Madagascar day 14: Tsingy National Park of Bemaraha.

Submitted by maria on Fri, 22/09/2017 - 20:37

We got up early because it is a very hot day and we want to do one of the routes in the park that includes a via ferrata.

 

Grand Tsingy

Grand Tsingy

 

 

The Tsingy National Park of Bemaraha is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is one of the most amazing parks we have visited and really worth the effort to get here.

You need a 4x4 to get here and move around inside the park and only accessible in the dry season (April to October).

When we arrive at the office to buy the tickets it is still closed and we wait for one 20 minutes until they open. We decided to do a route that includes the Grand Tsingy and the Petit Tsingy. There are several options, the one we did is totally recommendable although the park is so amazing that any option is good.

To enter the park you need a guide, ours is called Gilbert (excellent). All the guides in the parks of Madagascar are very well prepared and speak several languages, although Spanish is not mastered by many speak a little Italian.

We take the 4x4 and half an hour later we are at the beginning of the route, you have to bring enough water because although there is shade it is very hot. At the beginning of the route we are very lucky to see three specimens of white sifakas, weasels and different types of birds.

 

Sifaka in Tsingy

Sifaka in Tsingy

 

Half an hour later we arrive at the beginning of the via ferrata, it is impressive to move among the sharp limestone peaks, it seems really a sea of stones. The route takes about two more hours, crossing hanging bridges and cracks between the rocks.

At the end of the route we return to the lodge for lunch and meet up at 4pm with Gilbert to do the Petit Tsingy at sunset to watch the sunset. Impressive both the route and the views.

Petit Tsingy

Petit Tsingy

 


Entrance to the National Park: 55.000 Ar/pax.

Guide: 135.000 Ar/group (the price of the guide varies depending on the route) razafinarivogilbert@gmail.com

Accommodation: Tanankoay bungalow 2 pax from 40.000 to 70.000 Ar (without/with bathroom)