Madagascar National Parks - Tsingy de Namoroka

The Tsingy of Namoroka, 22,227 ha, is located in the Region of Boeny. The park belongs to the same complex of protected areas as the National Park of Baly Bay. Landscape of majestic architecture, made of a crystalline calcareous plateau cut in down Tsingy is particularly impressive; the National Park of Namoroka shelters flora and fauna species of a high endemicity of the West ecoregion.

The fauna

Namoroka counts 81espèces of birds, 31 of which are endemic to Madagascar and 23, to Madagascar and the neighboring islands. Three only appear in the list of the International Union for the Conservation of the Nature (IUCN) such as the Henst’s Goshawk Accipiter henstii, the Schlegel’s Asity Philepitta schlegeli, the Madagascar crested ibis Lophotibis cristata.

Most species are in hibernation during the dry season. The park also counts eight (8) species of lemurs, including Propithecus verreauxii Decken, Eulemur fulvus rufus, five (5) species of amphibian which Tomoptema Labros, Ptychadena mascareniensis, Mantidactylus biporus, Stumplfia sp. and 30 species of Reptiles.

The endemic rodent Eliurus sp. is very abundant in the park, compared to the introduced species Rattus rattus. This shows that the forest of Namoroka is still few disturbed. This site is the best areas to look for Madagascar blue pigeon Alectroenas madagascariensis, a beautiful endemic bird.

The flora

The type of climate combined with the soil formations has created two types of ecosystems prevailing in this area: the dense forest dry semi-deciduous of the Antsingy and the grasslands and savannas of Heteropogon contortus.

218 plant species have been counted in these forest areas. 106 species are classified as endemic to Madagascar and 17 as non-endemic.

Travel shrewd...

A few tips will help you make your stay successful. The dry season is between May and October, it is the best period to do the journey by road toward Namoroka. So bring light clothes, a hat and a cream against mosquitoes in your emergency kit. We also recommend you bring your camping equipments.

Warning, meat of pork is a taboo in the whole region of the Tsingy of Namoroka and the peanuts are forbidden on board for the crossing by boat.

The nearest banks are in Mahajanga. Soalala has a health center and a payphone Telma.

The park history

The Complete Natural Reserve of Namoroka was born in 1966. It belongs to the same complex of protected area that's the Baly Bay National Park. His status was changed to National Park by Decree No. 2002-796 adopted by the Government on 7 August 2002. The Sakalava live in this region and remain the majority, in spite of the increasing number of the migrating Tsimihety. They are very close to the Sakalava by their culture, their agriculture and their livestock.

Four permanent rivers get their source in the park: Ambatofolaka, Mandevy, Andriabe and Ambararata. Ambararata supplies the neighboring villages in drinking water. The dry and hot season is long in Namoroka. The average annual temperature is around 27. 8°C while the average annual precipitation is 1,160 mm.

The microprojects of Tsingy de Namoroka

Itinerary

Namoroka is 221 km southwest of the city of Mahajanga, and 22 km northwest of the village of Andranomavo.

Indications

Mahajanga-Namoroka, is a secondary road that is only practicable between May and November.

By Road :

Take the National Road N°19. Cross the Bay of Bombetoka to reach Katsepy.
A 150 km road joins Katsepy to Soalala in 8 hours.
Then from Soalala, a track of 56 km, practicable by 4WD car takes you to Namoroka.

By Taxi-brousse :

For Katsepy, frequency every day, but the departure depends on the filling of bush taxis.

By Boat :

Mahajanga – Soalala – Namoroka

The service depends on the availability of the boat. The crossing takes between 6 and 12 hours of crossing according to the boat. Warning! Tradition wants that the passengers must not take any pistachios on board.

By Plane :

Previously the Air Madagascar Company served Soalala, but now the flight no longer exists. The transfer towards Namoroka is done by car, that's to negotiate with the owners. There are 56 km between the park and Soalala.

Three circuits make the tour of the Tsingy of Namoroka. The tariff of guidance is Ar 10,000 / group of 6 people.

Hard circuit
Circuit name	Specifications	Tariffs
The circuit of Mandevy	Duration: 3 hours on foot for the confirmed hikers or by 4x4 Distance : 24km It is the crossing of the forest and the discovery of the rivers of Namoroka.

Hard circuit
Circuit name	Specifications	Tariffs
The circuit of Ambovon’Omby	Duration : 3 hours on foot for the confirmed hikers or by 4x4 Distance : 24 km It is the course that will lead you toward the Tsingy and the underground cave of Namoroka.

Hard circuit
Circuit name	Specifications	Tariffs
The circuit of Antsifotra	Duration : 3 hours Distance : 12 km It is a trekking toward the underground cave of the forest of Namoroka.

An office of Madagascar National Parks is found in Soalala, for the Baly Bay National Parks and the Tsingy of Namoroka. You can take all necessary information there for your visit. Park officials are also present to show you around the protected area. Some of them speak french and have knowledge of English. Inside the Park, areas of camping will be available soon. There is a possibility of lodging but without comfort at the inhabitant's.

Your stay in the Tsingy of Namoroka will also be the opportunity to take a cultural bath. The population of Soalala, of the Sakalava ethnic group for the most, is very respectful of the traditional ceremonies. The Fanompoana is organized every year, in honor to the deceased. The Fitampoha takes place every five or seven years. During this traditional ceremony, the sacred objects which once belonged to the ancestors, kept in a" mohara volamena" (horn of gold), came out again and immersed in the waters of the great courses. While respecting the uses scrupulously, you will be able to attend these ceremonies.

Photos est en cours.