What to do in Ankarana

Imagine traversing a landscape that looks rather like nature's version of a medieval castle - complete with limestone turrets reaching skyward. These remarkable tsingy formations create quite the adventurous playground, with cleverly positioned boardwalks allowing proper exploration without testing one's mountaineering skills. Below ground, an absolutely massive cave network stretches for over 120 kilometers, where torch beams catch the wings of roosting bats and reveal rather peculiar subterranean creatures. The wildlife above ground puts on quite the show too - crowned lemurs bounce between branches while Sanford's brown lemurs peer down at passing hikers with characteristic curiosity. Twitchers will want their binoculars at the ready, with over 65 feathered residents to tick off the list. Local guides, whose families have known these trails for generations, share fascinating tales of the Antakarana people's sacred sites - though do mind where you point that camera, as some spots are strictly off-limits for photographs. The hiking circuits offer something for everyone, from gentle morning strolls to proper full-day adventures, though it's worth noting that some trails are inaccessible during the wet season.