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'''The Ankarana National Park is located in the Diana region in the northern part of Madagascar. The park lies 108 kilometres south of Antsiranana ([[Diego Suarez]]) and about 20 kilometres north of [[Ambilobe]]. The four rural disctricts of Marivorahona, Anivorano, Ambondrona and Antsaravibe surround the park. From Antsiranana it takes between two and three hours by [[taxi-brousse]] to reach the main entrance on the east-side at Mahamasina along the [[RN6]]. Most of the people living in the region belong to the [[Antakarana]] ethnic group.'''
Ankarana National Park was founded in 1956. The park has a total area of 18,225ha and an altitude of 206m. The predominant climate is dry tropical with an annual rainfall below 2,000mm. Most of the rain falls in January. The dry season lasts from April to November. March is the hottest month with a maximum temperature of 36.2°C and June is the coldest with a minimum temperature of 13.5°C.
<td>In the underground rivers in the caves.</td>
<td>During the day.</td></tr></table><br><br>
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== Flora ==
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).<br><br>
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== Circuits (tours) in the eastern part of the park ==
Eight circuits cross the eastern part of the Ankarana National Park. The starting point for all circuits is the main office at [[Mahamasina]]. It is possible to combine several circuits at one visit.
=== The Cave of the Bats ===
Easy 2 to 3 hours trek, including a steep slope, to an underground cave with 8 species of bats from small to large size. It is possible to see some lemurs such as the Crowned lemur, Sanford's lemur and Northern sportive lemur. If lucky, one can see a Ring-tailed mongoose and even a Fossa.<br>
Guide: 25,000 Ariary, park warden: 20,000 Ariary, porter: 10,000 Ariary (prices 2010)
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=== Lost Rivers ===