Antsiranana Red Tsingy Review: A Must-See Destination

Madagascar, that big island sitting off the east coast of Africa, it’s almost like nowhere else on earth, that its wildlife and scenery can take your breath away. Of the different natural spots, Antsiranana, it’s sometimes called Diego Suarez, out in the northern part of the island, that’s where you’ll find the Red Tsingy, is that a geologic place that looks almost like something you’d see on Mars. It’s a landscape of red rock formations crafted by years of erosion, a location so incredibly unique it simply must be added to your list of places you really have to see to believe. It is very cool.

Why the Red Tsingy is Unmissable

Alright, the Tsingy Rouge, that’s what they call it in French, translates to the Red Tsingy, so just so you’re prepared. The term “Tsingy,” in Malagasy, is that a description of the sharp, needle-like rock formations common in these parts. These formations, in the Red Tsingy, that’s where they come in striking shades of red and orange, a bit due to the iron oxide in the soil. Years of erosion sculpted this place, so it looks quite otherworldly. Honestly, you’ll probably find yourself stopping every two minutes just to take another photo. You just will.

The normal Tsingy, it is called the Grey Tsingy, you can find them in places like Bemaraha National Park, that’s something else entirely. Those are tall, gray limestone formations, whereas the Red Tsingy is like something that’s crumbling and more delicate, like castles built out of red sand. The colors really come alive, like when the sun’s either rising or going down, turning the whole spot into an unbelievably lovely vista. Seeing is believing when the light is right; so, try to schedule your visit.

Getting There: Planning Your Trip

To get to the Red Tsingy, Antsiranana is your spot; the nearest place with any good lodging and such, so I would head there first. You can fly into Antsiranana from Antananarivo, is that Madagascar’s capital, with Air Madagascar, so too it is an easy way to make the trip. From Antsiranana, the only way you will get there, is that you’ll probably need to grab a 4×4 vehicle; so, arrange transport with either your hotel or a local tour company, is that most people get around.

The drive, very, very bumpy is what I remember, especially during the rainy season. It will take about one to two hours from the city center, very much through roads that’re less than perfect, but the journey itself is quite the adventure, and it kind of makes reaching the Tsingy that much more gratifying, that you have to work to see them. On the way, you’ll drive by local villages, see wide open plains, so to experience a side of Madagascar most people miss, and getting to see a bunch of life as it’s actually lived there, I think that has some beauty to it.

What to Bring and Expect

You need to go prepared, is that really the most useful bit of advice, when visiting the Red Tsingy. I always recommend you to take loads of water; it’s hot out there and there’s not exactly a convenience store anywhere near the formations. You’ll also need some strong sunscreen, something good to put on your head for the sun, plus durable shoes. The ground is sort of uneven, very dry, and walking around those rock formations, so just think practical and try to keep your balance, and it will keep you from getting injured.

You might be curious, so expect that there won’t be a ton of facilities; you might find some local guides milling about the place, and they might try to get you interested in telling you about the place or guiding you somewhere, yet really there aren’t bathrooms or places to buy stuff. Most travelers have said it’s very worthwhile to engage with a guide; they grew up there, and I think they really add another thing for you to get interested in with the geologic place.

Photography Tips: Capturing the Beauty

Photographers, that’s where the Red Tsingy will be the very thing that excites you. Getting a sunrise or sunset trip lined up, if that’s feasible, that would probably get you the best light when the formations are really glowing. Use a polarizing filter to cut back on glare plus help you pump the colors a bit. Experimenting with different angles and viewpoints will really make the location yours.

Try to get some photos that show scale, very. That could be including either people or like some other common item somewhere to let people realize just how big those Tsingy are, is that always important. It would probably get you really awesome pics, but be extra careful around the edges of the formations when you move around to grab those shots. Also be aware of other visitors, that’s so they aren’t suddenly in your pics. And also, try drones out there, too, but I recommend, as always, reading the regulations and being respectful of any limitations.

Staying Safe and Respectful

Looking after both yourself and this wonderful place, basically that is top priority. So keep a safe distance from cliff edges; a lot of the formations can be quite crumbly. Stay hydrated to avoid heatstroke, also make certain that you apply some new sunscreen on a regular basis. Bring along a first aid kit for cuts, grazes, and like any small issues.

Make sure you leave the site the way you came, so to protect the specialness of the area. Staying on those marked paths will help you protect both the fragile formations and prevent erosion, which can be a bummer for everyone. Respect the environment and try not to leave trash, or try not to even make any loud noise that disrupts that peace, that can preserve this natural spot for future generations, just so people can have the best time possible while keeping the Earth as healthy as possible.