Réserve Naturelle Intégrale du Tsingy de Bemaraha (Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, Tsingin'i Bemaraha)
© Marco Zanferrar
The Réserve Naturelle Intégrale des Tsingy de Bemaraha (Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve) used to be an inaccessible area, but since it was placed on the UNESCO world heritage list in 1990, more and more tour itineraries started to include it in their programs and nowadays it is fairly easy to book a trip to the park.
With its 152,000 hectares (375,440 acres), it is the largest national park in Madagascar. It consists of Grand Tsingy and Petit Tsingy. It is located in the west of Madagascar and not far from the coast, in the area around the Manambolo River. Canoe trips down the river can be organized, as well as trips to the beautiful Manambolo Gorge and waterfalls.
Another interesting sight is the area of eroded limestone pinnacles. Lots of wildlife roams the park, including six species of lemur, eight of reptile and at least 53 bird species. The forests in the area are untouched and dense.
During the wet season it is nearly impossible to visit the park, so it's best to come in the dry period. It is best to go on an organized trip, but if you insist on visiting it on your own, you can best take a taxi-brousse from Belo Tsiribihina to Bekopaka. From there it is a long walk to the entrance of the park. Bekopaka is 285 km west of Antananarivo.
In 1997, the southern part of the park was separated from the rest and established as the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park.
Images
Tsingy de Bemaraha ©Marco Zanferrar
Tsingy de Bemaraha ©Marco Zanferrar
Tsingy de Bemaraha ©Rod Waddington
