Tsingin' i Bemaraha Off The Beaten Path

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Every tip on VT should be labeled "Off the Beaten Path." Because the path here took 8 plus hours by 4 x 4 from Morondava. But, it is one of Madagascar's wonders and it is worth the trip. The amazing karstic limestone formations, out in the middle of Madagascar, which is out in the middle of nowhere Indian Ocean, makes you feel like you are on some foreign planet. Climbing up and down into the caves and across the bridges over these razor-sharp rocks made this trip lots of fun. Knowing that so few people will ever get to see this place ups the cool value for me, and seeing lemurs in the forest leading to the rocks sealed the deal.

It is intensely "difficult" getting here, and the park does indeed close for a good portion of the year due to rain, so call well in advance to the park rangers. Do NOT trust the travel agents anywhere in the country on whether or not the park is open.

We were DEVASTATED when we were told that the park was and would be closed for the next few weeks. Thankfully, when we called, we were told by the rangers that the rains had stopped weeks ago and the roads were not only passable, but that the entire park was open for viewing.