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| Duration | Destination | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| 6 days and 5 nights | Madagascar (Morondava, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park) | Madagascar (Morondava) |
The spectacular mineral forest of Tsingy de Bemaraha stands on the western coast of Madagascar. Tsingy is the Malagasy word for “walking on tiptoes” and the nearly impenetrable labyrinth of limestone needles justifies this name. The whole protected area, designated a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1990, comprises a surface of 1.575 km². This remote area was not a tourist trek until 1998, when the southern part (723 km²) was declared a National Park. The northern section is an Integral Reserve so tourists are not allowed to enter the zone. The reserve’s canyons, gorges, undisturbed forests, lakes and mangrove swamps display an astonishing richness of fauna and flora which have not been completely recorded. The rate of endemism is about 85%, and 47% are even local endemic!
The limestone seabed rose to create a plateau around 200 million years ago, which was little by little eroded by heavy rainfalls until it became its actual shape. This massif is delimited to the east by the abrupt Bemaraha Cliffs, which rises some 300 to 400m above the Manambolo River valley and extends several tens of kilometres from north to south. The western slopes of the massif rise more gently, and the whole western region of the reserve forms a plateau with rounded hillocks which slope away to the west. To the north undulating hills alternate with limestone extrusions, while in the south extensive pinnacle formations make access extremely restricted. In the south of Petit Tsingy is the spectacular Manambolo Gorge where you can see waterfalls, lemurs and magnificent untouched forests. Despite the inaccessibility of the area, this park is more and more part of tour operator programs.
The flora has a high local endemism rate. The western part is principally covered by deciduous dry forests, which are particularly well adapted to the extreme changing climate conditions of the area. The eastern section is formed by grassy savannas and lowland bushes. Inside the canyons we find small areas of dense tropical forests and lianas, since it is very humid among the tall tsingy formations.
Visitors can spot 11 lemur species, including for Decken's sifaka, red-fronted brown lemur, fat-tailed dwarf lemur, grey mouse lemur or the Cleese's woolly lemur and the Sambirano lesser bamboo lemur, which only occur here. Other resident mammals are the small carnivorous falanouc and ring-tailed mongoose, and several bats.
More than 100 bird species have been catalogued at present inside the National Park, including the critically endangered Madagascar fish eagle and crested ibis, Madagascar wood-rail, giant coua or Coquerel´s coua.
The 45 reptiles and amphibians which are found here are all endemic. Some significant species which only occur in Bemaraha are the Madagascar iguana, a local endemic long-tailed skink and the Antsingy leaf chameleon.
Generally most visitors coming to the park usually stay over three nights to explore this unique and amazing place. A recommended plan would be:
Day 1: Petit tsingy: this circuit of 4-5 hours of duration passes through a labyrinth of limestones and two view points over the impressive pinnacles. There are some good chances to spot the Decken’s sifaka and red-fronted brown lemurs. Manambolo gorge: It is a canoe trip along the gorge combined with an easier path through caves, stalactites, stalagmites and the famous family tomb of the Vazimba tribe.
Day 2: The big Tsingy: This is probably the most rewarding whole-day trip within the park as it goes deep into the limestone forest passing through several hanging bridges with the impressive karstic formations below your feet. The trail is not technically difficult and even children can cope with it, but you certainly should not suffer from vertigo! The look down from the hanging bridge is something to avoid for the easily fainted.
DAY 1 : > MORONDAVA
Meet our staff at the arrival in Morondava airport and transfer to the town; the laidback atmosphere of this coastal town is felt all over the city; the local market is well worth a visit (interesting lambaony fabrics); the city centre, near the local market Bazary Be, is a lively compound of narrow streets full of strident merchants and street vendors; Nosy Kely, where your hotel is located, on the seashore, is the actual tourist borough. Morondava has of course its own beaches, where you can enjoy swimming among big waves; after lunch in hotel, take a city tour and an excursion to the village of Betania on a traditional pirogue; in the evening, dinner and overnight in hotel Palissandre Cote Ouest Resort (standard room) or similar.
DAY 2 : MORONDAVA > BEKOPAKA/BEMARAHA NATIONAL PARK
Departure in 4WD car from Morondava along the splendid “Baobab Way” which crosses the verdant savannah dotted with enormous baobabs; then the red dirt track enters the thick deciduous forest up to when you meet the Tsiribihina river which you cross aboard motor powered rafts; proceed along the track which crosses the shrubby bush, where you can see, amongst other things, the funeral constructions of the Sakalava people, painted in bright colors; then you ford again along the Manambolo river, then you reach your hotel L'Olympe de Bemaraha (standard room) or similar; picnic lunch during the way; in the evening, dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 3 : BEMARAHA NATIONAL PARK: excursion to the Petits Tsingy and the Manambolo Gorges
In the morning visit the Petits Tsingy, calcareous rock formations which are in the surrounding savannah which form an almost impenetrable barrier and which has preserved this primitive environment intact; then you explore the tropical forest inhabitated by Sifaka lemurs and late afternoon relaxing sailing along the short route of the Manambolo river, until the beautiful Gorges, covered with luxuriant vegetation; return to hotel at the end of the day; meals and overnight stay in hotel L'Olympe de Bamaraha (standard room) or similar.
DAY 4 : BEMARAHA NATIONAL PARK: excursion to the Big Tsingy
Whole day devoted to visiting the fantastic big Tsingy; a walk along the savannah leads us to the base of the rocky walls, which is an ancient coral reef, carved in spires - which can reach a height of 60 meters from the ground - by the atmospheric conditions, over hundreds of millions of years; exploration of UNESCO World Heritage listed places; picnic lunch during the excursion; return to hotel at the end of the day; dinner and overnight stay in hotel L'Olympe de Bemaraha (standard room) or similar.
DAY 5 : BEKOPAKA/BEMARAHA NATIONAL PARK > MORONDAVA
After breakfast, return towards Morondava, meeting fascinating natural wonders along the way; stop for sunset in the Baobab savannah; lunch in restaurant during the trip; dinner and overnight stay in hotel Palissandre Cote Ouest Resort (standard room) or similar.
DAY 6 : MORONDAVA >
Breakfast in hotel; according to the time at disposal, transfer to the airport.
- Full-board, from the lunch on the 1st day to the breakfast to the last day
- All transfers from/to Morondava airport
- Private transport by 4WD car: Morondava/Bekopaka/Morondava, with French-speaking driver
- Private excursions as mentioned in the itinerary with French-speaking guide
- French-speaking local guide during visits to Bemaraha National Park
- Entry ticket to Bemaraha Park
- Local taxes for rivers crossing
- Hotel taxes
- 24/7 assistance by phone (in French, English, Italian, Spanish)
. All flights and airport taxes
. Guide in your language (except in "Tour with Guide" formula)
. Beverages, tips and extra
. All not mentioned in "Price includes"
| Day | Overnight | Itinerary highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Morondava - Hotel or Airport Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park Morondava |
| Place | Tour Guide and local guides not included | Tour Guide and local guides not included |
|---|---|---|
| Morondava | 3 Stars | |
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