National Park in Madagascar
Limestone tsingy, caves and a huge bay
Ankarana Special Reserve, near Diego Suarez in the far north, is a region of limestone tsingy, canyons and caves. It is smaller and gentler than the Tsingy de Bemaraha in the west, but rich in wildlife, and has one of the largest cave systems in Africa.
Lemurs such as crowned lemur, Sanford's brown lemur and northern sportive lemur can be found here, and the dry forest and the canyon floor hold chameleons, snakes and rare birds. Walks lead through the Petit Tsingy and across rope bridges to the Tsingy Rouge, a red erosion formation nearby. The area is also close to the Emerald Sea and Diego Suarez Bay.
The north is a quiet area of Madagascar, best from April to November.
Ankarana has crowned lemur, Sanford’s brown lemur, northern sportive lemur and several other lemurs, plus chameleons, geckos and snakes. The caves hold bats and Nile crocodiles in the underground rivers.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
Grey limestone needles, canyons and caves, surrounded by dry forest.
Activities here
Ankarana is hot all year, with a dry season from April to November and a wet season from December to March. Cyclones are possible in summer.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 22 | 300 |
| Feb | 32 | 22 | 300 |
| Mar | 32 | 22 | 250 |
| Apr | 32 | 22 | 70 |
| May | 31 | 20 | 20 |
| Jun | 30 | 18 | 10 |
| Jul | 29 | 17 | 10 |
| Aug | 30 | 18 | 10 |
| Sep | 32 | 19 | 10 |
| Oct | 33 | 21 | 40 |
| Nov | 33 | 22 | 100 |
| Dec | 32 | 22 | 220 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
April to November is dry and hot, with cooler nights in winter. Trails are easiest from May to October.
December to March is hot and wet, with storms. Trails and caves can flood.
May to October.
Best time to visit May to Oct
Ankarana is about two to three hours by road from Diego Suarez, or by flight from Antananarivo to Diego Suarez. The roads are rough, and most guests go with a driver.
Please see the Madagascar page for visa details. Park fees and a guide are included in our tours.
The north is a malaria area, so please take advice. Walks involve rocks and caves, so wear sturdy shoes and bring a torch.
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“Our take”
Give Ankarana two nights. Walk in the cool morning and take a night walk for the nocturnal wildlife.
Safaris from
US$3,948 per person
Plan your time in Ankarana and Diego Suarez
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