Ankarafantsika National Park

Northwest Madagascar, the ‘Boeny region’ is a captivating area that encompasses diverse landscapes, blending dense forests and gorgeous lakes.

Anchored by Ankarafantsika National Park, this area is a biodiversity hotspot, boasting an array of endemic species. Renowned for its rich birdlife, the park is home to elusive species such as the White-breasted Mesite, Schlegel’s Asity, Van Dam’s Vanga, Madagascar Ibis, the elusive Banded Kestrel. The area offers breath-taking scenery, including Lake Ravelobe, which is the best place to find the endangered Humblot’s Heron and the relatively easier-to-spot critically endangered Madagascar Fish Eagle.

Birding difficulty
Easy/Medium – lots of on-foot birding in quite difficult terrain, but nothing overly enduring. There are a couple of long drive to Ankarafantsika from Mahajanga (max 4 hours), but it’s well worth the wait. Accommodation in this region of Madagascar is scarce, so please do not expect luxury.