see these special animals. In the mean time I look to our video footage of our time with the lemurs of Madagascar. Helen Cox – well done. Your company is at the top of our list.