“Petit” – Small Tsingy

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Visit the Petit / Small Tsingy: this circuit lasts approximately 2 hours and passes through a labyrinth of limestone and two view points over the impressive pinnacles. There are some good chances to spot the Decken’s shifaka and red-fronted brown lemurs.

The “Petit” or Small Tsingy are a section of the famous Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in western Madagascar. While not as large and dramatic as the “Grand” or Great Tsingy, they are a fantastic introduction to this unique geological landscape and offer a more accessible hiking experience.

Here’s what makes the Small Tsingy unique:

• Location: They are located right near the park entrance and the village of Bekopaka, making them a convenient starting point for most visitors.
• Accessibility: The trails are generally shorter and less physically demanding than those in the Great Tsingy. They involve navigating a labyrinth of jagged limestone pinnacles, traversing narrow corridors, and exploring small caves.
• Experience: The hike often includes walking on bridges and elevated walkways that provide great viewpoints. It’s an immersive experience, allowing you to get up close to the sharp “stone forest” formations that gave the park its name. The Malagasy word “Tsingy” translates to “where one cannot walk barefoot.”
• Wildlife: While the focus is on the geology, the Small Tsingy trails also offer opportunities to spot local wildlife, including different species of lemurs, birds, and various reptiles and amphibians that thrive in the unique environment.

The wildlife of the “Petit” or Small Tsingy

The wildlife of the “Petit” or Small Tsingy is an impressive microcosm of the larger Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park’s biodiversity. While the dramatic limestone formations are the star of the show, the nooks, crannies, and surrounding forested areas provide a unique habitat for a variety of species, many of which are endemic to Madagascar.

Lemurs

The Tsingy are a well-known refuge for lemurs, and the Petit Tsingy offers excellent opportunities to see them up close. The most famous species is the Decken’s sifaka (Propithecus deckenii), a striking white lemur known for its remarkable ability to “dance” across the sharp limestone pinnacles. They are a common sight, and watching them gracefully leap between the jagged rocks is a highlight of any visit.

Other lemur species you might spot on the trails include:

• Red-fronted brown lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons)
• Gray mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus)
• Fat-tailed dwarf lemurs (Cheirogaleus medius), often found sleeping in tree hollows during the day.
• The rare and endemic Bemaraha woolly lemur (Avahi cleesei), named after actor John Cleese.

Reptiles and Amphibians

The Tsingy’s unique environment supports a diverse population of reptiles and amphibians, many of which have evolved with incredible camouflage. The park is a prime location for herpetology enthusiasts.

• Chameleons: Look for the miniature dwarf chameleons (Brookesia spp.) and other species perfectly adapted to their environment.
• Geckos: The leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus spp.) is a master of disguise, blending in seamlessly with tree bark and branches.
• Other Species: You may also encounter various species of snakes, iguanas, and frogs hiding in the rock formations and vegetation.

Birds

While the Tsingy itself may seem like an inhospitable environment for birds, the surrounding forests and nearby Manambolo River provide a crucial habitat. Over 90 bird species have been recorded in the wider park.

• Endemic Birds: The park is home to a number of endemic birds, including the Tsingy wood rail (Mentocrex beankaensis), which was only formally described in 2011.
• Raptors: The Madagascar fish eagle (Haliaeetus vociferoides), one of the rarest raptors in the world, can be seen along the river.
• Couas: Several species of couas, a genus of Malagasy birds, can be found here, such as the Crested coua and Coquerel’s coua.