The road to the Tsingi lodge was difficult. The road from there to the start of the Grand Tsingy (Tsingy Bemaraha) trail was tougher. 8 km in 1 hour by 4-wheel jeep. Once we arrived, we put on our climbing harnesses, with the 2 D-ring clips, and started the walk. After clearing the forest, we had a 5 hour adventure climbing in and out of the Tsingy formations and caves before returning.
The Tsingys in some ways is reminiscent of Bryce Canyon, but has some big differences. The formations are entirely of limestone, and are weathered by the acid in the rain, which cut vertical grooves in the rock (they look a little like miniature valley watersheds). Every several vertical feet, there are softer areas of limestone that completely erode away, so there are also a lot of hanging structures.
The top edges are very sharp (Tsingy means "On Tiptoe" Bemaraha means "long sharp"). The structure extends about 200km, and a small portion is open to the public. A lot of climbing, ducking, caving, scrabbling, clipping-in while traversing 50 feet above razor-blade spikes below. A huge amount of fun in an alien landscape. Many pictures attached.
After returning to the lodge, we took a late afternoon walk into the nearby village. Again, a lot of kids. Many of them asking for candy or water (Eau Vive is the primary brand) or for empty bottles. Or to have their photos taken so that they could see (we tried to teach them the English phrase "strike a pose!"). Midway through, I bought a soccer ball and went to the nearby field. Dozens of kids joined in.
Entrance to the Grand Tsingy, or Tsingy ("on tip-toe") Bemaraha ("long-sharp")
The tsingy formations are limestone that has been uplifted. There are numerous fossils of urchins/sponges in many of the rocks.
On the way to the entrance, we also spotted a couple of Sifaka Lemurs sprinting through the trees.
The Tsingy formations are steep. There was a lot of climbing, and clipping in for safety. A 50 foot fall onto sharp spiky rocks would likely be a problem.
Not at the top, but the spikes above are visible.
Looking down 50+ feet from a platform. Acrophobia/Claustrophobia would be problems on this hike. A lot of climbing, and a lot of crawling through caves.
First major view of the Tsingy formations from the top. The vertical grooves are caused by acidity in the rain dissolving the limestone, creating miniature formations like streams in a watershed. The horizontal lines are from softer limestone deposits being quickly eroded away, creating overhangs.
Interesting structure near the edge, next to a deep drop.
Not much grows up here - but this cactus was an exception.
Landscape view.
Looking down onto the Tsingy.
This undercut was particularly large, and it looks like help is needed.
Some thinner fins have holes eroded through them.
Crossing a bridge approaching the top of the Tsingy.
Another crossing of the bridge.
Landscape photo.
Here, the erosion took on a different structure.
Me sitting on the throne.
Christopher's turn.
In one of the caves in the labyrinths below, looking up.
Another landscape.
More climbing.
Local erosion.
Some of the limestone sections are thin enough that they ring like xylophone bars:
Landscape view
Another landscape view, including collapsed structures.
A large hole in the fin at center.
This structure is referred to as the "Virgin Mary" Tsingy.
The undercuts in the horizontal bedding planes can create some apparently floating structures.
Another landscape.
View from the top
Family photo at the top.
Lunch in the cave in the Tsingy labyrinth included a guest appearance by a red mongoose.
On the way down, we spotted a colorful iguana with pink spots.
There are a number of brush-fires burning at all times. The locals burn the dried fields to allow new grass to grow (zebu prefer green grass).
After the hike, we walked through the local village. These girls wanted their photos taken, so Jana taught them to strike a pose.
More posing.
We learned some secret hand-shakes from the kids, and taught a few of our own.
Playing soccer with the local kids.
This kid wanted to see a picture of himself eating zebu-jerky.
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