Red Tsingy, Protected rock formation in northern Madagascar

Red Tsingy is a protected rock formation in northern Madagascar featuring tall red laterite spires that rise sharply from the ground like natural stone columns. Deep canyons cut between these formations, creating a maze-like landscape that stretches across the terrain.

The red laterite formations were exposed in the 1950s when landslides uncovered them. They result from erosion by the Irodo River, which cut through successive layers of laterite, sandstone, limestone and marl on the Sahafary plateau. The site covers 182 hectares at the entrance of Analamerana Park.

The name comes from the Malagasy word "tsingy", meaning "needle", while "rouge" refers to the red laterite. The site lies at the entrance of Analamerana Park on the Sahafary plateau, and access is from the RN6 road at Saharenana. Guides from nearby Sadjoavato lead visitors along the marked paths.

Access is from the RN6 road at Saharenana, about 60 km south of Antsiranana near Sadjoavato, at the entrance to Analamerana Park. The laterite, sandstone, limestone and marl layers are soft and crumble underfoot, so wear closed shoes with grip. The site covers 182 hectares on the Sahafary plateau, and the bare slopes offer little shade at midday.

The name "tsingy" is Malagasy for "needle", and in Malagasy the site is also called "where one cannot walk barefoot". The formations only became visible in the 1950s, when landslides on the Sahafary plateau exposed the laterite that erosion by the Irodo River had shaped.