Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PARC NATIONAL DES TSINGY DE BEMARAHA
Best time to visit
April-October.
Key highlight
The dramatic, dark grey, serrated pinnacles of the Tsingy.
Wildlife
The park's main draw is its geology rather than wildlife, although
you're bound to come across some of the park's eight species of lemurs.
Habitats
Humid and dry forests, grassland, limestone rock formations.
Gateway towns
Bekopaka
Transport options
Access to Bekopaka is possible by 4WD between April and
October from Morondava.
Things you should know
It is
fady
to smoke, go to the toilet outside designated
areas, or point at the
tsingy
with your finger outstretched.
INFORMATION
Bekopaka lacks mains electricity, and hotels generally switch on their generators between
5pm and 10pm. The only mobile phone network that works is Telma; there is no internet
access. There are no banks so make sure you have enough cash before setting off from
Morondava.
For more planning advice, author recommendations and insider tips on Parc National
Des Tsingy de Bemaraha, head to
www.lonelyplanet.com/madagascar/western-madagas-
GETTING THERE & AWAY
You need a 4WD to access the Tsingy: there is no way round it. Bekopaka and the national
parkareonthenorthsideofthe
Manambolo River ferry crossing
(passenger/vehiclefree/
Ar5000; 6.30am-noon & 2-6pm); the crossing is about 80km of very rough track north
of Belo-sur-Tsiribihina (four hours) and passable only from April to October. The village
of Bekopaka is about 3km from the ferry crossing.
A car and driver in Morondava will set you back around Ar180,000 per day including fuel.
Alternatively, hotels in Bekopaka, tour operators in Morondava and those running trips on
the Tsiribihina can organise trips to the park (allow €400 to €500 for two people for a four-
day trip).
In the dry season, there are infrequent
camions-brousses
from Bekopaka to Belo-sur-
Tsiribihina (Ar20,000, 10 to 24 hours) and Maintirano (Ar50,000, one to two days) in the
north.
