| Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve | |
| Iucn Category: | Ia |
| Map: | Madagascar |
| Relief: | yes |
| Map Width: | 220 |
| Location: | Melaky Region, Madagascar |
| Nearest City: | Antsalova |
| Coordinates: | -18.6667°N 89°W |
| Area Km2: | 834.11 |
| Established: | 31 December 1927 |
| Governing Body: | Madagascar National Parks |
Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve (French: Réserve naturelle intégrale du Tsingy de Bemaraha) is a nature reserve located near the western coast of Madagascar in Melaky Region. 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.[1] [2]
The southern end of the protected area was changed into the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in 1997, while the northern end of the protected area remains as a strict nature reserve (Réserve Naturelle Intégrale). Borders were most recently adjusted in 2011.
It is characterised by needle-shaped limestone formations, above cliffs over the Manambolo River.[3] 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.