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'''The Ankarafantsika National Park is located in the Boina region in the northwest of Madagascar. To the east the park is bounded by the Mahajamba river and to the west by the Betsiboka river. The park is located along the national road 4 ([[RN4]]), about 115 kilometres south of [[Mahajanga]] (2 hours by car) and 450 kilometres north of the capital [[Antananarivo]] (8 hours). The road is in good condition and accessible all year round. There is a daily taxi-brousse service between Antananarivo and Mahajanga. Alternatively, [[Air Madagascar]] offers regular scheduled flights. '''
The name Ankarafantsika comes from ''garafantsy'', meaning "mountain of thorns". The name is also connected with a crafty and scary man. The forests of Ankarafantsika were once market with terror and mystery due to [[Lake Ravelobe|Ravelobe]], a patriot living in the forests who became a bandit and robbed travellers.
Originally, two parks on both sides of RN4 formed the forest reserve of Ankarafantsika, before they were unified in 2002. Today, Ankarafantsika National Park covers an area of 135,000ha at an altitude of 250m. The highest peak is 350m. There are five major rivers running through the park. Several lakes, such as Tsimaloto, Ampijoroa, Antsimalo and Ankomakoma are the last refuges of native fish, aquatic birds and crocodiles. In addition, the lakes are shrines to the natives of the region. The landscape of the park is very alternating with different types of forests and savannas. A highlight of the park is the ''Lavaka of Ankarokaroka'', a lunar landscape born of massive erosion. Various endemic species live and grow in this sandy massif.
=== The Coquereli Circuit - "Small Tour" ===
Easy circuit, 2 to 3 hours walk (2km), recommended for wildlife enthusiasts.<br>
'''What to see?'''<br>- * diurnal lemurs: Coquerel's sifaka (''Propithecus coquereli'') - endemic to Ankarafantsika, Brown lemur and Mongoose lemur<br>
Guide: 15,000 Ariary (1-6 people), 21,000 Ariary (7 and more people)<br><br>
=== The Coquereli Circuit - "Big Tour" ===
Easy circuit, 2 to 3 hours walk (3km)<br>
'''What to see?'''<br>- * birds: Van Dam's vanga - especially rare and endemic to Ankarafantsika, Paradise flycatcher, Madagascar bulbul, coua, mesite, drongo and hawk<br>- * reptiles: horned chameleon (''Rucifer rhinoceratus''), iguana, [[Giant Malagasy hognose snake]] (''Leioheterodon madagascariensis'')<br>- * precious wood: rosewood (''Dalbergia sp'')<br>- * sacred wood: Mpanjakaben'ny tany<br>- * medicinal plants: katrafay, adenia, vanilla (''Vanilla madagascariensis'')<br>- * panoramic views of the Ankarafantsika forest<br>
Guide: 15,000 Ariary (1-6 people), 21,000 Ariary (7 and more people)<br><br>
'''What to see?'''<br>
This circuit starts at Lake Ravelobe, crosses secondary forest dominated by Raplafarinifera -
Sandbox trees (''Hura crepitans'') which seeds are dispersed by fruit bursting - before reaching the majestic baobabs (''Adansonia madagascariensis'') which are endemic to Ankarafantsika.<br>- * birds: flycatcher, Madagascar magpie-robin, Madagascar bulbul, drongo<br>- * reptiles: chameleons, snakes, lizards<br>- * panoramic view of Lake Ravelobe with the opportunity to cross the suspension bridge<br>- * view onto rice fields<br>
Guide: 15,000 Ariary (1-6 people), 21,000 Ariary (7 and more people)<br><br>
Easy circuit, 1.5 hours (1.5km).<br>
'''What to see?'''<br>
Insight into the world of smaller nocturnal mammals, birds and chameleons at night. This very popular tour begins at 7pm and should not be missed.<br>- * nocturnal lemurs: Grey mouse lemur (''Microcebus murinus''), Golden-brown mouse lemur (''Microcebus ravelobensis''), Milne-Edwards's sportive lemur (''Lepilemur edwardsi''), Western wolly lemur (''Avahi occidentalis''), Western Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur (''Cheirogaleus medius'')<br>- * birds: small duck of Madagascar, flycatcher, Madagascar nightjar<br>- * reptiles: chameleons<br>- * precious wood: ebony, rosewood<br>
Guide: 25,000 Ariary (1-6 people), 37,000 Ariary (7 and more people)<br><br>
Medium circuit, 2.5 hours (9km).<br>
'''What to see?'''<br>
Drive through the secondary forest and savanna to Lavaka of Ankarokaroka, an canyon with impressive multicoloured erosions in the shape of fairy houses and chimneys. Walk through the canyon. This circuit is especially striking at sunset.<br>- * birds: flycatcher, Madagascar magpie-robin, Madagascar bulbul, coua, Madagascan kestrel, drongo<br>- * reptiles: lizards<br>- * precious wood: rosewood<br>- * medicinal plants<br>
Guide and car: 50.000 Ariary (1-2 people), 75.000 Ariary (3 people), 100.000 Ariary (4 people), 125.000 Ariary (5 people), 150.000 Ariary (6 people). Maximum of 6 people.<br><br>
== Tourist attractions in the region ==
* Raffia workshop - workshop where raffia is traditionally woven and naturally dyed. One shop is located along the RN4 in [[Ampombolava]], the other 16km outside the park in [[Andranomandevy]].
* Dinosaurs research site - in [[Berivotra]], 65km along the RN4 by car* Historic underground cave - in [[Anjohibe]], 120km towards Majunga, accessible by car
* Cirque Rouge - extraordinary formation (lavaka), 10km from the underground cave, accessible by car.<br><br>
3.3.1 Dans le Parc
3.3.4 Faits marquants de la Région
'''Légendes du Lac Ravelobe :'''
