Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

One of the Wonders of the World!

Tsingy de Bemaraha: A World Heritage Site

* Walking and exploring Madagascar's largest National Park.
* Paddling on the Manambolo River to visit the Gorges of the Manambolo.

This is Madagascar‘s largest reserve (152,000 hectares.) and classified as one of the world wonders by UNESCO. The fascinating raised limestone plateau is decorated with a frail, chaotic razor-sharp collection of pinnacles, the “Tsingy”. Areas of deciduous forest also provide the chance to see brown lemurs and a variety of birdlife, we may also meet the rare all white Decken's sifaka.

The great variety of flora includes: aloes, orchids, numerous pachypodium and baobabs. The deciduous forest is home to over 50 species of birds; 7 species of lemurs (including the all-white Deckens sifaka) and the rare stump-tailed chameleon (Brookesia perarmata).

Please Note: The site of Bemaraha is managed under special UNESCO regulations in order to protect the fragile site from damage. Access is restricted and the areas we are allowed to visit vary from time to time. In keeping with regulations we will visit what areas we can.

+261 20 95 52347 / + 261 324 732 670

Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1: Morondava & Bekopaka. Early morning departure north for the town of Belo Tsiribihina. We cross the Tsiribihina River by ferryboat and stop for lunch in Belo Tsiribihina. (not included). Continuing north through the open lands and dry deciduous forest we arrive in Bekopaka at the entrance to the Tsingy de Bemaraha. (See notes below.) Overnight in Bekopaka. (B,L,D)

Day 2: After breakfast we drive to the entrance of the Grande Tsingy and explore the wonders of the Tsingy de Bemaraha. Optional afternoon visit to the Petite Tsingy. Overnight in Bekopaka. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Following an early breakfast we return south , re-crossing the Tsiribiina River, to the Kirindy Forest. An extremely rich reserve the Kirindy Forest is easily accessible and offer a great variety of endemic Malagasy flora and fauna. We explore the forest in the late afternoon and after dinner enjoy take an evening walk for nocturnal species. Along with a stunning variety of unique flora the Kirindy Forest is home to 8 lemur species; a variety of tenrecs species; the narrow-striped mongoose; giant jumping rat and fossa. (See notes below.) Overnight in the rustic bungalows (or camping) in the forest. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Early morning walking in the Kirindy Forest (especially good for birding). After breakfast in the forest we head south to Morondava. Along the way we make stops at the Sacred Baobabs, Baobabs in Love and the world famous Ave of the Baobabs. Lunch included at the Chez Maggie Hotel. (B,L)

Kirindy Forest Reserve: The 25,000-acre Kirindy Forest has the greatest density and diversity of primates in the world. Probably the best western reserve for seeing Madagascar's endemic dry forest species. Dominated by majestic baobab trees, the forest is home to the world's smallest known primate as well as dozens of amphibian and reptile species (and no poisonous snakes).

Dominated by majestic baobab trees, (Adansonia grandidieri), the forest is home to the world's smallest known primate as well as dozens of amphibian and reptile species (and no poisonous snakes).

The Kirindy boasts more than 60 species of birds. Possible endemic sighting include: White-headed Vanga, Rufous Vanga, White-breasted Mesite, Coquerel's Coua, Crested Coua, Sickle-billed Vanga, Chabert's Vanga, Cuckoo Roller, Grey-headed Lovebird, Madagascar Nightjar, and Banded Kestrel.

Along with a stunning variety of unique flora the Kirindy Forest is home to 8 lemur species; a variety of tenrecs species; the narrow-striped mongoose; giant jumping rat and fossa.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Accommodations:

*Options in Bekopaka: Hotel Orchidee or Tanankoay Lodge

* Accommodations at the Kirindy Forest are in ‘rustic´ bungalows in the forest. Camping is also an option.

Morondava: is a wonderfully friendly, safe, and relaxed town. In Morondava we recommend the Chez Maggie Hotel which is located directly on the beach on the Mozambique Channel where the 'mora mora' (‘slowly slowly´) spirit is alive and well. Largely an undiscovered a gem Morondava offers a long sandy beach and safe swimming at any tide.

You can go sailing in an outrigger canoe or paddle in the mangroves, stroll in town, and stay late at the beachside bdite. It´s an indescribable delight to be on a coast, facing west to the sunset, breathing that crisp dry air that makes you feel so good. Excellent seafood may be washed down with a cold Three Horses beer or a Lazan´l Betsileo vin gris.

Chez Maggie Hotel: A romantic hide -away in a comfortable garden setting.

The hotel features:

• 2-story chalets and large spacious bungalows
• air conditioning
• superb cuisine
• swimming pool
• full service bar
• wondrous sunsets.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

AVAILABLE MAY THROUGH NOVEMBER

COST: $ 550.00 USD

* Subject to availability and change.
* Based on two traveling on double or twin accommodation.
* Costs are subject to availability and change.
* Single supplement charges may apply.
* Cost may vary according to choice of accommodations in Bekopaka

+261 20 95 52347 / + 261 324 732 670