Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
Tsingy de Bemaraha is one of Madagascar's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Originally a limestone seabed that was elevated to become a plateau, extreme rainfall weathering has developed the unique razor sharp pinnacles and edges found in many areas of Madagascar, but Bemaraha is probably the nation's best example of this. The name "tsingy" comes from Malagasy and means to walk on tip-toes, clearly related to the ruggedness of the landform.
The Park is a treasure-trove of flora and fauna. 11 species of lemur are found here, and more than 100 species of bird, and almost 50 species of reptiles.
The northern area of the Tsingy de Bemaraha is a strict reserve and not open for visitors, but the vast southern area provides numerous walking trails, which vary in difficulty from easy to difficult. To see all of the areas around three days stay is required. There is a range of accommodation available, with camping being permitted in some areas.
Features of Tsingy de Bemaraha: Karst landscapes, endemic flora and fauna, hiking.
Time to Visit: The best times to visit are June - November
Access: While Tsingy de Bemaraha is only 300kms west of Antananarivo, access is rather complex. You may approach the Park via river (canoe safaris from Ankavandra take around 3+ days), though this may also require a charter flight to the start point. Most visitors will travel by road from Morondava (regular flights from Antananarivo) then by 4WD vehicle taking 8-9 hours for 200kms of road and a river crossing.
The Park is a treasure-trove of flora and fauna. 11 species of lemur are found here, and more than 100 species of bird, and almost 50 species of reptiles.
The northern area of the Tsingy de Bemaraha is a strict reserve and not open for visitors, but the vast southern area provides numerous walking trails, which vary in difficulty from easy to difficult. To see all of the areas around three days stay is required. There is a range of accommodation available, with camping being permitted in some areas.
Features of Tsingy de Bemaraha: Karst landscapes, endemic flora and fauna, hiking.
Time to Visit: The best times to visit are June - November
Access: While Tsingy de Bemaraha is only 300kms west of Antananarivo, access is rather complex. You may approach the Park via river (canoe safaris from Ankavandra take around 3+ days), though this may also require a charter flight to the start point. Most visitors will travel by road from Morondava (regular flights from Antananarivo) then by 4WD vehicle taking 8-9 hours for 200kms of road and a river crossing.