Red Tsingy, Protected rock formation in northern Madagascar
The Red Tsingy features tall red laterite spires and canyons rising from the ground, forming natural stone columns across the landscape.
The formation emerged through millions of years of erosion and weathering processes, transforming ancient seabed deposits into the current geological structure.
Local communities maintain traditional practices and share knowledge about the Red Tsingy formations through generations of guides and storytellers.
Visitors need sturdy shoes and sun protection when exploring the site, which requires a 50-kilometer journey south from Diego Suarez.
The distinct red coloration of these formations results from the combination of different mineral oxides in the laterite soil composition.
GPS coordinates: -12.63890,49.49720
Latest update: March 3, 2025 09:35
Madagascar features natural landscapes ranging from the baobab avenues near Morondava to the limestone formations of the Tsingy and coastal areas with coral reefs. The country's national parks protect tropical rainforests inhabited by lemurs, along with geological features including crater lakes and sandstone formations. The highest peaks rise in the northern mountain ranges, while the southern regions are characterized by dry landscapes. Photogenic locations include the Isalo Massif with its eroded sandstone canyons, the Masoala Peninsula with its rainforests along the Indian Ocean, and the island of Nosy Be off the northwest coast. The beaches at Ifaty and Anakao attract visitors for their reefs, while Sainte-Marie Island is known for whale watching between July and September. The Kirindy forests in the west are home to nocturnal lemurs and fossas. Historic sites include the royal hill of Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Rova palace in Antananarivo. The geysers at Ampefy and the crater lake Tritriva showcase the volcanic history of the highlands. The red Tsingy near Sadjoavato formed through erosion of iron-rich sandstone and contrast with the gray limestone Tsingy in the west.
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