Western Madagascar
Gite D’Ampijoroa
Enjoying a privileged location within the Ankarafantsika National Park, the Gite D’Ampijoroa offers simple, rustic accommodation. Due to a lack of option in this area, it is one of the best options for guests wishing to enjoy the wildlife highlights of the beautiful National Park. The bungalows were also refurbished in 2018 and are all clean and comfortable although simple. The park has many clear, well-marked trails to ease exploration of the area, and an incredible array of wildlife including eight lemur species. The lodge’s location next to the park entrance makes the whole stay a wildlife-spotting adventure, and many lemurs, birds and reptiles live in very close proximity to the bungalows – an exciting opportunity to get up-close and personal with the wildlife.
Different rooming categories are available, with seven simple en-suite bungalows upon the shores of Lake Ravelobe, a two bedroom house with shared bathroom and a basic campsite with shared showers and a toilet block. Across the road from the bungalows is the Ampijoroa Research Station, where there is a recently refurbished and locally run restaurant offering tasty but simple local Malagasy and European cuisine.
Facilities
Bungalows have double or twin beds and en-suite bathrooms. Some have double and bunk beds and can accommodate four guests. There is no true hot water but private showers are provided which can be luke warm and welcome in the hot climate. A simple but friendly restaurant and research centre are also on site.
Local Wildlife
The dry deciduous forests of Ankaranfantsika National Park are home to eight species of lemur including the beauifully marked Coquerel's sifaka, the rare mongoose lemur, common brown lemur. Nocturnal species include the Western woolly lemur (avahi), Milne-Edwards sportive lemur, Western fat-tailed dwarf lemur, gray mouse lemur and highly localised golden-brown mouse lemur.
The National park is also famous for its exceptional birdlife and as one of the most reliable places in the country to see the endagered Madagascar fish eagle. Other bird highlights include the Schlegal's asity, Van Dam's vanga, white-breasted mesite, red-capped coua, sickle-billed, rufous, blue and hook-billed vangas and many more. Reptiles are also well represented with the large Oustalet's and rhinocerous chameleons, unusual fish-scaled gecko, giant day geckos, Madagascar ground boa, hog-nosed snake, crocodiles and the rare spear-nosed snake.
Optional Activities
Wildlife watching in the National Park including forest walks, boat trips on Lake Ravelobe, hikes to the Ankarokaroka sandstone canyon and visits to the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust’s exemplary Angonoka Project for the conservation of the ploughshare tortoise, the rarest in the world.
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
It can be a little noisy at night here so taking ear plugs if you are a light sleeper is advised. It is worth watching the Mango trees at the nearby Park Headquarters to see the Coquerel’s sifakas coming to roost in the evenings.
If you have any questions regarding our Madagascar tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Having recently returned from a truly memorable 3 weeks in Madagascar we wanted to express our sincerest thanks to you Helen, and all at Reef and Rainforest for arranging such a superb wildlife viewing experience.
As you are aware, we were particularly keen to see and photograph the fosa. At Kirindy forest we actually encountered 3. Despite the rather challenging accommodation we would highly recommend the Kirindy experience to all those wanting an exceptional primate viewing experience.
Overall our lemur species/subspecies count was 22 and other notable sightings included 2 species of mongoose, giant jumping rats, a huge Madagascar ground boa, humpback whales and the Madagascar fish eagle.
Every detail of the trip from start to finish was superbly well arranged and managed, which cannot be easy in a country with such complex problems. Well done Helen.
All aspects of the trip were outstanding. Wildlife, people, culture and geography. We will certainly return again to visit the north of the island and return to paradise, Anjajavy.
This was our second trip with Reef and Rainforest and I cannot speak highly enough of your company. I would recommend your services to any natural world/wildlife enthusiast. Thank you again.
