Tsingy de Namoroka National Park

Tsingy de Namoroka National Park (formerly categorised as a Strict Reserve) covers 220km2 (22,227 ha) and is about 50km from the remote town of Soalala in the Boeny Region of north-western Madagascar's Mahajanga province. The main geological feature of this area is its 'tsingy' limestone pinnacle formations with the accompanying limestone walls, canyons, caves and underground rivers. There are parcels of tropical dry deciduous forest inhabited by a variety of rare species including (critically endangered) Decken's sifaka, Pale fork-marked lemur, Fosa and Schlegel's asity. There are Baobabs galore, along with impressive Pachypodiums, and some clear pools where swimming is safe.

In 2024, the highly regarded Madagascar Classic Camping opened their Namoroka Tsingy Camp, at long last providing ready access to this wonderful Key Biodiversity Area for discerning natural history enthusiasts.

The Protected Area contains several culturally significant sites of the local Sakalava -Boina people. These include the sacred sites or Doany of Namoroka and Namahota along with several locations where annual ceremonies (Fangatahana joro) incorporating oaths, offerings, or requests for blessings are performed, predominantly along the Mandevy and Andriabe Rivers and at Antaboaka Kapiloza, a sacred site with hot springs. In the  Namoroka massif there are also many caves with ancient burial sites. 

The park can be visited from late May to end October. So rich is the area's biodiversity and its striking geological features that there is plenty to keep visitors occupied for a 3 or 4 night stay. 

Among the many circuits in this wonderful park are:

Circuit Ambozimarohabo: about 25 minutes' drive from camp, the trail takes you to see baobabs and equally impressive bloated pachypodiums. tsingy formations and dry deciduous forest. The circuit is roughly 5km long and it takes about 3 hours to complete. (Grading: moderate).  Diurnal lemur species present include red brown lemur (Eulemur rufus/Northern red-fronted lemur); Decken’s sifaka and Tsiombikibo Sportive Lemur 

Circuit Ambatofolaka is an easy forest walk during which you can observe the diverse wildlife of Namoroka. Morning and night walk are rewarding for lemurs and resident birds include rarities such as Schlegel's Asity, which can be easily sighted. Critically endangered species birds like Madagascar fish eagle, have been observed here too. The 3km circuit is 15 minutes' drive from Camp and takes about 2hrs, 15min to walk. (Grading: Easy)

Circuits Ampandrana is a 1.5km trail which starts from the Camp and takes about 1hr,30 minutes to complete. Ampandrana is the stream flowing north of the Camp and in the trees along it, live various species of nocturnal lemur. These include the Pale fork-marked lemur, two species of Mouse lemur, and the Fat-tailed dwarf lemur, which typically emerges at the start of summer. The area is productive for birders, and reptiles and frogs abound. Mammal watchers will find the trail of interest, as tenrecs are sometimes encountered along it.