The Stone Forest Of Madagascar
The Tsingy de Bemaraha is a geological masterpiece over 200 million years in the making. This UNESCO World Heritage landscape began as a massive coral reef beneath a tropical sea. Through immense tectonic forces, the ancient seabed was uplifted and sculpted into the razor-sharp limestone formations we see today.
In Malagasy, “Tsingy” means “where one cannot walk barefoot”, a perfect description of this labyrinth of limestone needles, canyons, and hidden caves.
A Sanctuary of Endemic Life
The Tsingy is home to remarkable biodiversity found nowhere else on Earth:
•Lemurs: 11 species including Decken’s sifaka, Rufous Brown lemurs, Bemaraha sportive lemurs, and Peter’s mouse lemur.
•Birds & Reptiles: Endemic species like the Tsingy wood rail (found only here), Schlegel’s asity, giant coua, and various reptiles.
•Unique Flora: Iconic Pachypodium (“elephant’s foot” succulents), aromatic Comiphora trees, and plants that grow only in Tsingy microclimates. .
1. Grand Tsingy Expedition
The Complete Stone Forest Experience
Andamozavaky Circuit
The Classic Heights & Forest
🕐Duration: 4 hours
👥Group Size: unlimited
💪Fitness Level: ★★★★☆ Challenging
🐾Wildlife Rating: ★★★★★ Excellent
Begin your Grand Tsingy adventure with this classic circuit that combines thrilling heights with rich forest exploration. Navigate the via ferrata, steel ladders and rope bridges suspended 70 meters above the forest floor with full safety equipment. Crawl through ancient erosion tunnels and stand atop needle-sharp peaks with breathtaking 360° views. Then descend into the dense Tsingy forest where the stone formations meet lush vegetation. I’ll show you the “Cathedral” where morning light creates natural stained-glass effects through stone columns. Wildlife is abundant in both environments: watch Decken’s sifaka lemurs performing incredible leaps between pinnacles and forest, spot Rufous Brown lemurs foraging in the forest below, and listen for the endemic Tsingy wood rail. Common sightings include ring tailed vontsira (mongoose), giant coua, and Western red forest rat moving between rocky areas and forest cover. We’ll examine 200-million-year-old marine fossils still embedded in the limestone walls.
Ranotsara Circuit
The Forest Immersion with Heights
🕐Duration: 3 hours
👥Group Size: unlimited
💪Fitness Level: ★★★★☆ Challenging
🐾 Wildlife Rating: ★★★★☆ Very Good
This circuit offers both forest immersion and thrilling heights. Navigate another via ferrata section with steel bridges offering dramatic views across the stone forest. Experience the excitement of crossing high rope bridges between limestone pinnacles, then descend into dense forest canyons where Western Bamboo lemurs feed on their preferred tree leaves. Excellent opportunities to observe , Decken’s Sifaka and Rufous Brown lemurs in social groups and search for the elusive Bemaraha sportive lemurs in daytime resting spots. From the viewpoints along the route, enjoy panoramic perspectives of the Tsingy plateau. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting colorful Schlegel’s asity and listening for various forest birds.
Broadway Circuit
Ranotsara to Andamozavaky via Broadway Canyon
🕐Duration: 5-6 hours
👥Group Size: unlimited
💪Fitness Level: ★★★★★ Difficult
🐾 Wildlife Rating: ★★★★★ Excellent
Most adventurers start at Ranotsara, beginning with its via ferrata section and climbing to tsingy viewpoints. After descending, you’ll cross the Broadway forest canyon, a vast natural corridor connecting both circuits. This extensive canyon is ideal for wildlife spotting, with animals frequently moving between habitats. Along the way, explore a large, long cave system before reaching Andamozavaky. Here, tackle its famous via ferrata and 70-meter-high rope bridges, climbing to 360° summit views over the entire stone forest. Throughout, spot Decken’s sifaka performing aerial leaps, search for Rufous Brown lemurs, Bemaraha sportive lemurs, Western Bamboo lemurs, and listen for the endemic Tsingy wood rail.The circuit offers continuous wildlife viewing opportunities across varied ecosystems and ends with spectacular panoramic views of the Tsingy plateau.
2. Small Tsingy Discovery
Intimate Exploration of the Western Sector
Andadoany Circuit
Family-Friendly Introduction
🕐Duration: 2 hours
👥Group Size: unlimited
💪 Fitness Level: ★★☆☆☆ Easy
🐾Wildlife Rating: ★★★☆☆ Good
Perfect for families or first-time visitors. Explore “juvenile Tsingy” formations through a fascinating limestone labyrinth of corridors and hidden chambers. Features an easy via ferrata section that lets everyone experience climbing through rocks. Navigate through jagged rocks to surprising viewpoints. Rufous Brown lemurs and Decken’s Sifaka are often visible at close range, sometimes with curious juveniles. I’ll teach you to identify the endemic plant species that grow only in these microclimates.
Ankeligoa Circuit
The wildlife encouters
🕐Duration: 3hours
👥Group Size: unlimited
💪 Fitness Level: ★★☆☆☆ Easy
🐾Wildlife Rating: ★★★☆☆ Good
This circuit features the famous “Window to the Sky”, a natural stone arch that perfectly frames the setting sun. Walk through varied terrain from dense dry forest to open limestone pavements. Excellent viewing of active Rufous Brown lemur troops with observable social behaviors. Often spot Decken’s sifaka crossing paths with their distinctive sideways hops. Giant coua are commonly seen striding through undergrowth.
Manambolobe Circuit
The Seasonal Challenge
🕐Duration: 5hours
👥Group Size: unlimited
💪 Fitness Level: ★★★★★ Difficult
🐾Wildlife Rating: ★★★★☆ Very Good
This challenging circuit offers two options. By foot: follow the cliffs along the Manambolo river, navigating numerous uphill sections until reaching the summit approximately 100 meters high above the river, offering stunning views of the Manambolo gorge. After enjoying the panoramic viewpoint, descend into the forest for wildlife spotting. By pirogue: follow the Manambolo river for a water-based approach to the circuit area. The route takes you through seasonal landscape changes, dry months reveal different terrain features and wildlife patterns. Includes a visit to traditional Sakalava fishing village to learn how communities live with this riverside landscape. Wildlife includes various Small Tsingy lemur species and river-adjacent birds.
3. River Tsingy Expedition
The Watery Heart of Bemaraha
Manambolo Gorge Exploration
Canoe Through Canyons
🕐Duration: 2 hours
👥Group Size: unlimited
💪 Fitness Level: ★★☆☆☆ Easy
🐾Wildlife Rating: ★★★★★ Excellent
Canoe journey through 100-meter-tall Manambolo Gorge. Search for Nile crocodiles basking on sandbanks and abundant aquatic birds, egrets, herons, wild ducks, kingfishers. Watch lemurs leaping in forests on cliff tops above. Visit riverside caves with impressive stalagmites and stalactites formations. See sacred Vazimba tombs where ancient inhabitants laid ancestors to rest in stone. Peaceful journey with wildlife calls echoing off canyon walls.
Oliha River Expedition
Journey to Paradise
🕐Duration: 1- 3 days (customizable)
👥Group Size: unlimited
💪 Fitness Level: ★★☆☆☆ Easy to ★★★☆☆ Moderate
🐾Wildlife Rating: ★★★★★ Excellent
Journey up the Manambolo River to Oliha, a true wilderness experience. Paddle through ever-changing scenery to reach pristine natural swimming pools and secluded waterfalls. Spend days swimming in crystal-clear waters, exploring hidden beaches, and camping under Madagascar’s star-filled skies. The longer you stay, the deeper your connection becomes, waking to mist on the river, listening to lemurs calls at night, and feeling the rhythm of river life. This is complete immersion in the Tsingy’s watery world, where time slows and nature takes center stage.
Night Walk In Bekopaka Forest
Nocturnal Magic
🕐Duration: 1 hour (evening)
👥Group Size: unlimited
💪 Fitness Level: ★★☆☆☆ Easy
🐾Wildlife Rating: ★★★★★ Excellent
Evening expedition in forests near Bekopaka. Search for nocturnal creatures with specialized red-light torches. Spot Peter’s mouse lemurs, grey mouse lemurs, several chameleon species, and possibly boa. Magical experience revealing Tsingy’s hidden nightlife.
4. Extension Circuits
Beyond the Stones: Completing the Western Legend
The Tsingy is a masterpiece, but the story of the West continues in the shadows of the giants and the heart of the dry forest. These extensions are essential chapters of your journey, taking you from the razor-sharp peaks to the iconic silhouettes of the Baobabs and the rare, wild heartbeat of Kirindy. To see these sites is to truly see Madagascar.
🕐Duration: 1 days / 1 night recommended
👥Group Size: unlimited
💪 Fitness Level: ★★☆☆☆ Easy
🐾Wildlife Rating: ★★★★★ Excellent
Kirindy Forest
From Stone to Dry Forest
Dramatic ecological transition to or from Tsingy’s mineral world to Kirindy’s dry deciduous forest. Day walks search for Madagascar’s top predator, the fossa with high sighting success. Also spot graceful Verreaux’s sifaka and striking red-fronted brown lemurs.
Night walks with spotlights reveal the forest’s hidden life: search for the tiny Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur (world’s smallest primate at 30g), grey mouse lemurs, agile fork-marked lemurs, and various chameleon species. The forest transforms completely after dark.
Baobab Avenue
Sunset with Giants
🕐Duration: Half day (sunset timing)
👥Group Size: unlimited
💪 Fitness Level: ★★☆☆☆ Easy to
Witness Madagascar’s iconic 800-year-old baobab giants at sunset. Watch the golden light transform these ancient trees as their shadows stretch across the earth. Perfect photographic opportunity with stunning silhouettes against colorful skies. I’ll explain baobab mythology and point out different endemic species. A magical sunset experience.
🤝 Services For Travelers & Travels Professionals
Behind every successful journey is strong organization and trusted local expertise.
B2C – Private Guided Experiences
For Individual Travelers & Direct Bookings
We provide fully organized journeys designed for comfort, safety, and simplicity.
✔ Included in B2C Packages
• Licensed certified professional guide
• All guiding services inside the park
• Safety equipment (via ferrata gear, harness)
• National park entrance fees
• 4x4 transport according to itinerary
• Standard accommodation (upgrade available)
• Transfer coordination
• Assistance with park formalities
• Wildlife tracking & interpretation
• Personalized itinerary planning
• Continuous on-ground support
Complete circuits may combine:
Grand Tsingy – Small Tsingy – Manambolo & Oliha – Kirindy – Baobab Avenue.
B2B – Professional Ground Support
For Tour Operators & Travel Agencies
We act as your trusted on-site partner in western Madagascar.
✔ Included in B2B Services
• Licensed professional guiding
• Execution of confirmed itinerary
• Client handling on-site
• Park formalities assistance
• Wildlife expertise & interpretation
• Operational coordination
✘ Not Included (Can Be Arranged)
• Park entrance fees
• Transport
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Full logistics packages
NET rate sheet available upon request.
YOUR JOURNEY AWAITS
This is where your adventure truly begins. Discover who I am, what I stand for, and how I am committed to delivering safe, authentic, and professionally guided experiences in western Madagascar. Every journey is built on local knowledge, trust, and attention to detail. I invite you to explore, connect, and experience the Tsingy and beyond with confidence, I look forward to welcoming you and making your time here truly unforgettable.