Réserve Spéciale de L’ankàrana

Introducing Réserve Spéciale de L’ankàrana

Northern Madagascar’s most precious reserve comes in the colour of ruby. The 18, 225-­hectare Réserve Spéciale de l’Ankàrana encompasses the beautiful Ankàrana Massif about 100km southwest of Diego Suarez. It is a striking and undeveloped fantasyland that’s home to uniquely Madagascan sights: psychedelic forests of ruby-red tsingy sit next to semi-dry forests where nocturnal sportive lemurs pop their heads out of holes by your feet. Running through and under the tsingy are hidden forest-filled canyons and subterranean rivers, some containing crocodiles. There are bat-filled grottos and mysterious caves steeped in legend and history, where traditional rites are still held and fady is strictly observed. Don’t touch anything or make any noise and never have sex in the caves. The massif is considered sacred to the Antakàrana, who took refuge from the Merina among its tsingy and caves, where several kings are buried.

Information

L’Ankàrana is managed by Angap, which has offices at the main entrance in Mahamasina, in Ambilobe and at the western entrance at Matsaborimanga. The Angap office (82 213 20) in Diego Suarez can provide general information. All offices are open from 7.30am to 4pm.

Entry permits cost Ar25, 000 for one day or Ar40, 000 for three and can be arranged at the reserve entrance, as can guides, which are compulsory. Fees range from Ar15, 000 to Ar30, 000 per group per circuit. Fees for night walks are about Ar12, 000 per hour per group.

You will need to be self-sufficient with food, water and camping supplies (although there are now some camping supplies available for hire), including a good torch.

As most lakes and rivers here are sacred, bathing or swimming in them is generally not permitted.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009