Difference between revisions of "Ankarafantsika National Park"

Revision as of 14:40, 19 February 2012

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 also describes a crafty and scary man. The forests of Ankarafantsika were once market with terror and mystery due to 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.

From April to November the weather is hot and dry, followed by a wet period. The average annual rainfall is 1,475mm. In general the temperature varies between 24°C and 29°C. There are about 37,456 people (2010) living in the area, spread over 133 villages and hamlets. The inhabitants are mainly farmers. The dominant ethnic group is Sakalava.

Ankarafantsika National Park is subject to strong pressures caused by charcoal production, slash and burn agriculture (tavy), logging, expansion of grazing, hunting and collecting forest by-products. Every dry season, the park is also exposed to severe fires caused by humans, which is destroying the habitat of a wide variety of animals. Hunting is also increasing, as the traditional fady on hunting of lemurs is generally not respected by migrants in the region.

50% of the park entrance fees are donated to the local population to support the financing of micro projects. Since the launch of the Environmental Action Plan, more than 200 projects were enforced in the surrounding communities. More than 20,000 people benefited from the construction of wells, mini-dams and a school, drilling for fire hydrant, beekeeping, reforestation, poultry farming and provision of agricultural equipment.

Ecosystems

Various ecosystems, all very distinct from each other, can be found in Ankarafantsika National Park:

Thick forest on dry sand: This type of forest grows on white or red sand in valleys, at lakesides and on slopes. The vegetation on sand has adapted to aridity with special characters, such as semi-deciduous leafs. In this type of forest grow among other plants Bosqueia boiviniana, Dalbergia greveana, Zanthoxylon tsihanimposa, Rheedia calicicola, Dypsis sp and Nervillea sp.

Swamp forest: Located in low grounds or valleys temporarily flooded. This forest is characterised by a dominance of Raphia farinifera, often associated with ferns and other species. The swamp forest is not very diverse in terms of flora, due to soil conditions of the habitat.

Riparian forest: This forest is fairly typical along rivers and swamps. Because of the constant humidity, the trees are higher and larger in diameter. As in the swamp forest, floristic diversity is low.

Xerophytic thicket: This formation of only small shrub is specific to drier sites. This vegetation type is characterized by the abundance of xerophytic forms. Due to the soil conditions only a very low floristic diversity can be found in this habitat.

Savannah: This grassland is dominated by Aristida, Heteropogon, Hyparrhenia and Panicum. Woody species include shrubs and trees.

Permanent lakes: They are habitat for rare species and play an economic and ecological function in the region.

Fauna

Mammals

The diversity of lemurs emphasises the importance of the Ankarafantsika National Park for biodiversity conservation in Madagascar. Eight species of lemurs have been observed so far:

Propithecus coquereli - Coquerel's sifaka (diurnal)
Eulemur mongoz - Mongoose lemur
Eulemur fulvus fulvus - Brown lemur
Microcebus murinus - Grey mouse lemur (nocturnal)
Microcebus ravelobensis - Ravelobe mouse lemur or Golden-brown mouse lemur (nocturnal)
Cheirogaleus medius - Fat-tailed dwarf lemur (nocturnal)
Avahi occidentalis - Western woolly lemur (nocturnal)
Lepilemur edwardsi- Milne-Edwards's sportive lemur (nocturnal)

Amongst the mammals is the rodent Macrotarsomys ingens (Greater big-footed mouse) who lives only in this area and several species of tenrecs.

Birds

There are about 129 bird species living in the Ankarafantsika region, of which 75 are endemic. The following native birds can be observed in the park:

Accipiter madagascariensis - Madagascan sparrowhawk
Haliaeetus vociferoides - Madagascar fish eagle
Polyboroides radiatus - Madagascar harrier-hawk
Ardea humbloti - Humblot's heron
Coua cristata - Crested coua
Actophilornis albinucha - Madagascan jacana
Mesitornis variegata - White-breasted mesite
Tachybaptus pelzelnii - Madagascan grebe
Bernieria madagascariensis - Long-billed bernieria
Otus rutilus - Rainforest scops owl
Lophotibis cristata - Madagascan crested ibis
Leptopterus chabert - Chabert's vanga
Xenopirostris damii - Van Dam's vanga
Philepitta schlegeli - Schlegel's asity
Terpsiphone mutata - Madagascar paradise-flycatcher

Reptiles

The park is home to following reptiles:

Cameleons, including the endemic furcifer rhinoceratus
Iguanas
Snakes, including the endemic Acrantophis madagascariensis (Madagascar ground boa)
Skinks, including the endemic Pygomeles petteri (Petter's short skink)
Freshwater turtle, including the endemic Erymnochelys madagascariensis (Madagascan big-headed turtle)

Various species of insects and amphibians can also be found.

The best fauna most visible to tourists

Scientific name	English name / Malagasy name	Specificity	Description	Biology and behaviour
Acrantophis madagascariensis	Madagascar ground boa / Do	Snake, generally terrestrial. Endemic to Madagascar.	Dark brown or dark beige, brighter on the stomach. Its size can reach up to 3 metres.	Carnivore - feeds on small mammals and birds.
Schetba rufa	Rufous vanga / Paopaobava	Land bird, only in the forest. Endemic to Madagascar.	Medium in size, red back, white stomach and black head.	Diurnal bird, likes to live with a partner or in groups of 4 to 8, rarely alone.
Xenopirostris damii	Van Dam's vanga / Vanga	Land bird, only in the forest. Endemic to Madagascar. Rare and endangered species.	Large in size, grey back, black head and white stomach.	Insectivore - feeds on beetles.
Propithecus verreauxi coquereli	Coquerel's sifaka / Sifaka	Tree lemur. Endemic to Ankarafantsika. Rarest and most threatened species.	It has a head-body length of 45cm and a tail length of 55cm long. The adult female weights around 3.76kg and the adult male around 3.70kg. The upper body is whitish woolly, the lower body is dark brown woolly. The face is bare and black with a black nose and white muzzle. The tail is white.	Diurnal. Folivore and frugivore - feeds on leaves and fruits.
Eulemur mongoz	Mongoose lemur / Dredrika	Tree lemur. Endemic to Ankarafantsika. Vulnerable species.	It has a head-body length of 30cm to 35cm and a tail length of 48cm. An adult weights between 1kg and 1.50kg. The male has a brown back, darker than the female. Male and female distinguish themselves by the colour of their shoulders: Blackish brown for females and yellowish for males. Both sexes have orange eyes and a white nose.	Diurnal in rainy season when the food is abondant and nocturnal in dry season when the food is scares. Folivore and frugivore - feeds on leaves and fruits. Sometimes insectivore - feeds on insects.
Cheirogaleus medius	Fat-tailed dwarf lemur / Matavirambo	Tree lemur. Endemic to Madagascar. Fully protected species.	It has a head-body length of 21cm to 22cm and a tail length of 17cm to 20cm. The adult weights 142g at the beginning of the wet season and 217g at the end of the wet season. It has short ears, a brownish back and white stomach. A white strip surrounds its nose and the eyes have a black ring. Slow moving lemur.	Nocturnal. Hibernates from April to September, its fat storage is at the base of the tail. Frugivore and insectivore - feeds on fruits and insects.
Avahi occidentalis	Western woolly lemur / Tsarafangitra	Tree lemur. Endemic to Madagascar.	The length of head and body is greater than the length of the tail. An adult weights 859g. Dense fur with a shaped loop on the back. Median grey, sometimes mottled brown back. Sometimes reddish grey tail.	Folivore - eating mostly leaves of Commiphora pervilleana (Matambelona).

Flora

Ankarafantsika National Park is home to a rich and diverse flora. 823 species have been inventoried. The endemic rate is ranging from 82% for herbaceous plants to 92% for woody plants.

The best flora most visible to tourists

Scientific name	English name / Malagasy name	Description	Where to find	Biology
Dioscorea bemandry	Maciba	Herbaceous liana, with spirally arranged leaves. Small greenish flowers with six petals grouped in a cluster. Roots are edible tubers up to 1m long. Non-endemic.	In dry and dense deciduous forests.	Flowering from December to February, fruiting from January to April.
Baudouinia fluggeiformis	Mpanjakabenitany or Mpanjakaben' ny tany	Shrub or tree 15m in hight and 50cm in diameter. Irregular trunk with very deep grooves/flutings. The bark is light brown. Its deciduous leaves arranged in bouquets at the summits of short branches have a dull bottom side and a shiny upper side. A dominant leaf-vein crosses the leaves. Hermaphrodite (both sexes) flowers with five yellow petals about the same length as the sepals. Endemic to Madagascar.	In degraded dry deciduous forests.	Flowering from August to December, fruiting from September to May.
Cedrelopsis grevei	Katrafay	Tree 5m to 22m in height and 10cm to 50cm in diameter. Its greyish-brown bark is cracked and has a characteristic odor. Its clear-yellow and hard wood is very valued for joinery. Its deciduous, hollow leaves grouped on the summit of the twig have various healing powers. The small flowers are yellow. The fruit capsules turn black when ripe. Essential oil (katrafay oil) resulting from the bark is used in traditional medicine and in aromatherapy. Endemic to Madagascar.	In dry and dense deciduous forests.	Flowering from September to December, fruiting from October to January.
Rhopalocarpus similis	Hazondringitra	Tree 20m in height and 10cm in diameter. This deciduous tree has simple, oval leaves with a more or less dark reddish upper side and a light green bottom side. The small flowers are grouped in a cymose umbel with four sepals. Ripe fruits are black. Endemic to Madagascar.	In dry and dense deciduous forests.	Tree rich in mucilage (viscous fluid). Flowering during the rainy season: November to April, fruiting in the dry season.
Strychnos spinosa	Mokotra	Quite small tree with thorns and opposite leaves. Small white flowers with fused corollas . Large woody fruits with edible pulp. Endemic to Madagascar.	On grassy savannas or savanna woodlands.	Flowering in the wet season and fruiting in the dry season.
Raphia farinifera, Raphia rufa	Raffia palm / Rofia	Erected palm tree with a trunk covered with leaf sheaths. Compound pinnate leaves with a petiole of about 1.5m and a spine of 2m to 3m. In Ankarafantsika National Park grow Raffia palms with leaves up to 7m long. The main veins are covered by short spines. The small flowers are covered by tubular bracts, the fruits are oval. The fibrous branches and palm leaves are used for ropes, sticks and various roof coverings. Introduced to Madagascar.	In wetlands and shallow valleys.	Flowering in the wet season and fruiting in the dry season. This palm grows on clay-humus.
Stereospermum euphoroides	Mangarahara	Shaft 15m to 20m high. Grey, waxy bark. The tree releases brown shiny exudates on the surface after scratching the trunk. Deciduous tree with compound, opposite leaves. Small white flowers tinged with purple, hermaphrodite flowers (both sexes). The capsular fruits are cylindrical or spindle-shaped. Endemic to Madagascar.	In dry and dense deciduous forests on sand or on laterite plateaus and hills.	Flowering from November to January and fruiting between April and November.
Commiphora guillaumini	Matambelona	Deciduous tree with a height of 10m to 20m and a diameter of 50cm to 80cm. The crown is somewhat bulky and the branches are rather thick at the end. Dry bark peels of from the green trunk, leaving scars. Yellow brown, reddish wood with darker rings. Smooth, alternating leaves, crowded in clusters on the branches. Lateral nerves are visible on both sides of the leaves. Round, fleshy fruits with stone inside. Endemic to Madagascar.	In dry and dense forests.	Flowering in October and November, fruiting between October and March.
Hymenodictyon occidentale	Lohavato	A small, deciduous tree with a smooth, thick bark and opposite leaves. Small flowers, the lower part of the corolla is cylindrical, the upper part is ball-shaped. Seeds are surrounded by a membranous wing. Endemic to Madagascar.	In dry and dense deciduous forests.	Flowering and fruiting from November to January.
Poupartia silvatica	Sakoanala	Large tree, 12m to 25 high, can sometimes reach up to 35m in height and 50cm in diameter. Grey-stained white, thick, cracked bark with elongated scales. Releases reddish latex after scratching the trunk. Compound leaves with 7-15 elliptical leaflets. Small, white flowers. Ovoid fruits. Endemic to Madagascar.	In dry and dense deciduous forests.	Flowering in September and October, fruiting between October and March.

Guides and entrance fees

The park office is located within the park in Ampijoroa. There visitors can find all necessary information for planning their visit, including guides and porters.

There are 14 French and English speaking guides, of which are 11 private and 3 working within the park. In addition to their knowledge about the biodiversity, all guides participated a training in first aid, guidance techniques and knowledge about the natural and cultural environment.

The admission fee for visiting the park depends on how many days will be spent in the park. Foreign tourists pay 25,000 Ariary for 1 day, 37,000 Ariary for 2 days, 40,000 Ariary for 3 days and 50,000 Ariary for 4 to 10 days (prices 2010). 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).

Circuits (tours)

There are several circuits crossing the Ankarafantsika National Park. Visitors can choose between easy and medium level circuits.

The Coquereli Circuit - "Small Tour"

Easy circuit, 2 to 3 hours walk (2km), recommended for wildlife enthusiasts.
What to see?
- diurnal lemurs: Coquerel's sifaka (Propithecus coquereli) - endemic to Ankarafantsika, Brown lemur and Mongoose lemur
Guide: 15,000 Ariary (1-6 people), 21,000 Ariary (7 and more people)

The Coquereli Circuit - "Big Tour"

Easy circuit, 2 to 3 hours walk (3km)
What to see?
- birds: Van Dam's vanga - especially rare and endemic to Ankarafantsika, Paradise flycatcher, Madagascar bulbul, coua, mesite, drongo and hawk
- reptiles: horned chameleon (Rucifer rhinoceratus), iguana, Giant Malagasy hognose snake (Leioheterodon madagascariensis)
- precious wood: rosewood (Dalbergia sp)
- sacred wood: Mpanjakaben'ny tany
- medicinal plants: katrafay, adenia, vanilla (Vanilla madagascariensis)
- panoramic views of the Ankarafantsika forest
Guide: 15,000 Ariary (1-6 people), 21,000 Ariary (7 and more people)

The Baobab Extension Circuit

Easy circuit, 1.5 hours (2km).
What to see?
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.
- birds: flycatcher, Madagascar magpie-robin, Madagascar bulbul, drongo
- reptiles: chameleons, snakes, lizards
- panoramic view of Lake Ravelobe with the opportunity to cross the suspension bridge
- view onto rice fields
Guide: 15,000 Ariary (1-6 people), 21,000 Ariary (7 and more people)

The Nocturnal Circuit

Easy circuit, 1.5 hours (1.5km).
What to see?
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.
- 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)
- birds: small duck of Madagascar, flycatcher, Madagascar nightjar
- reptiles: chameleons
- precious wood: ebony, rosewood
Guide: 25,000 Ariary (1-6 people), 37,000 Ariary (7 and more people)

The Retendrika Circuit

Medium circuit, 2.30 hours walk (3km).
What to see?
The plants of this circuit will certainly enrich the botanical knowledge of botanists. It also offers the chance for amateurs to understand a part of the ecosystem Ankarafantsika. Bird watchers will also be delighted to add new names to their lists of birds observed.
- medicinal plants: retendrika, katrafay, adenia, aloe, Vanilla madagascariensis, tamarind
- precious wood: ebony, rosewood, ficus
- terrestrial orchids which usually can only be found in the wet forest
- diurnal lemurs: Brown lemur, Mongoose lemur
- landbirds: Schlegel's asity, Madagascar magpie-robin, flycatcher, Madagascar bulbul, coua, mesite, drongo, hawk
- aquatic birds: osprey, herons, egret, Glossy ibis, African darter, wild ducks
- reptiles: chameleons, snakes, lizards
- panoramic view of Lake Ravelobe.
Guide: 15,000 Ariary (1-6 people), 21,000 Ariary (7 and more people)

The Pachypodium Circuit

Medium circuit, 3 hours (3.5km).
What to see?
Discover the beautiful pachypodium plant with its yellow flowers that has adapted well to the dry region of Madagascar. It is typically found in sandy areas or environments in very dry climate in the deep south.
- land birds: flycatcher, Madagascar magpie-robin, Madagascar bulbul, coua, drongo
- reptiles: chameleons, snakes, lizards
- medicinal plants: adenia, aloe, vanilla, tamarind
- precious wood: rosewood, ficus, sorindeia
Guide: 25,000 Ariary (1-6 people), 37,000 Ariary (7 and more people)

The Source of Life Circuit

Medium circuit, 3 hours (5km).
What to see?
Rich in bird life and aquatic species. You will discover the cultural richness of the region.
- diurnal lemurs: sifaka, Brown lemur
- land birds: flycatcher, Madagascar magpie-robin, Madagascar bulbul, coua, mesite, drongo
- waterbirds: osprey, Madagascan fish-eagle (Haliaeetus vociferoides) - ankoay in Malagasy, herons, egrets, Glossy ibis, African darter, wild ducks
- reptiles: chameleons, snakes, lizards, Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)
- medicinal plants: adenia, vanilla, tamarind
- precious wood: ficus, sorindeia
- panoramic view of the sacred Lake Ravelobe
- opportunity to visit a doany: a place where the Sakalava perform a sacred ritual called joro. The joro takes place once a year, usually in July. At the ritual the Sakalava bless the ancestors and afterwards admire the sacred lake (Lake Ravelobe).
Guide: 15,000 Ariary (1-6 people), 21,000 Ariary (7 and more people)

The Ankarokaroka Circuit

Medium circuit, 3.5 hours (9km).
What to see?
Leaving the dry forest, a savanna landscape takes you to the great Lavaka Ankarokaroka - a unique moon landscape, the result of massive erosion in the canyon.
- diurnal lemurs: sifaka
- birds: flycatcher, Madagascar magpie-robin, Madagascar bulbul, coua, Madagascan kestrel, drongo
- reptiles: snakes, lizards
- precious wood: rosewood
- medicinal plants: katrafay, adenia
- wonderful view of the Ankarafantsika forest
Guide: 25,000 Ariary (1-6 people), 37,000 Ariary (7 and more people)

The Ankoririka Circuit

Medium circuit, 3 hours (9km).
What to see?
- diurnal lemurs: sifaka, Brown lemur
- nocturnal lemurs: Mouse lemur, Milne-Edwards's sportive lemur, Western wolly lemur, Western Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur
- land birds: Van Dam's vanga, Schlegel's asity, flycatcher, Madagascar magpie-robin, Madagascar bulbul, coua, drongo
- reptiles: chameleons, snakes, lizards
- precious wood: rosewood, ficus, sorindeia
- medicinal plants: adenia, aloe, vanilla, tamarind
- panoramic view on the Lavaka formation and waterfall
Guide: 25,000 Ariary (1-6 people), 37,000 Ariary (7 and more people)

Top of the Lake Circuit

Medium circuit, 3.5 hours (7km).
What to see?
This circuit is dedicated to the Lake Ravelobe with the opportunity to admire the lake from very impressive points.
- birds: flycatcher, Madagascar magpie-robin, Madagascar bulbul, coua, drongo
- rebptiles: chameleons, snakes, lizards
- precious wood: ficus, sorindeia
- medicinal plants: adenia, vanilla, tamarind
- panoramic view onto the Lake Ravelobe
Guide: 25,000 Ariary (1-6 people), 37,000 Ariary (7 and more people)

Sailing on the Lake Ravelobe

Easy circuit.
What to see?
Boat safari on the quiet, 60ha large Lake Ravelobe. The guide will tell the legend of Ravelobe, a dangerous and feared man in the garafantsy (hill of thorns).
- Nile crocodiles
- birds: osprey, herons, egrets, jacanas, morhens, Glossy ibis, African darter, wild ducks
- various aquatic plants
Guide and boat: 50.000 Ariary (1-2 people), 40.000 Ariary (3 people), 50.000 (4 people), 65.000 Ariary (5 people), 70.000 Ariary (6 people), 90.000 Ariary (7 people), 100.000 Ariary (8 people). Not more than 8 people.

The Car Ride

Medium circuit, 2.5 hours (9km).
What to see?
Drive through the secondary forest and savanna to Lavaka 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.
- birds: flycatcher, Madagascar magpie-robin, Madagascar bulbul, coua, Madagascan kestrel, drongo
- reptiles: lizards
- precious wood: rosewood
- medicinal plants
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.

Fady - What not to do in the park

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 Ankarafantsika National Park apply both to locals and visitors.

Tuesday and Thursday are fady days - it is not allowed to work on such days.
It is forbidden to bring pork to the lake or eat pork before going to the lake.

Sacred places

the lakes Tsimaloto, Ampijoroa, Antsimalo and Ankomakoma
doany - place of worship: doany of Betsioka in Bealana (where the traditional fanompoana takes place), doany of Ambalabongo and the "doany" of the sacred Lake Ravelobe
the tombs of the Sakalava kings in Andranomiditra

Tourist attractions in the region

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 of lavaka, 10km from the underground cave, accessible by car.

Cultural events in the region

Fanompoana - every year in July the Sakalava people celebrate the fanompoana to ask for the protection and the blessing of the Sakalava’s Kings. This famous tradition is very respected by the population.

To accomodate you during your visit, Madagascar National Parks has set a stage lodging in Ampijoroa, under booking. The stage lodging of Ampijoroa offers you :

- A kitchen and cookers if needed, a common shower with hot water, toilets, a solar lighting and a parking. - 6 rooms with two double beds or 2 single bed, common toilets : Ar 35,000 / night - 5 bungalows for 4 people, 1 double bed and 1 more superimposed bed, private toilets: Ar 80,000 / night - 2 new bungalows for 4 people: 1 double bed and 1 superimposed bed, private toilets: Ar 100,000 / night - Renting extra mattress: Ar 4,000 / night - Renting cooks in full air for the groupes/day (including refectory): Ar 10,000 / night - Renting refectory for 30 people: Ar 65,000 / night

Site : PARC NATIONAL ANKARAFANTSIKA

3.3 Attractions touristiques dans la région

3.3.1 Dans le Parc

Attractions	Description et spécificité	Endroit	Distance et accès	Moyen
Atelier de raphia	tissage traditionnel et teinture naturelle du produit raphia.	Ampombolava	1,5 km sur la RN4	voiture, à pied
Atelier de raphia	tissage traditionnel et teinture naturelle du produit raphia.	Andranomandevy	16 km sur la RN4	voiture

3.3.4 Faits marquants de la Région

Us et coutume :

circoncision traditionnelle,

mariage traditionnel,

« Famadiana » retournement des morts" (traduction occidentale) . A cette occasion la famille commémore la vie du défunt .On exhume le corps du défunt afin de le draper d'un nouveau linceul. Cérémonie funèbre mais qui n'a rien de triste. Une preuve que l'on n'a pas oublié le défunt. A cette occasion la famille organise une grande fête : repas, musique et danse traditionnelles sont de rigueur

« Fanompoana » (pour les sakalava )

« Tromba » : Au cours d’un rituel spécifique et secret, une personne douée pour l’invocation, le «tromba » se voit possédé par des esprits bienfaiteurs rémanents. Véritable vecteur sacré, le « tromba » est alors capable de diriger les rites importants du village. Ces mediums sont consultés afin de communiquer avec les ancêtres. Pour incarner complètement le personnage, le médium adopte les particularités de comportements et de langage ainsi que les goûts de la personne réincarnée

Légendes du Lac Ravelobe :

Ravelobe est un patriote malagasy qui a participé à la deuxième guerre mondiale. De retour au pays, il a demandé au colon français d'administrer le cantonnement d'Ambatoboeny, sa demande a été refusée .Il a alors formé un groupe de rebelle à Garafantsy.

Les crocodiles du Lac Ravelobe sont considérés comme sacrés. L’immolation de zébu, destinée à ces crocodiles, a lieu tous les ans. Ces sauriens ont un nom spécifique

« mampisento » - qui fait soupirer.

L’histoire du crocodile Mampisento remonte à l’époque du Roi Andriamisondrotramasinarivo issu de la lignée Marambitsy (ethnie Sakalava, originaire de Mitsinjo), qui par fierté, ne voulant pas l’annexion des merina de son territoire durant le règne de Radama I (1810-1828), se serait jeté dans le lac avec sa famille. Un portier du roi s’est abstenu de suivre son maître dans son suicide. Quand il mourût, peu de temps après, un crocodile est apparu aux rives du lac, il évoquait étrangement le portier qui venait de décéder et sa vue faisait soupirer tous ceux qui l’ont vu.

Ce sont les esprits de ce roi qui se révèlent aux vivants par le phénomène de possession

« tromba».

Le lac est sacré jusqu’à maintenant, le porc y est tabou « fady », car les Marambitsy étaient des musulmans.

3.3.5 Spécialités de la région

Artisanat :

Tissage traditionnel du raphia, teinture naturelle de fibre de raphia

Culture (légumes, fruits) :

mangues, banane, papaye, mokotra (strychnos spinosa ), citron, jujube, brèdes, oignons, tomates

Elevage :

Volailles, porcins, caprins, bovins

Marché :

Andranofasika : chaque mercredi, vente des produits locaux
Ankazomborona : chaque jeudi, vente des produits locaux

4 Se loger

4.1 A l’intérieur du Parc : A Ampijoroa

HEBERGEMENT
Un gîte d’étape du Parc
DESCRIPTION	Tarif /Nuitée
6 chambres avec lits de deux places ou 2 lits à une place (sanitaire commun)	35 000 Ar
5 bungalows pour 4 personnes : 1 lit double plus 1 lit superposé (sanitaire privé)	80 000 Ar
2 new bungalows pour 4 personnes : 1 lit double plus 1 lit superposé (sanitaire privé)	100 000 Ar
Location matelas supplémentaire	4 000 Ar
Location cuisine en pleine air pour les groupes/jour (y compris réfectoire)	10 000 Ar
Location réfectoire pour 30 personnes	65 000 Ar
N.B. La réservation à l’avance est conseillée

TYPE	==== Sites de Campement ====	==== Capacité / ====		==== Droit ====
==== Tente ====	==== Personne ====
Location emplacement tente	Cuisine, eau courante, WC (commune)	-	-	Ar 6 000/jour
TENTE SAFARI	Cuisine, eau courante, douche, WC (commune)	7	06	Ar 25.000 /nuit/tente
TENTE SIMPLE	Cuisine, eau courante, douche, WC (commune).	10	02	Ar 9 000/nuit/tente

* Cuisine et des cuisiniers si besoin

Toilette commune homme et femme avec eau froide et eau chaude ; WC
Un Eclairage solaire
Parking

4.2 Aux alentours

Au village d’Andranofasika à 4km d’Ampijoroa, hébergement sans confort (chambre simple, sanitaire commun, eau courante non systématique)

5 Conseils pratiques

Equipements personnels recommandés

- Il est recommandé de porter de bonnes chaussures de marche, des vêtements légers, d’avoir un chapeau.

- Des torches sont nécessaires pour les visites nocturnes.

- Amenez votre tente et sac de couchage si vous désirez camper.

Nourriture

Bouteille d’eau minérale

Banque la plus proche

à Marovoay : BOA

Mode de paiement acceptée dans la région

- Monnaie nationale : Ariary

- Devise

Centre de santé

* Centre de Santé de base II à Andranofasika (4km)

Centre de Santé de base II à Ankazomborona (23 km)
Hôpital à Marovoay (41km)

Communication

* Telma

Celtel

Assurance

A Majunga (115 km)

Ny Havana
Aro

ANNEXE : MICRO PROJET DEPUIS LE PROGRAMME ENVIRONNEMENTAL PARC NATIONAL ANKARAFANTSIKA

1.1- Microprojets communautaires (Infrastructures sociales, économiques, culturelles)

TYPE	NOMBRE	BENEFICIARE (Commune)	NOMBRE DE POPULATION BENEFICIAIRE	VALEUR FINANCIERE (en Milliers de Ariary)	PARTENAIRE FINANCIER
* Matériels de bureau Fkt	14	* Ankazomborona	4 200	3 500	100% PRDEAP
* Construction de puits	11	* Ankazomborona Manerinerina Anjiajia Ankijabe Tsararano	2 500	15 760	100% PRDEAP
* Confection de table-bancs	5	* Marosakoa Ankijabe Andranofasika	1 200	6 363	100% PRDEAP
* Couloir de vaccination	1	* Ankazomborona	40	0,653	100% PRDEAP
* Construction de mini-barrage	1	* Anosinalainolona	450	1 400	100% PRDEAP

1.2 : Autres Microprojets ( Activités Génératrices de Revenus initiées par les organisations paysannes ; groupements, association…)

TYPE	NOMBRE	BENEFICIARE (Commune )	NOMBRE DE MENAGE S BENEFICIAIRES	VALEUR FINANCIERE (en Milliers de Ariary)	PARTENAIRE FINANCIER
* Matériels agricoles	10	Ankazomborona Manerinerina	730	3 964	100% PRDEAP
* Ruches	2	Ankazomborona	40	1 469	100% PRDEAP
* Achat de semences	1	Ankazomborona	70	0,817	100% PRDEAP
* Construction de poulailler	2	* Anjiajia - Tsararano	60	1 750	100% PRDEAP

Tableau 2 : AUTRES BAILLEURS

2.1- Microprojets communautaires (Infrastructures sociales, économiques, culturelles)

TYPE	NOMBRE	BENEFICIARE (Commune / Population)	NOMBRE DE POPULATION BENEFICIAIRE	VALEUR FINANCIERE (en Milliers de Ariary)	PARTENAIRE FINANCIER
Construction de puits	23	Marosakoa, Andranofasika, Ankazomborona, Ankijabe, Anjiajia, Tsaramandroso,Ambondromamy, Manerinerina	2 500	141 043	KFW
Construction des WC	2	Marosakoa	280	3 740	KFW
Construction des cabanes pour vente citron	1	Marosakoa	280	1 566	KFW
Forage pour borne fontaine	4	Marosakoa, Tsaramandroso, Andranofasika	1 790	28 434	KFW
Construction atelier d’arts locaux	1	Marosakoa	110	29 474	KFW
Electrification rurale	1	Marosakoa	700	10 000	KFW
Métiers à tisser	10	Marosakoa, Tsaramandroso	120	7 963	KFW
Réabilitation de doany	1	Marosakoa	650	6 000	KFW
Construction restaurant	1	Marosakoa	280	2 854	KFW
Construction bureau fokontany	1	Marovoay Banlieu	1 900	2 979	KFW
Construction GCV	1	Ankazomborona	53	3 312	KFW
Construction école	1	Ankazomborona	450	3 200	KFW
Réhabilitation maison Directeur EPP	1	Andranofasika	321	1 910	KFW
Confection tables bancs	1	Tsaramandroso, Andranofasika	220	1 497	KFW
Construction de barrage	1	Ankazomborona	53	2 034	KFW
Construction pont canal	1	Marovoay banlieu	1 230	11 163	KFW

2.2 : Autres Microprojets ( Activités Génératrices de Revenus initiées par les organisations paysannes ; groupements, association…)

TYPE	NOMBRE	BENEFICIARE (Commune )	NOMBRE DE MENAGE S BENEFICIAIRES	VALEUR FINANCIERE (en Milliers de Ariary)	PARTENAIRE FINANCIER
Distribution de Tiges de manioc	2	Ankazomborona Tsaramandroso	30	0,2	KFW
Aviculture	2	Marosakoa	40	0,3	KFW
Reboisement	56	Treize (13) Communes dont Marosakoa, Andranofasika, Ankazomborona, Ankijabe, Anjiajia, Tsaramandroso,Ambondromamy, Manerinerina, Anosinalainolona, Madirovalo, Marovoay Banlieu, Tsararano, Ambolomoty	3 360	18 789	KFW
Apiculture	70	Treize (13) Communes dont Marosakoa, Andranofasika, Ankazomborona, Ankijabe, Anjiajia, Tsaramandroso,Ambondromamy, Manerinerina, Anosinalainolona, Madirovalo, Marovoay Banlieu, Tsararano, Ambolomoty	70	2 325	KFW
Valorisation du produit raphia	5	Marosakoa Tsaramandroso	170	39 333	KFW