Réserve Spéciale Ankarana

Famous for its dramatic limestone 'tsingy' formations, caves, and underground rivers. It's home to several lemur species, including crowned lemurs and...

Réserve Spéciale Ankarana at a Glance

Location
Northern Madagascar & Nosy Be Archipelago, Madagascar, Indian Ocean Islands
Coordinates
-12.917021, 49.142708
IUCN Category
Ia
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
High
Best Time to Visit
April to November (dry season) for wildlife and trekking. September to November for lemur births.

Getting to Réserve Spéciale Ankarana

Nearest airport: Aéroport d'Arrachart (DIE), 65 km away.

Weather & Climate in Réserve Spéciale Ankarana

The warmest temperatures in Réserve Spéciale Ankarana occur in November, averaging 26.3°C (up to 33.6°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 23.4°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 8.8mm. Average humidity: 62.4%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 24.9°C (rainfall: 529.6mm)
  • February: 25.3°C (rainfall: 358.6mm)
  • March: 25.3°C (rainfall: 470.3mm)
  • April: 26.1°C (rainfall: 97.5mm)
  • May: 25.6°C (rainfall: 34.1mm)
  • June: 24.2°C (rainfall: 24.8mm)
  • July: 23.4°C (rainfall: 13.6mm)
  • August: 23.7°C (rainfall: 8.8mm)
  • September: 24.5°C (rainfall: 9.7mm)
  • October: 25.7°C (rainfall: 23.7mm)
  • November: 26.3°C (rainfall: 115.9mm)
  • December: 25.9°C (rainfall: 257.7mm)

Best Time to Visit Réserve Spéciale Ankarana

The best months to visit Réserve Spéciale Ankarana are September, April, May, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 24.95°C, rainfall 529.6mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 88.3%
  • February: Good, temperature 25.25°C, rainfall 358.6mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 87.8%
  • March: Good, temperature 25.26°C, rainfall 470.3mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 87.5%
  • April: Great, temperature 26.14°C, rainfall 97.5mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 77.4%
  • May: Great, temperature 25.6°C, rainfall 34.1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 69.3%
  • June: Great, temperature 24.16°C, rainfall 24.8mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 65.6%
  • July: Great, temperature 23.44°C, rainfall 13.6mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 63.5%
  • August: Great, temperature 23.74°C, rainfall 8.8mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 62.4%
  • September: Great, temperature 24.48°C, rainfall 9.7mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 61%
  • October: Great, temperature 25.72°C, rainfall 23.7mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 63.7%
  • November: Great, temperature 26.27°C, rainfall 115.9mm, sunshine 11.8 hrs, humidity 69.9%
  • December: Good, temperature 25.92°C, rainfall 257.7mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 78.8%

Wildlife in Réserve Spéciale Ankarana

Home to 12 recorded species including 5 iconic birds, 5 birds of prey, 1 reptiles, 1 waterbirds.

Recommended Packing List for Réserve Spéciale Ankarana

Based on average temperature of 25.1°C, typical conditions, humidity 73%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 25°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Réserve Spéciale Ankarana

14 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Northern Madagascar & Nosy Be Archipelago

Visitor Tips - Réserve Spéciale Ankarana

Ankarana is a geological marvel, a labyrinth of razor-sharp tsingy and vast cave systems that feels utterly otherworldly. We love the thrill of exploring its hidden grottoes and discovering the unique wildlife that thrives in this incredible, uncrowded landscape.

Gate Times

The Réserve Spéciale Ankarana typically opens at 7:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM daily. We strongly recommend arranging your visit, including park permits and a mandatory local guide, through a reputable tour operator well in advance. While Ankarana is rarely crowded, securing your arrangements ensures a smooth experience, especially during the dry season from May to November, which is ideal for exploration.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and a meaningful way to show appreciation for excellent service. For your main guide, we suggest 10-15 USD per person per day. Any additional local staff, such as porters or cave guides, can be tipped 2-5 USD per person for their assistance. We advise tipping discreetly and directly to the individual at the end of your service.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Madagascar

Travel advisory for Madagascar

Réserve Spéciale Ankarana FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Réserve Spéciale Ankarana to best experience its unique geology and wildlife?

The dry season, typically from May to November, is ideal for visiting Ankarana. During these months, trails through the tsingy and access to caves are more navigable, and lemurs are generally more active and easier to spot in the drier conditions. This period also offers more comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploration.

Beyond lemur spotting, what unique activities and sights can I expect within Ankarana's dramatic landscape?

Ankarana offers unparalleled opportunities for exploring its iconic limestone tsingy formations, which involve navigating boardwalks and ladders across razor-sharp pinnacles. You can also venture into fascinating caves, some containing underground rivers and unique cave-dwelling fauna, providing a truly distinct adventure compared to typical wildlife safaris.

What specific wildlife encounters are most common or unique to Ankarana's tsingy and cave environments?

While crowned and Sanford's brown lemurs are frequently sighted, Ankarana's unique ecosystem also supports other fascinating creatures like the leaf-tailed gecko, various bat species within its caves, and even some endemic reptiles. Exploring the tsingy offers a chance to see lemurs adapted to this rugged terrain, often leaping between pinnacles.

Given Ankarana's remote location and unique terrain, what essential health and safety precautions should visitors take?

Due to the high malaria risk in the region, it's crucial to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication and use insect repellent diligently. When exploring the tsingy and caves, sturdy hiking boots, a headlamp, and a reasonable level of fitness are essential for navigating the challenging, uneven terrain safely.

What are the typical logistical considerations and costs for visiting Réserve Spéciale Ankarana?

Access to Ankarana usually involves a drive from Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) or Ambanja, often requiring a 4x4 vehicle. Visitors should budget for park entry fees, mandatory local guide fees (which vary by trail length), and basic accommodation options available just outside the park, as there are no lodges inside.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Lonely Planet Madagascar by Lonely Planet - The definitive guide to the world's most unique wildlife destination. Covers lemur-spotting, rainforest reserves, baobab avenues, and practical travel logistics.
  • Bradt Guide: Madagascar by Hilary Bradt & Daniel Austin - The original and best Madagascar guide, from the publisher who pioneered travel to the island. Covers every national park, lemur species, and practical logistics for this complex destination.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.