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Ankarana National Park

644 bytes added, 13:54, 17 December 2011
Circuits (tours) in the western part of the park
=== The Cave and Cathedral of Andrafiabe ===
A moderately difficult 5 hours walk. The underground Andrafiabe cave as well as the cathedral have beautiful dripstone formations. Both the cave and cathedral are confined by huge rocks. An opening in the ceiling of the cathedral lets the sun shine through, creating a halo of light. The canyon of the mounds of Chaumont, which connects the two underground caves, is a magnificent valley. 11 species of bats (including the smallest and largest), Sanford's lemur, Crowned lemur, birds (flycatcher) and reptiles (Spear-tailed gecko) can be seen along this track. <br>Guide: 40,000 Ariary, park warden: 30,000 Ariary, porter: 15,000 Ariary (prices 2010)
=== Skeleton Cave and 2nd Canyon ===
A 2 to 3 hours moderately difficult trek. The skeleton of a Antakarana warrior who died of hunger during the tribal war was found in this cave. The cave has beautiful dropstones and the vegetation of the canyon is quite impressive. Fruit trees such as "wild orange" and the not edible "wild cassava" dominate the track. Crowned lemurs, Sanford's lemurs, birds such as Vasa parrot, flycatcher and Guinea fowl, geckos and lizards can be observed throughout this trek.<br>Guide: 35,000 Ariary, park warden: 25,000 Ariary, porter: 10,000 Ariary (prices 2010)
=== Milaintety Cave and Potamochère Cave ===
A 3 to 4 hours trek, here and there moderately difficult. The track leads to a cave with impressive dropstone formations. At the exit of the cave is a natural water basin with islets of ferns, which are absolutely worth seeing. The cave is home to three small bat species, such as the Malagasy mouse-eared bat (''Myotis goudoti''), Glen's long-fingered bat (''Miniopterus gleni'') and Manavi long-fingered bat ([[Miniopterus manavi]]). Another resident of the cave is the Nile crocodile. At the entrance of the cave grow Moraceae (''Ficus'') and at the exit reeds and ferns. Whilst trekking one may see snakes, a Crowned lemur and a Guinea fowl. <br>Guide: 35,000 Ariary, park warden: 25,000 Ariary, porter: 10,000 Ariary (prices 2010)
=== The Green River and 1st Canyon ===
A moderately difficult 4 to 5 hours walk. The Green River is a mysterious underground river. Its emerald green water crosses the canyon briefly before disappearing again in the rock. There is a possibility to spot Sanford's lemur, Crowned Lemur, Northern sportive lemur, Northern rufous mouse lemur and even the nocturnal Aye-aye in the canyon. Carnivores include the Ring-tailed mongoose, Fossa and Malagasy civet. <br>Guide: 40,000 Ariary, park warden: 30,000 Ariary, porter: 15,000 Ariary (prices 2010)
=== Antsironandoha Cave ===
A moderately difficult 3 to 4 hours trek. The underground cave has beautiful dropstone formations. At the entrance of the cave are parrots nests on the outside walls and a forest of Moraceae (''Ficus'') with several species. 6 species of bats from the smallest to the largest size can be observed (Madagascan fruit bat, Madagascan rousette, Madagascar free-tailed bat, Malagasy mouse-eared bat, Glen's long-fingered bat and Manavi long-fingered bat). Birds along the track are the Vasa parrot and the Guinea fowl. <br>Guide: 35,000 Ariary, park warden: 25,000 Ariary, porter: 10,000 Ariary (prices 2010)
=== The Crocodiles Cave and Lake Ampandriamborona ===
A 5 to 6 hours walk of moderate difficulty. This track leads to an underground cave with dropstone formations and a dark river with Nile crocodiles. The perennial lake is a good spot to watch water birds, such as Humblot's heron and Madagascan pond heron. The entrance of the cave is framed by Moraceae (''Ficus''). Several species grow along the underground river that comes out of the cave. At the exit is a vegetation rich swamp. Beside the crocodiles, there is the endemic blind fish (''Glossogobius ankaranensis'') a main attraction of this trek. <br>Guide: 35,000 Ariary, park warden: 25,000 Ariary, porter: 10,000 Ariary (prices 2010)
=== The Cave of the Pigeons and Lake Mangily ===
A 4 to 5 hours moderately difficult trek to a cave with dropstone formations and an underground river. The perennial lake is home to water birds, such as Humblot's heron and Madagascan pond heron. The endemic blind fish (''Glossogobius ankaranensis'') and Nile crocodile are the highlights of this walk. At the entrance of the cave grows marsh vegetation (reed) and a forest of Moraceae (''Ficus'').<br>Guide: 35,000 Ariary, park warden: 25,000 Ariary, porter: 10,000 Ariary (prices 2010) <br><br>
== Circuits (tours) in the western part of the park==

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