Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
easy bridges, to a pretty serious six-hour circuit requiring you to abseil a 30m cliff. Many
involve a section by pirogue through the stunning Manambolo River Gorges.
The much larger
Grands Tsingy
lie 17km north of Bekopaka and are the most impress-
ive. Most visitors drive to the start of the two circuits (four hours each), which follow a
fantastic
via ferrata
- no climbing experience required, you just wear a harness, which you
clip to cables and ladders as you go.
Having come all the way to Bekopaka, you should spend at least a day in the Petits
Tsingy and a day in the Grands Tsingy - more, of course, if time allows.
SLEEPING & EATING
There isn't a huge amount of choice for accommodation in Bekopaka so book ahead. If
you'd like to get out of your hotel, head to the ferry crossing for a cold beer in one of the
atmospheric
gargotes
(cheap restaurants).
Orchidée du Bemaraha
HOTEL €€€
( 032 50 898 79;
www.orchideedubemaraha.com
; Bekopaka; camping per tent
Ar35,000, r Ar60,000-100,000; ) With beautiful grounds, a pool and a lovely bar, this
is a fantastic place to come back to after scaling the pinnacles of the Tsingy. Both the
tents and rooms are good-value and well-appointed. There are half- and full-board options
(Ar35,000/55,000).
Tanankoay
BUNGALOWS €€
( 0341825193;
www.tanankoay.com
;Bekopaka;campingAr5000,dAr40,000-68,000,
without bathroom Ar15,000) This super-friendly hotel offers everything from camping to
plush and spacious ensuite bungalows. There is a lovely garden, and the restaurant serves
excellent food in the evening (the Ar19,000 three-course meal is great value) - although it
must be said that the packed lunches are rather sorry-looking. It is very popular so make
sure you book in advance. Tanankoay is 900m north of Bekopaka on the road to the Grands
Tsingy.
Camp Croco
CAMPGROUND €€
( 22 630 86;
www.madcameleon.com
;
s/d/tr Ar40,000/45,000/60,000) This lovely ten-
ted camp, run by the reputable tour operator Mad Caméléon, has an atmospheric location
withepicsunsetsonthesouthernbanksoftheManamboloRiver.Thelargecanvastentsare
mounted on decks; inside you'll find proper beds and basic furniture. They are comfortable
but considering you have to share bathrooms and toilets, definitely overpriced. Travellers
rave about the food, however (Ar24,000 for a three-course meal).
