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Ankarana National Park has a total area of 18,225ha and an altitude of 206m{| class="imageTable"|-|colspan="3" | [[File:Ankarana_National_Park_025. The predominant climate is dry tropical with an annual rainfall below 2,000mmjpg|600px]]|-|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_026. Most of the rain falls in Januaryjpg|196px]]|align="center"|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_027. The dry season lasts from April to November. March is the hottest month with a maximum temperature of 36.2°C and June is the coldest with a minimum temperature of 13.5°Cjpg|196px]]|align="right"|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_030.jpg|196px]]|}

Ankarana National Park was founded in 1956. The topography park has a total area of 18,225ha and an altitude of Ankarana 206m. The predominant climate is characterised by limestone emerging from a basaltic plain 50m above sea leveldry tropical with an annual rainfall below 2, forming the ''[[tsingy]]'' (sharp limestone karst pinnacles)000mm. Numerous underground caves and canyons traverse Most of the massifrain falls in January. Four major rivers flow through the reserve: Besaboba eastward, Ankarana The dry season lasts from April to November. March is the north, Antenan'Ankarana hottest month with a maximum temperature of 36.2°C and Mananjeba from June is the southcoldest with a minimum temperature of 13. The first three are underground rivers whose specific watercourses still remain unknown5°C.

* ''Tyto soumagnei'' - [[Madagascan Madagascar red owl]]* ''Ardea humbloti'' - [[Humblot's Madagascar heron]]* ''Ardeola ideaidae'' - [[Malagasy Madagascar pond -heron]]* ''Lophotibis cristata'' - [[Madagascan Madagascar crested ibis]]* ''Haliaetus vociferoïdesvociferoides''or ''Haliaeetus vocifer'' - [[Madagascar fish eagle]]* ''Aviceda madagascariensis'' - [[Madagascan Madagascar cuckoo-hawk]]* ''Accipiter madagascariensimadagascariensis''s- [[Madagascar sparrowhawk]]

The famous ''Propithecus diadema perrieri'', known as [[Black sifaka]] / [[Diademed sifaka]], was last seen by park rangers in 1995 and 1996. Meanwhile, the presence of ''Microcebus myoxinus'' ([[Peters's mouse lemur]]) still needs to be to reconfirmed.

<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Lophotibus Lophotibis cristata''</td><td>Madagascar Crested Ibiscrested ibis</td>

<td>During the day.</td></tr></table><br> {| class="imageTable"|-|colspan="3" | [[File:Ankarana_National_Park_044.jpg|600px]]|-|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_046.jpg|196px]]|align="center"|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_063.jpg|196px]]|align="right"|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_066.jpg|196px]]|}<br>

There are 50 guides working for at the park, all of which have with excellent knowledge about the park, its biodiversity and ecosystems, ethical guidance, culture of the Antakarana people as well as first aid.

The admission fee for visiting the park depends on how many days will be spend. Foreign for foreign tourists pay 25is 65,000 Ariary for 1 per day, 37children pay 25,000 Ariary for 2 days, 40,000 Ariary for 3 days and 50,000 Ariary for 4 to 10 days per day (prices 20102015). Half of the entrance fees goes to [[Madagascar National Parks]] and half to local communities. Guides are obligatory. The fee for a guide depends on the chosen tour (circuit).<br><br>

{| class="imageTable"|-|colspan= Circuits (tours) =="3" | [[File:Ankarana_National_Park_007.jpg|600px]]|- Eight circuits cross the Ankarana National Park|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_002. Starting point for each circuit is the main office at Mahamasinajpg|196px]]|align="center"|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_004. It is possible to combine several circuits for one visitjpg|196px]]|align="right"|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_008.jpg|196px]]|}<br>

=== The cave Circuits (tours) in the eastern part of the bats =park ==Easy 2- to 3-hour trek, including a steep slope, to an underground cave with 8 species Eight circuits cross the eastern part of bats from small to large sizethe Ankarana National Park. The starting point for all circuits is the main office at [[Mahamasina]]. It is possible to see some lemurs such as Crowned lemur, Sanford's lemur and Northern sportive lemur. If lucky, combine several circuits at one can see a Ring-tailed mongoose and even a Fossavisit.

=== Loss The Cave of rivers the Bats ===Easy 2 to 3 hours trek, including a steep slope, to an underground cave with 8 species of bats from small to large size. It is possible to see some lemurs such as the Crowned lemur, Sanford's lemur and Northern sportive lemur. If lucky, one can see a Ring-tailed mongoose and even a Fossa.<br>Guide: 25,000 Ariary, park warden: 20,000 Ariary, porter: 10,000 Ariary (prices 2010) {| class="imageTable"|-|colspan="3" | [[File:Ankarana_National_Park_020.jpg|600px]]|- |[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_009.jpg|196px]]|align="center"|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_011.jpg|196px]]|align="right"|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_013.jpg|196px]]|-|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_023.jpg|196px]]|align="center"|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_018.jpg|196px]]|align="right"|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_022.jpg|196px]]|-|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_021.jpg|196px]]|align="center"|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_019.jpg|196px]]|align="right"|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_014.jpg|196px]]|}<br> === Lost Rivers ===Easy 1- to 2-hour hours trek, suitable for combining one -way with other circuits. Great views over the Ankarana landscape from the Ampasambazaha viewpoint. The track crosses a baobab forest, very close to the Ampondrabe river. The circuit ends at a big gulf (loss of lost rivers) where the three Ankarana rivers flow away (especially spectacular after lots of rain). Along the track it is possible to observe animals such as ''Brookesia'' ([[Leaf chameleon]]), Crowned lemur, Sanford's lemur and Northern sportive lemur as well as birds such as the rare [[Dronge]] and [[Magpie-robin]].<br>Guide: 25,000 Ariary, park warden: 20,000 Ariary, porter: 10,000 Ariary (prices 2010)

Easy 2- to 3-hours trek with a steep climb and steep descent. The track passes through the northern Ankarana massif and the southern part of the [[Montagne d’Ambre]]. Along the track it is possible to see the entrance of the bats grotto. Trekkers have the opportunity to touch the tsingy and observe its particular vegetation, such as the endemic ''Pachypodium decaryi'', ''Cyphostemma'' and''Euphorbia ankaranensis''. Lemurs include the Crowned lemur, Sanford's lemur and Northern sportive lemur. Furthermore , one can see the Ring-tailed mongoose, skinks (in the rainy season), [[Velvet gecko]], Leaf chameleon and [[Flat-tailed gecko]].<br>Guide: 25,000 Ariary, park warden: 20,000 Ariary, porter: 10,000 Ariary (prices 2010)

=== The turrets Turrets of the tsingy Tsingy ===3- to 4-hour hours walk, suitable for combining one -way with other circuits. The trek is easy, but the crossing of a small river is required in the rainy season. The track leads through the tsingy in the shape of turrets. A walk through crevasses gives the possibility to learn more about the typical vegetation of the tsingy. A large baobab tree with over 8m in circumference perimeter is the an ideal location for a restbreak. Throughout the track one can see the Northern sportive lemur, the rare bird Crested coua and reptiles such as sinks skinks (in the rainy season) and the Leaf chameleon.<br>Guide: 25,000 Ariary, park warden: 20,000 Ariary, porter: 10,000 Ariary (prices 2010)

3- to 4-hour hours walk, suitable for combining one -way with other circuits. The trek is easy, but the crossing of a small river is required in the rainy season. This circuit shows the picturesque landscape of the tsingy, the duality between limestone and volcanic rocks and the particular vegetation that grows there. Crowned lemur, Sanford's lemur and , Northern sportive lemur, Madagascan Madagascar crested ibis, White-breasted mesite and skinks (in the rainy season) can be seen. <br>Guide: 25,000 Ariary, park warden: 20,000 Ariary, porter: 10,000 Ariary (prices 2010) {| class="imageTable"|-|colspan="3" | [[File:Ankarana_National_Park_054.jpg|600px]]|-|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_041.jpg|196px]]|align="center"|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_050.jpg|196px]]|align="right"|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_053.jpg|196px]]|}<br> === The Big Tsingy of Benavony ===7 hours trek, moderately difficult because the track is mostly walking on the tsingy. This circuit is ideal to enjoy the wonderful landscape of the tsingy and its particular vegetation. The Benavony underground cave (250 metres) has very beautiful dripstone formations. Trekkers can see the amazing landscape from above on suspension bridges, which join two small canyons. Animals living in the area include the Crowned lemur, Sanford's lemur, Northern sportive lemur, Ring-tailed mongoose and fossa. The vegetation of the canyon is dominated by Moraceae (''Ficus'').<br>Guide: 40,000 Ariary, park warden: 30,000 Ariary, porter: 15,000 Ariary (prices 2010) === The Viewpoint of Ambohimalaza ===4 to 5 hours trek, easy but steep in the final stretch. The track leads through a forest of the endemic tree "Taim-papango" and through the forest of big lianas and ficus. At the viewpoint a postcard picture surprises with views of Ambilobe in the west, over the tsingy and the Mozambique Channel spotted with islets ([[Nosy-Be]], [[Mitsio]] etc.) at the horizon. From the highest point of the plateau one can see the whole northern part of the Ankarana National Park, which is dominated by the silhouette of Montagne d'Ambre. Along the track one may spot Crowned lemur, Sanford's lemur, Northern sportive lemur, Spear-tailed gecko and birds such as Madagascar harrier-hawk, Peregrine falcon and Guinea fowl.<br>Guide: 25,000 Ariary, park warden: 20,000 Ariary, porter: 10,000 Ariary (prices 2010) === Lac Vert / The Green Lake ===8 to 9 hours trek, moderately difficult because of the length of the trail. This part of Ankarana is only accessible during the dry season from June to December. The track comprises the extent of the tsingy. The Amposatelo stream is ideal for a cool-down and swim. Trekkers can observe Crowned lemur, Sanford's lemur, Northern sportive lemur, Ring-tailed mongoose, fossa, birds such as a White-breasted mesite, Madagascar crested ibis and flycatcher.<br>Guide: 40,000 Ariary, park warden: 30,000 Ariary, porter: 15,000 Ariary (prices 2010)<br><br> {| class="imageTable"|-|colspan="3" | [[File:Ankarana_National_Park_001.jpg|600px]]|-|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_035.jpg|196px]]|align="center"|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_036.jpg|196px]]|align="right"|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_037.jpg|196px]]|}<br> == Circuits (tours) in the western part of the park ==The western part of Ankarana is only accessible during the dry season from June to December, when the Antenan'Ankarana river can be crossed by car. This park area is dominated by caves. The caves form either long galleries or are sheltered by large and long, 50 to 60 metres high tsingy walls. This tsingy wall, interspersed with canyons, is the natural boundary of the western park, known as the "Wall of Ankarana". === The Cave and Cathedral of Andrafiabe ===A moderately difficult 5 hours walk. The underground cave of Andrafiabe as well as the cathedral of Andrafiabe both have beautiful dripstone formations. Both the cave and the 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 small hills of Chaumont, which connects the two underground caves, is a magnificent valley. 11 species of bats (including the smallest and the largest), Sanford's lemur, Crowned lemur, birds (e.g. 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 an Antakarana warrior who died of hunger during the tribal war was found in this cave. The cave has beautiful dripstones and the vegetation in the canyon is quite impressive. Fruit trees such as "wild orange" and the non-edible "wild cassava" dominate the track. Crowned lemurs, Sanford's lemurs, birds such as the Vasa parrot, flycatcher and Guinea fowl, geckos and lizards can be observed throughout the 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, sometimes moderately difficult. The track leads to a cave with impressive dripstone 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 the Manavi long-fingered bat (''Miniopterus manavi''). More fearful residents of the cave are the Nile crocodiles. At the entrance of the cave Moraceaes (''Ficus'') grow whilst at the exit reeds and ferns grow. Whilst trekking one may see snakes, Crowned lemurs and Guinea fowls.<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 waters crosses the canyon briefly before disappearing again into 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 dripstone formations. On the outer walls at the entrance of the cave are parrot nest by a forest with several types of Moraceae (''Ficus''). 6 species of bats from the smallest to the largest can be observed: Madagascan fruit bat, Madagascan rousette, Madagascar free-tailed bat, Malagasy mouse-eared bat, Glen's long-fingered bat and the Manavi long-fingered bat. Birds along the track include 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 dripstone 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'') of which several types grow along the underground river that flows out of the cave. At the exit of the cave there is a vegetation rich swamp. Beside the crocodiles, the endemic blind fish (''Glossogobius ankaranensis'') is the 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 dripstone 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> {| class="imageTable"|-|colspan="3" | [[File:Ankarana_National_Park_074.jpg|600px]]<br><br>|} == Fady - What not to do in the park ==As many other ethnic groups in Madagascar, also the [[Antankarana]] people follow customs and traditions. [[Fady|Fady's]] are not strictly taboos, they are more beliefs which signal when something is "dangerous" related to action, food, locations etc. The following fady's in the Ankarana National Park apply both to locals and visitors. '''Fady in the park:'''<br>* To bring "ravinala" (Traveller's Tree) and "antomby" or "garaba" (poultry cages) into the park.* To bring "voanjobory" (Bambara groundnut), pork or wild boar meat into the park.<br>* Relief oneself in undesignated areas.'''Fady in the caves:'''<br>* Access to the caves is forbidden for descendants of the lines who fought the Antankarana Kingdom (including [[Merina]] people and Antankarana traitors). '''Strictly forbidden:'''<br>* Sex* Access is prohibited to women in menstruation.'''Tips:'''<br>* Nothing should be brought into or taken out of the caves.* It is not allowed to remove bones, artifacts or living cave formations.* Visit the caves bareheaded (without a hat) in respect of the Antankarana ancestors.* Do not relief yourself inside the cave. Some of the caves in Ankarana are sacred sites, such as the Cave of Kings, which is the tomb of the Antankarana kings.<br><br> == Accommodation in the park =='''Campement des Princess:''' Located on basaltic soil in the forest (East Ankarana). 22 tents for 44 people, 3,000 Ariary per person/night.<br>'''Campement d’Amposatelo:''' Located on basaltic soil in the forest and along a stream (in the heart of the park). 5 tents for 10 people, 3,000 Ariary per person/night.<br>'''Campement d'Andrafiabe:''' Located in the bushland at the foot of the tsingy cliff (West Ankarana). 42 tents for 84 people, without shelter 3,000 Ariary per person/night, with shelter 5,000 Ariary per person/night.<br>'''Campement d’Anilotra:''' Located on basaltic soil in the forest (West Ankarana). 5 tents for 10 people, 3,000 Ariary per person/night.<br><br> {| class="imageTable"|-|colspan="3" | [[File:Ankarana_National_Park_032.jpg|600px]]|-|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_069.jpg|196px]]|align="center"|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_072.jpg|196px]]|align="right"|[[File:Ankarana_National_Park_073.jpg|196px]]|}<br> == Accommodation outside the park ==Around the park there are several accommodation possibilities, reaching from basic bungalows to comfortable hotel rooms. '''[[Chez Goulam]]''' (12 bungalows)<br>Mahamasina<br>Tel: +261 (0)32 5268282 (mobile) or +261 (0)32 0269106 (mobile)<br>Email: [mailto:goulamguide_ds@yahoo.fr goulamguide_ds@yahoo.fr]<br><br> '''[[Chez Aurelien]]''' (18 bungalows and camping)<br>Mahamasina<br>Tel: +261 (0)32 0278600 (mobile) or +261 (0)32 4063014 (mobile)<br>Email: [mailto:aurelien_ank@yahoo.fr aurelien_ank@yahoo.fr]<br><br> '''Tsingy Relais''' or '''[[Chez Robert]]''' (17 rooms)<br>Ambatomitsangana<br>Tel: +261 (0)20 8206565<br><br> '''[[Ankarana Lodge]]''' (5 bungalows, guest house with several rooms, 5 pavilions with tents)<br>Tel: +261 (0)32 0490810 (mobile)<br>Email: [mailto:info@ankarana-lodge.com info@ankarana-lodge.com]<br>[http://www.ankarana-lodge.com www.ankarana-lodge.com]<br><br> '''[[Relais de l'Ankarana]]''' (6 bungalows)<br>Mahamasina<br>Tel: +261 (0)32 0222294 (mobile)<br>Email: [mailto:ankarana.lerelais@gmail.com ankarana.lerelais@gmail.com]<br>[http://www.relaisdelankarana.unblog.fr www.relaisdelankarana.unblog.fr]<br><br> <div style="max-width:600px;">{{#display_map:-12.922901, 49.086936~'''Ankarana National Park'''~~;|type=map|service=google|width=auto|height=400|zoom=10|controls=pan, zoom, type, scale|copycoords=yes|icon=https://www.madacamp.com/images/madagascar/Green_marker.png}}</div>

==Additional information = =* View all [[Ankarana National Park photos]]* [http://www.parcs-madagascar.com Madagascar National Parks] - Plentiful information about the National Parks in Madagascar in English, French, German and Italian - ''Note May 2016: The big Tsingy of Benavony ===Madagascar National Parks website is updated and content is available only in French.''