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Canyon des Singes
Best time to visit
It is best to come during the dry period, from April to October, when the trails are passable and free of rain torrents. Set off early in the morning while the air is fresh, because noon out on the open sand can be scorching, and there is little shade.
Budget tips
Entry costs around 10,000 ariary per person, and local guides can be hired for a small sum and are almost mandatory since the canyon can only be reached by 4x4 vehicle. Bring cash and all supplies from the nearest larger settlement, as there are no shops or ATMs in the area.
Recommended for
Nature lovers, Hikers and adventurers, Photographers, Families with older children
Plan your visit
Half a day (4-5 hours)
About
Quick facts: The vertical sandstone walls preserve dinosaur fossils and petrified wood, and among the finds are bone fragments more than 70 million years old. A two-kilometer-long gorge cuts through a dry deciduous forest inhabited by lemurs, endemic birds, and reptiles found nowhere else on the planet.
Highlights: At the bottom of the canyon, where pools of turquoise water gather after rain, you can swim in a natural pool below cliffs up to 300 meters high. Paleontologists found entire nests of fossilized dinosaur eggs here, so as you hike you look at the same rock layers through which scientists have searched for traces of prehistoric life for centuries.
Insider tips
- Wear sturdy hiking boots and long clothing, as the ground is rocky and dry shrubs easily scratch the skin.
- Bring at least three liters of water per person and a hat, as there is almost no shade on the trails.
- Take photos early in the morning or before sunset, when the red sand takes on a golden color and long shadows appear.
- Check your fuel reserve and tire condition in advance, since the road to the canyon goes through sandy shallows and stream beds.
Practical info
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