Tsingy de Namoroka

Useful Information

Location:	221 km southwest Mahajanga, 22 km northwest Andranomavo. From Mahajanga National Road N°19 to Katsepy. Katsepy to Soalala 150 km/8hours. From Soalala 56 km track, only in dry season with 5WD. GPS 16°21-16°33 South, 45°16-45°25 East.
Open:	All year. [2012]
Fee:	Guided tour Ar 10,000 / group of 6 people. [2012]
Classification:	Karren Karst Spring Karst cave
Light:	bring torch.
Dimension:
Guided tours:	The circuit of Mandevy: D=3 h, L=24 km. The circuit of Ambovon'Omby: D=3 h, L=24 km. The circuit of Antsifotra: D=3 h, L=12 km.
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	nope, strenuous hikes
Bibliography:
Address:	Parc National Baie de Baly/Namoroka, Appartement EZIDINY, Soalala 420, DP: Jean Claude Rakotonirina, Tel. +261-3311-96889, Mobile: +261-3449-40133. E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1966	Complete Natural Reserve of Namoroka created.
2002	declared a National Park by Decree No. 2002-796.

Description

The Tsingy de Namoroka (Tsingy of Namoroka) are located in the northwest of Madagaskar. The karst area with the impressive karren formations is protected by the National Park of Namoroka. It covers an area of 22,227 ha. The park is the source of four permanent rivers, the Ambatofolaka, Mandevy, Andriabe and Ambararata. The Ambararata river supplies the neighboring villages with drinking water.

The park is best visited during the dry season, between May and October. The dry season is long and hot in Namoroka, the tempartures are above 30 °C, so bring light clothes, a hat, sun cream, and a repellant against mosquitoes. However, the road to the park is only suitable during dry season and even then a 4WD is required. There is an office of Madagascar National Parks in Soalala, which is a good starting point. Park officials are present at the park and offer guided walks, some speak French, some speak English.

The offered tours are rather strenuous. The round trips show numerous karren formations, karst springs, and the cave of Namoroka.