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→Map of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
'''The protected area of ''Tsingy de Bemaraha'' in the west of Madagascar consists of a national park and strict nature reserve. The site is unique with its biodiversity and exceptional landscape called the ''Tsingy'' - which can be translated into "where one can only walk on tiptoe". In 1990, Bemaraha was the first area in Madagascar to be classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it also became a UNESCO National Cultural Heritage Site in 1991. Part of the reserve was changed to national park status in 1997.'''
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Bemaraha National Park is located in the Melaky region in the central west Madagascar, about 300km from [[Antananarivo]] as the crow flies. The park stretches over an area of 157,710ha, with a length of 100km from north to south and a width of 10 to 40km from east to west. The southern part with an area of 72,340ha enjoys the status of being a national park. The northern part, which is managed as an strict nature reserve, covers 85,370ha of land.
The protected area is located on the Bemaraha plateau at an altitude of 150 to 170m, a karst formation bounded to the east by steep cliffs and to the west by gentle slopes. South of the park, there is a formation of pinnacles which where access is extremely difficult. In the north rolling hills alternate with limestone formations.
[[File:Tsingy_de_Bemaraha_IMG_4938.jpg|600px]]
The Bemaraha Park is located north of the Manombolo River. The rivers coming from the plateau have a seasonal or permanent character.
The Bemaraha Massif is a very rugged limestone massif with numerous caves and an impressive canyon carved by the Manambolo River. The western part of the plateau has a very sharp relief, covered in large parts by dense dry forest. That is a This true limestone cathedral which offers one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world. ! In the eastern part, the forest is intersected by savannas.
The karstic massif of Bemaraha offers a variety of natural habitats which are with many different ecosystems , such as dense deciduous forest, bushy xerophytic vegetation on the tsingy (limestone plateau) and sub-humid forest in the valleys or low-laying wet areas between limestone blocks as well as wooded or grassy savanna.
The park is home to lemurs, terrestrial and aquatic birds, bats, amphibians, reptiles, endemic mammals and at least 650 plant species.
The population is predominantly [[Sakalava. It is ]], an ethnic group that has a conservative nature and protects it who live according their strict traditions protected by regulations using the ''[[fady]]'' (ban or taboo).
The park enjoys a dry tropical climate marked by two contrasting seasons: Rainy from November to April and dry between from May and to October. The opening of the park depends on the accessibility of the dirt road connecting Morondava and Bekopaka, usually from May to November. There are various ways how to get to reach the park:
'''By car (4x4)'''<br>
* [[Antananarivo]] - [[Morondava]] (600km) and then Morondava - [[Belo sur Tsiribihina]] - [[Bekopaka]] (south entrance of the park): 200km along a dirt road, 4x4 is recommended for this 8 hours stretch with at least 1 hour by ferry along the Tsiribihina River (100km north of Morondava).
* Antananarivo - [[Antsalova]] (700km): 200km paved road to [[Tsiroanomandidy]], between [[Beravina]] and [[Morafeno]] (crossing of the [[Bongolava]] mountains) in very bad condition for over 80km. Thereafter Antsalova - Bekopaka: 100km secondary road, 4 hours by 4x4, usually accessible from May to November.
'''By [[taxi-brousse]]'''<br>
'''By boat'''<br>
* From [[Ankavandra]] 3 to 4 days sailing with a by pirogue along the Manambolo River until Bekopaka. Ankavandra is only accessible by [[Private_Charter_Flights|plane]].
* From [[Miandrivazo]] 3 days by motorised pirogue down the Tsiribihina River until reaching Belo sur Tsiribihina. Thereafter along the road: Belo sur Tsiribihina - Bekopaka (100km, 4 hours by 4x4).
== Management and Classification ==
In 1927, thanks to the biological, geological and archaeological characteristics of the Antsingy, the area was classified as Nature Reserve No. 9. Thereafter it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990 and National Cultural Heritage Site in 1991. In August 1997, a part of the reserve was changed to national park status to allow the development of ecotourism.
Referring to the international classification of the protected area, following the categorisation by the
Within the western ecoregion, Bemaraha is a centre of endemism both for flora and fauna. It is one of the protected areas that is the richest in faunistic species and especially in karstic ecosystems (in the western ecoregion).
The protected area of Tsingy de Bemaraha complex also plays an important ecological role in the wider region. It is a water source for the entire downstream part of the Bemaraha plateau, especially at the level of the Manambolomaty lakes complex (one of the three RAMSAR sites in Madagascar - wetlands of international importance) and at the level of the rice granary of the region: Lake Bemamba.
The rivers draining the Antsingy are permanent streams. It is not the rivers or streams originating in the Antsingy that are responsible for this ecological function but it is the forest cover on limestone plateau. It retains the rainwater and then allows it to infiltrate little by little and feed the springs throughout the year.
== Conservation targets ==
Endemic species require specific conservation actions as they are subject to pressure. They are key elements in the protected area and are referred to as "conservation targets".
For the protected area of Tsingy de Bemaraha complex they are:
* '''Fauna species'''
* '''Habitats'''
** dense dry forest on limestone plateau: Highly fragmented forest formation; tpyical vegetation on karst (very fragile); natural habitat of many wildlife species
** water system: The water system that drains the Antsingy has positive impacts on the ecological balance of the region, but currently there is a slight decrease in water regime
Note: Plant species are not to be considered as conservation targets in their own right, as it is better to manage forest habitats to conserve plant species rather than to manage them individually.
'''Iguanas / Lizards:'''
[[File:Tsingy_de_Bemaraha_IMG_4617.jpg|600px]]
<table width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" border="0">
<tr bgcolor="#dccbb3" valign="top"><td>Family</td>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>Opluridae</td>
<td>''Oplurus cuvieri''</td>
<td>[[Cuvier's Madagascar swift]] or Madagascan collared iguana</td>
<td>Androngovato</td>
<td> </td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>Opluridae</td>
<td>''Oplurus cyclurus''</td>
<td>[[Merrem's Madagascar swift]]</td>
<td> </td>
<td>endemic</td></tr>
<td>833</td></tr></table>
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The inventory identified:
== Landscape ==
The Tsingy appear as true cathedrals of limestone, shaped by a very dense network of rifts, crevasses and surfaces of limestone blocks carved in blades or sharp needles. These limestone rocks, formed by a deposit of fossils and shells under the sea 200 million years ago, were subsequently shaped by rain 5 million years ago. Today , the Tsingy offer one of the most spectacular landscapes of Madagascar or the whole world.
== Tickets, guides and entrance fees ==
The park office is located in Andadoany, near the ferry of the Manambolo river, 2km from Bekopaka (south of the park). Here one can find all the information needed for a visit to make a stay in the park a memorable one, including tourist information, guides, park entrance fees and guide fees.
It is possible to pay directly on location for all the services offered by the park, including admission fee, guides and boat fees.
Another access to the park is entrance exists in the north in Antsalova, where also a reception desk can be found.
Bemaraha National Park has 23 independent guides and eight 8 park agents. The majority of the guides are affiliated to an association. All guides benefit from training sessions on guidance techniques, language improvement, geology, fauna and flora and customs and traditions.
'''Prices 2015'''<br>
Andamozavaky Circuit including with sunset: Guide 60,000 Ariary.
=== Anjohimanitsy Circuit ===
'''What to see?'''<br>
Adventurous hike and discovery of the mysterious world of the Tsingy for one or two days (overnight camping in [[Ankidroadroa]] in inside the park). The itinerary combines the Manambolo Circuit, Ankeligoa Circuit and Tantely Circuit.
Admire the different shapes of the Tsingy: gallery with concretion, limestone plateau, canyons, diaclases, cathedrals and underground caves as well as the Tsingy May (Tsingy with inverted shapes or slightly cracked skeletal limestone plateau). This circuit provides the opportunity to admire the different types of vegetation, humid in the canyons and dry on the limestone slabs, with the possibility to observe some lemurs and other animals.
Medium circuit (1 day): Guide 36,000 Ariary.<br>
Sporty circuit (2 days): Guide 20,000 Ariary for 1 person, guide 30,000 Ariary for 2 persons, guide 40,000 Ariary for 3-4 persons.
<HTML5video width="520" height="390" type="youtube">uvOc3XzCNKg</HTML5video>
=== Manambolo circuit ===
'''What to see?'''<br>
At this circuit in a pirogue you can see steep gorges of 50m to 80m in height, different types of vegetation, subhumid sub-humid dense forest, sparse xerophytic vegetation and semi-deciduous dry dense forest. You will visit caves with beautiful limestone formations. Enjoy the beauty and panoramic view of the Tsingy by walking back up the cliff. Various spots offer beautiful stunning views of the Manambolo River. You will also pass some [[Vazimba ]] tombs.
'''Prices 2015'''<br>
'''What to see?'''<br>
'''Prices 2015'''<br>
'''What to see?'''<br>
The Berano Circuit is a caving tour, starting at the northern entrance of the park in Antsalova. This circuit includes visits to underground galleries, canyons and different forms of caves with speleological tendency. You will pass the by kalanchoes decorated Tsingy May, followed by a pirogue crossing inside the galleries in the form of labyrinths. It will be a unique opportunity to observe the paleo gallery still in activity, embellished with vegetation of humid characteristics.
'''Prices 2015'''<br>
Guide: 20,000 Ariary.
=== Ranotsara Circuit ===
Difficult circuit, 4 - 6 hours walk (3km).<br>
'''What to see?'''<br>
The Ranotsara Circuit starts 17km north of the village of Bekopaka and presents gigantic limestone cathedrals, deep cracks, limestone blocks carved in blades or sharp peaks constituting an immense field of Tsingy.
[[File:Tsingy de Bemaraha IMG 4792.jpg|600px]]
Admire the 360° panoramic view from an elevated gazebo on the roof of the Tsingy. Feel the empty space crossing a 20m long and 70m deep suspension bridge. Walk in the middle of the Tsingy arcades and descent to the bottom of a canyon and forest tunnel. As the sun sets far away, another landscape appears formed by itself by the reflections of the sunset.
'''Prices 2015'''<br>
Guide: 50,000 Ariary.
=== Tantely Circuit ===
Easy circuit, 1 hour walk (2km).<br>
'''What to see?'''<br>
This circuit is a test for visitors before tackling the more sporting circuits.
This hike allows to oberserve and admire the peculiarity of the Tsingy and its various endemic and non-endemic animal and plant species.
'''Prices 2015'''<br>
Guide: 12,000 Ariary.
== Tourist attractions in the region ==
In addition to the National Park area, the Bemaraha region has also other exciting sites of great biodiversity, offering unspoiled landscapes to discover. Located in the west of the region, these sites of biological and ecological interest make lovers of forests, lakes and still wild mangroves happy, especially ornithologists.
* '''The RAMSAR site - the Manambolomaty complex'''<br>
RAMSAR sites are wetlands of international importance with the aim to save and sensibly use wetlands and their resources. The [https://www.protectedplanet.net/complexe-des-lacs-de-manambolomaty-ramsar-site-wetland-of-international-importance Manambolomaty complex] is one of three RAMSAR sites in Madagascar, formed by three large separate lakes: Befotaka, Soamalipo (Andranobe) and Ankerika. The complex is surrounded by forest (Tsimembo).
The complex offers the possibility to go canoeing and to discover the environment where birds such as grepe, Madagascar pond-heron and Knob-billed duck live in harmony with Nile crocodiles and the Madagascar fish eagle (Ankoay), a species with threatened status in Madagascar.
* '''Lac Antsamaka'''<br>
This lake is the most important bird watching spot in the region and a migration place of the wild pink flamingo (''Samaka'' means "flamingo" in Malagasy). Other species living in colonies are herons (Lombokoma),
egrets (Vano), Bernier's teals (Mireha) and White-backed ducks (Maheriloha).
* '''Tsimembo forest'''<br>
The Tsimembo forest covers an area of 30,000ha and borders the Andranobe lakeside complex. Visitors can discover the dry forest typical to the west with its 215 plant species and 80 bird species. With a bit of luck it is possible to see eight species of lemurs and the famous Fossa (''Cryptoprocta ferox'') in their natural environment.
*'''Lac Bemamba'''<br>
Another lake offering the possibility of canoe trips along the coast passing beautiful wild beaches lined with traditional fishing villages, or through labyrinths of reeds, water lilies and hyacinths while observing many waterbirds. Another canoe trip takes visitors in the 34km long mangroves of the Masoarivo estuary, discovering the adaption of the plants (pneumatophores, stilt roots) to this environment while observing unique birdlife.
*'''Soatana village'''<br>
Every Wednesday there is market day in Soatana, offering exotic fruits and vegetables as well as all kinds of useful things. A highlight of the market not to be missed is the ''[[Moraingy]]'' - a traditional Malagasy boxing event between neighbouring villages.
== Habits and customs in the region ==
According to spoken tradition, as a result of struggles for land in the central highlands, the Sakalava fled to the great desert plains of the mid-west.<br>
Ampelamana and his troop settled at the lakes of Bekopaka. They were named ''Vazimba an drano'' which can be translated as "Masters of the waters".<br>
Andrianavoavo and his people took refuge in the Tsingy, they are called ''Vazimba an-tanety'' ("Masters of the land").<br>
There are still descendants of these famous settlers who were divided into two clans.
* ''Fiboahan-teraky'' - First release of a newborn. Ceremony that marks the first release of a newborn and its mother after the birth of the child. A celebration is organized for the occasion.
* ''Tapakanaky'' - Circumcision. This is the act of removing the foreskin of boys and sometimes adolescent. This custom is practised almost all over Madagascar. According to the Sakalava belief, tapakanaky is the threshold that separates the child from the man. One can not call an uncircumcised male a man.
* ''Lohavony'' - The lohavony is a ceremony to mark the first harvest. ''Lohavony'' means the first flowers/fruits. It is the time when agricultural products are tasted for the first time. But the peculiarity of the ''lohavony'' is that people also make an offer to the ''zanahary'' (god) and ancestors as well as to the water sources that feed the rice fields and to the mighty trees. These offerings are usually white rice and honey. Requests for blessings are also made during these times.
* ''Roba-trano'' - The final farewell to a deceased person. ''Roba-trano'' is a custom of the ''Vazimba an-drano'' (the Vazimba who live near a water-place) following the death of a person in their community. It is sort of the last farewell to a dead person. One year after the funeral a great ceremony takes place, which can last up to a week during which zebus are slaughtered to feed the guests, ''toaka gasy'' (locally distilled alcohol) flows combined with singing and dancing. The ceremony goes on throughout the day and night.
* ''[[Moraingy]]'' - Kind of martial art, favorite distraction of the Sakalava, without any distinction of age or sex. In all customary circumstances, celebrations or funeral, ''moraingy'' is always practised. It takes place in an arena, with spectators and musical instruments (especially drums) to animate the fight. Unlike the ''moraingy'' of other regions, the version practised in the Bemaraha prohibits the fighters to kick. After several exchanges of punches and dodges, the judges put an end to the fight, generally without announcing a winner or looser.
'''Holy places'''<br>
* ''The Tsingy'' - A sacred place to the Sakalava, where they perform whorships and the ''tromba'' and ''tomb-fangatahana'' ceremony. According to local belief, the Tsingy are bursting with treasures, those of the first vazimbas.
== Accommodation in the park ==
The Manambolo campsite is managed by the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. It provides camping equipment and guides. Another campsite is set up in Masoarivo. In the surroundings of the park there are various hotels, from basic to comfortable. It is also possible to stay in a village, enjoying the traditional warm welcome by the locals.
== Map of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park ==
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* Tsingy de Bemaraha World Heritage Site and other biological and ecological sites of fivondronana d' Antsalova, [http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001488/148827fo.pdf UNESCO report] from 1992