Ankarafantsika, which used to be known as, and still incorporates, the Ampijoroa Forest Station, is an incredible national park roughly 150 kilometres or two hours drive south east of the city of Mahajanga. The chief attraction of Ankarafantsika is the numerous hiking trails, mostly in and around the forestry station of Ampijoroa, which is the main safari destination within the park.

Known as the “realm of birds, land of sacred lakes, fount of life”, Ankarafantsika lies in an area typified by a kaleidoscope of dry forest, humid forests, marshes with raffia and savannas. This beautiful corner of Madagascar is also the place of one of the two last remaining examples of western Malagasy tropical dry deciduous forest. Night walks where one can view the grey mouse lemur, the fat-tailed dwarf lemur and the Milne-Edwards sportive lemur are just slightly more exciting than day walks, which include the coquerel’s sifaka, various chameleon and the iridescent green day geckos. Bird life abounds with over 129 species, and three endemic species of tortoise are bred in the Ampijoroa forest station.

Boat trips along the Ravelobe Lake, numerous hiking trails and the variety of landscapes makes Ankarafantsika high on any vacation itinerary. The park is hot and rainy with two distinct seasons – a dry period between May and October and a wet period with rain that falls between January and April. Plant life is incredible and includes some terrestrial orchids, whilst several rivers and lakes add yet another element to the park’s landscape.

If you’ve not yet seen the incredible baobabs of Madagascar, then the baobab tree trail is a safari holiday highlight. It’s an easy walk that crosses raffia forest, crocodile trees and incredible examples of giant baobabs.