Ankarafantsika National Park
Malaria & Safety
Madagascar Parks
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Insight guide to Madagascar.
Safety
We consider Ankarafantsika National Park to be a safe destination. Most of the established parks in Madagascar are safe to visit in our opinion, especially if traveling with a reputable tour operator. Most cities and big towns in the country see some crime – it is therefore recommended to take normal safety procedures when visiting urban centers on your trip. Read 'Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions' below for more information.
For up-to-date information about traveling in Madagascar, it is always worth checking the government travel advisories (see the ‘Safety & Security – Madagascar’ link below).
Malaria & Vaccinations
It is recommended to have several vaccinations before coming to Madagascar. Malaria is the biggest health concern. Although malaria risk is the highest in the Wet summer months, it is important to take antimalarial medication throughout the year. Wearing long sleeves and trousers in the evening and using a good mosquito repellent (those containing DEET are most effective) also help to minimize the risk of being bitten in the first place.
Wildlife Viewing
There are no dangerous large mammals in Madagascar or in Ankarafantsika in particular. You might well see some snakes in the park but all Malagasy snakes are non-venomous. Some scorpions and spiders are venomous, but bites are very rare.
For more information, please read the ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ below.