Did you know Madagascar is home to the world’s largest stone forest? An almost impenetrable limestone labyrinth of spiky, grey rocks known as Tsingy. Formed over millennia of erosion by wind and water, Tsingy is a Malagasy word that means “walk on tiptoes” and refers to the razor-sharp peaks of the rocks that would be difficult to navigate without the man-made walkways and bridges that traverse the geological wonder.
Tsingy de Bemaraha
The Tsingy de Bemaraha is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Madagascar’s must-see attractions. Travellers are always amazed at the unique formations and the animals that call the unlikely environment their home. Experiencing this otherworldly landscape is absolutely not to be missed and can be experienced on our Tsingy and Morondova Package.
The origins of the Tsingy stone forest started some 200 million years ago when a thick limestone bed formed at the bottom of a lagoon by layers of calcite. Tectonic activity pushed this bed upwards and falling sea levels allowed the stone plateau to be exposed to the elements which eventually eroded the massif into the Tsingy we see today. The peaks and points and wavy edges of the towering limestone karsts look more like a scene from a sci-fi film than anything one would expect to come across while exploring an African island known for its jungles and beaches. But this seemingly inhospitable landscape is home to 11 different species of lemur such as Decken’s Sifaka, fat-tailed dwarf lemur, and grey mouse lemur, some lemur species that are only found here are Cleese’s woolly lemur and the Sambirano lesser bamboo lemur.
The stone forest is also home to deciduous dry forests that are well adapted to the extreme conditions of the environment, as well as dense tropical forests in the deep canyons that are known for sweltering humidity. The Tsingy stone forest is also interspersed by rivers and caves, providing a variety of scenery to enjoy. Covering an area of 1.575 km² it is a wonder to explore and there is enough to marvel at to even take 2-3 days to discover it all. As it is a rather adventurous activity exploring the limestone labyrinth, climbing ladders and crossing suspended swing bridges, and at some points even strapped to a harness we recommend that travellers have a moderate level of fitness.
Madagascar Travel Packages
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