Discovering the Tsingy of Bemaraha

The Sakalava Tombs in Bekopaka, located in western Madagascar, are an intriguing and culturally rich site. These tombs are part of the Sakalava Kingdom, an ethnic group that once ruled much of Madagascar's western region. The tombs are carved into limestone cliffs and rock formations, creating a dramatic and unique landscape. They are often adorned with wooden carvings and other symbolic decorations, reflecting the spiritual beliefs and practices of the Sakalava people.

The tombs serve as the final resting place for royal figures, important leaders, and ancestors, and are considered sacred by local communities. The area around Bekopaka, with its lush vegetation and striking rock formations, provides a beautiful setting for these ancient structures. The tombs are a testament to the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Sakalava people, offering visitors a glimpse into Madagascar's history and spiritual practices.

The royal graves in Bekopaka, located in Madagascar, are significant burial sites that feature intricate and unique figurines. These graves are typically adorned with wooden or stone statues that represent various aspects of the deceased's life, beliefs, and status. Often, these figurines serve as symbols of protection, guiding the soul of the deceased into the afterlife, and sometimes depict ancestral figures, spiritual beings, or important animals. The graves themselves are usually set in caves or along cliffs, blending with the natural landscape, creating a sacred and awe-inspiring atmosphere. The carvings and figurines reflect the cultural heritage of the local people, with each piece carefully crafted to honor the departed royals and to ensure their journey into the next world is properly secured.

The Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a national park located in northwest Madagascar . It is mainly within the boundaries of Antsalova District , with a small part in the northeast falling within Morafenobe District . The national park centers on two geological formations: the Great Tsingy and the Little Tsingy . Together with the adjacent Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve , the National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Bemaraha National Park is located in the Melaky region in central west Madagascar, about 300km from Antananarivo as the crow flies. The park stretches over an area of 157,710ha, with a length of 100km from north to south and a width of 10 to 40km from east to west. The southern part with an area of 72,340ha enjoys the status of being a national park. The northern part, which is managed as an strict nature reserve, covers 85,370ha of land.

The protected area is located on the Bemaraha plateau at an altitude of 150 to 170m, a karst formation bounded to the east by steep cliffs and to the west by gentle slopes. South of the park, there is a formation of pinnacles where access is extremely difficult. In the north rolling hills alternate with limestone formations.