One of the 101 wonders of the world
On an island famous for its animals, this Madagascar national park takes center stage in the stunning scenery, although you might spot a lemur.
The spectacular karst formations of Tsingy de Bemaraha, Madagascar
The karst formations of Tsingy de Bemaraha, shaped by wind, rain, and time, are extraordinary. The forces of nature have carved countless razor-sharp pinnacles, some hundreds of meters high. Despite being a dazzling spectacle, they are difficult to navigate. In fact, the native name of this area means "place where you cannot walk". However, with the help of guides, walkways, and a via ferrata system of cables, stairs, and bridges, it is possible to do so.
The ascent to the most spectacular part of the Grand Tsingy landscape generates equal parts tension and excitement: you have to climb through narrow cracks, crawl through caves and attach your harness to the safety cables to make vertical ascents. Upon finishing climbing to the top, euphoria adds to the mix of emotions.
The views offered by the unreal landscapes seem from another world, as do the steps on the suspended bridges, which connect the upper areas of Tsingy over steep falls. The lower forests are home to 11 species of lemur, so keep your eyes peeled.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TSINGY DE BEMARAHA
Essential
To get closer to the limestone peaks and needles of Tsingy de Bemaraha, you have to go towards the river.
How to get to Tsingy de Bemaraha
International flights arrive at the Ivato airport, 20 km north of the Madagascar capital, Antananarivo. Air Austral, Air France, Corsair, and Air Madagascar has flights from Paris; Kenya Airways, South African Airways, and Turkish Airlines connect the island to the rest of the world, via Nairobi,
Johannesburg, and Istanbul, respectively.
Bekopaka is the entrance city to the park, but it is difficult to get to Morondava, the closest town with an airport, it takes 7 hours by jeep. If you don't fly to Morondava from Antananarivo, rent a jeep or take a taxi-brousse for the bumpy 16-hour journey.
Where to sleep in Tsingy de Bemaraha
Budget accommodation
Le Relais des Tsingy The dormitories and thatched bungalows are very ordinary, but the views from Le Relais des Tsingy are spectacular.
Mid-priced accommodation
Tanankoay Hotel is A very nice hotel, with a nice garden that offers everything from camping to large bungalows.
High priced accommodation
Le Soleil des Tsingy In a 200,000 m 2 garden, with a swimming pool and views of nature, these tastefully decorated bungalows are large, as are their terraces.
Where to eat in Tsingy de Bemaraha
Budget restaurant
Tanankoay The restaurant of this hotel serves excellent dinners, although it must be admitted that the packed lunches are somewhat mediocre.
Mid-priced restaurant
Le Grand Hôtel du Tsingy du Bemarah This hotel restaurant, set in a huge garden, offers various breakfast and buffet options.
High priced restaurant
Le Soleil des Tsingy Next to the hotel's infinity pool, this restaurant serves local and European dishes. In the morning they offer fresh croissants and fruit. Pizzas can be ordered at the bar.
The best time to travel to Tsingy de Bemaraha
April to June and September to October are the best months, with warm days and fewer visitors than in July and August.If you travel in high season, when there are fewer guides and harnesses, make sure you get them a day in advance. This also allows you to leave around 5.00 to avoid crowds on the via Ferratas.You have to avoid the cyclone season (January to March).
