A laterite canyon in shades of ochre and red, northern Madagascar
The Red Tsingy (Tsingy Rouges) are a canyon of sandstone, marl and laterite carved by erosion, rain and wind in the Irodo basin, south of Diego Suarez (Antsiranana). Iron-rich laterite gives these pinnacles shades of ochre and red found nowhere else in northern Madagascar.
We pick you up at your hotel at 8:00 am in a 4x4 with driver. The road follows the RN6, then a laterite track through the Irodo basin: about 1h30 of driving through typical far-north landscapes.
A first stop on the heights for the overall view, then a guided walk among the formations at a relaxed pace. The route is easy and suitable for the whole family, perfect for outstanding photos.
Lunch prepared on site by our team (fresh fish, coconut rice, seasonal fruit), free time, then the drive back to Diego Suarez with photo stops at viewpoints over the bay. Back at your hotel around 4:30 pm.
The Red Tsingy lie near Diego Suarez, several hours from Nosy Be. To visit them from Nosy Be, our northern Madagascar tours include them, together with the Emerald Sea and the Ankarana tsingy.
08h00
Pick-up by 4x4 at your hotel. Drive along the RN6, then down the laterite track through the Irodo basin.
09h30
A first stop on the heights of the canyon for an overall view of the Red Tsingy and their shades of ochre and red.
10h00
An easy walk among the formations to see the laterite pinnacles up close and take outstanding photos.
12h30
A local-style meal prepared by our team on site: fresh fish, coconut rice and seasonal fruit.
14h00
Free time to enjoy the calm of the site, then the drive back by 4x4 with photo stops at viewpoints over the bay.
16h30
Drop-off at your hotel around 4:30 pm, after a day at one of the most striking geological sites in northern Madagascar.
Pick-up at 8:00 am from your hotel in Diego Suarez, back around 4:30 pm. Groups of 2 to 12 people. Times may be adjusted to track and weather conditions, especially in the rainy season. The site is very exposed to the sun: a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are essential, as well as light walking shoes.
€60 per adult, €30 per child aged 5 to 10 and €42 for ages 11 to 15. The price includes the 4x4 transfer from your hotel in Diego Suarez, fuel, the guide, site entrance, lunch and water. For children under 5, please contact us.
A day from about 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The drive from Diego Suarez takes about 1h30, along the RN6 and then a laterite track through the Irodo basin.
The Red Tsingy are made of sandstone, marl and laterite. Iron-oxide-rich laterite gives them their shades of ochre and red. The formations are shaped by erosion, rain and wind, and keep changing.
Yes, the route is rated easy and suitable for the whole family. The walk in the canyon is on manageable ground at a relaxed pace. The drive is by 4x4 with a professional driver.
The excursion runs all year; in the rainy season, track conditions may change the schedule. Colours are most intense in mid-morning and late afternoon, when the light is low: the canyon is explored in the morning.
It is led by our local team, with a 4x4, an experienced driver and a guide. Before travelling to Madagascar, also check your government's official travel advice.
Not as a day trip: the site lies near Diego Suarez, several hours from Nosy Be. Our northern Madagascar tours include it, starting from Nosy Be.
The site is very exposed to the sun: a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, light walking shoes and a camera.
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