Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve
Location: Western Madagascar
Year of Inscription: 1990
Criteria: (vii) contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(x) contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: It is known for its unique landscape of sharp limestone formations called tsingy, which were formed over millions of years by erosion. The reserve is home to a variety of endemic plant and animal species, including several lemur species.
Prominent Features: Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve is home to many important natural features, including:
Tsingy formations: The reserve is characterized by its sharp, jagged limestone formations that create a unique landscape. The tsingy were formed by water erosion over millions of years.
Underground rivers and caves: The reserve is also home to a network of underground rivers and caves, which provide a habitat for unique cave-dwelling species.
Lemurs: The reserve is home to several species of lemur, including the Decken's sifaka, the red-fronted brown lemur, and the Milne-Edwards' sifaka.
Birds: The reserve is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 100 bird species recorded, including the endangered Madagascar fish eagle and the crested ibis.
History: The Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve was established in 1927 as a national park. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 for its unique landscape and exceptional biological diversity.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the reserve on guided tours, which offer the opportunity to see lemurs and other wildlife, as well as the unique tsingy formations. There are also opportunities for hiking and caving.
Fun Fact: The word "tsingy" comes from a Malagasy word that means "walking on tiptoes," which is an apt description of the jagged limestone formations that make up the reserve's landscape.
Entry Fees: The entrance fee for the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve is 40,000 Ariary (approximately 11 USD) per person.
How to Reach It: The reserve is located in western Madagascar and can be reached by road. Visitors can take a taxi-brousse (minibus) from Antananarivo or Morondava to the reserve. The journey takes approximately 12 hours. There are also flights available to Morondava, which is approximately 200 kilometers from the reserve.
Within the Reserve: Visitors can explore the reserve on guided tours, which are required to protect the delicate ecosystem. There are also hiking trails available for those who want to explore the reserve on foot. It is recommended to hire a local guide who can provide insights into the flora and fauna of the reserve.
Where to Stay: There are a few lodges and campsites located near the reserve, including the Soleil des Tsingy and the Tsingy Lodge.
Next Stop: Rainforests of the Atsinanana
Year of Inscription: 1990
Criteria: (vii) contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(x) contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: It is known for its unique landscape of sharp limestone formations called tsingy, which were formed over millions of years by erosion. The reserve is home to a variety of endemic plant and animal species, including several lemur species.
Prominent Features: Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve is home to many important natural features, including:
Tsingy formations: The reserve is characterized by its sharp, jagged limestone formations that create a unique landscape. The tsingy were formed by water erosion over millions of years.
Underground rivers and caves: The reserve is also home to a network of underground rivers and caves, which provide a habitat for unique cave-dwelling species.
Lemurs: The reserve is home to several species of lemur, including the Decken's sifaka, the red-fronted brown lemur, and the Milne-Edwards' sifaka.
Birds: The reserve is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 100 bird species recorded, including the endangered Madagascar fish eagle and the crested ibis.
History: The Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve was established in 1927 as a national park. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 for its unique landscape and exceptional biological diversity.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the reserve on guided tours, which offer the opportunity to see lemurs and other wildlife, as well as the unique tsingy formations. There are also opportunities for hiking and caving.
Fun Fact: The word "tsingy" comes from a Malagasy word that means "walking on tiptoes," which is an apt description of the jagged limestone formations that make up the reserve's landscape.
Entry Fees: The entrance fee for the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve is 40,000 Ariary (approximately 11 USD) per person.
How to Reach It: The reserve is located in western Madagascar and can be reached by road. Visitors can take a taxi-brousse (minibus) from Antananarivo or Morondava to the reserve. The journey takes approximately 12 hours. There are also flights available to Morondava, which is approximately 200 kilometers from the reserve.
Within the Reserve: Visitors can explore the reserve on guided tours, which are required to protect the delicate ecosystem. There are also hiking trails available for those who want to explore the reserve on foot. It is recommended to hire a local guide who can provide insights into the flora and fauna of the reserve.
Where to Stay: There are a few lodges and campsites located near the reserve, including the Soleil des Tsingy and the Tsingy Lodge.
Next Stop: Rainforests of the Atsinanana