'Tsingy' is a Malagasy word referring to the rocky limestone pinnacles that were once a coral reef millions of years ago. They make a ' tsing ' sound when struck, thus the local name. The many jagged 'daggers' making up the highest parts of this unique landscape are as sharp as knives. This massive limestone formation is surrounded by dry forest and conceals numerous caves and unexplored canyons. You will see stalagmites, stalactites, immense rooms, underground rivers, and fantastic fauna and flora.

We organize hikes according to your personal interest and your physical ability. You can choose between three canyons, several caves and the tsingy plateau. Two basic variations of visiting Ankarana are proposed:

Choice 1: Hike in from the west after driving to the nearby village of Andrafiabe. A visit by this route will take at least two days. This option is only accessible during the dry season from April to the beginning of January.

Ankarana is located along the road south from Diego-Suarez to Ambanja, RN6. This road also jogs over to Ankify (the port village where boats depart to Nosy Be). If you wish to extend your stay on Nosy Be, we propose that you continue on to Ankify for an additional 54 Euros per person.

3-Day Trip (western side)

Day 1: Drive 47 miles on a good, blacktopped road through scenic Malagasy countryside to the colorful market at Anivorano. Next, drive a 'challenging' 25-mile track of sand and rocks to our campsite on the lonely western side of the Ankarana massif. We'll arrive about noon and have lunch, then the afternoon will be devoted to exploring caves and canyons.

Day 2: Hike the "Big Tsingy", and explore different canyons and caves.

Day 3: Before noon we hike in the first canyon. Swimming is a possibility here in an underground river. We return after lunch there. All hikes are done with experienced guides who know the terrain and its wildlife.

What's Included ? 2 nights in a camp, with meals. All camping gear and equipment for visiting the caves is furnished. A local guide, a ranger and a custodian of the camp accompany you to assure your stay is as pleasant as possible.