Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve

Bemaraha National Park
IUCN category II (national park)
A karst limestone formation, known as tsingy in Malagasy
Location of Bemaraha National Park
Location	Western Madagascar
Nearest city	Morondava, Antsalova
Coordinates	18°40′0″S 44°45′5″E / 18.66667°S 44.75139°E / -18.66667; 44.75139Coordinates: 18°40′0″S 44°45′5″E / 18.66667°S 44.75139°E / -18.66667; 44.75139
Area	666 km²
Established	1997
Visitors	approx. 6000 (in 2005)
Governing body	Parcs Nationaux Madagascar - ANGAP
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Official name	Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve
Type	Natural
Criteria	vii, x
Designated	1990 (14th session)
Reference no.	494
State Party	Madagascar
Region	Africa

Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve is a nature reserve located near the western coast of Madagascar in Melaky Region at 18°40′S 44°45′E / 18.667°S 44.750°E / -18.667; 44.750 (Tsingy). The area was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 due to the unique geography, preserved mangrove forests, and wild bird and lemur populations.

The southern end of the protected area has subsequently been changed into the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, covering 666 square kilometres (257 sq mi). The northern end of the protected area remains as a strict nature reserve (Réserve Naturelle Intégrale) covering 853 square kilometres (329 sq mi). It is characterised by needle-shaped limestone formations, above cliffs over the Manambolo river. The incredibly sharp limestone formations can cut through equipment and flesh easily, which makes traversing them extremely difficult. The word "Tsingy" is derived from a local word meaning "the place where one cannot walk barefoot".

Tourists can access the national park by road from Morondava, a town 150 km south of the park. Limited access is also possible from the town of Antsalova, which can be reached by plane from Antananarivo or Mahajanga.