The Red Tsingy, or Tsingy Rouge, is a striking geological formation in northern Madagascar’s Diana region, about 60 km south of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) near Sadjoavato. Unlike the limestone tsingy found in places like Ankarana or Bemaraha, these are made of red laterite, a clay-like soil rich in iron oxide, giving them their vibrant red, orange, and pink hues. Formed by erosion from the Irodo River, wind, and heavy rain, they create surreal, needle-like pinnacles and fairy chimneys across a 180-hectare area, often compared to Bryce Canyon in Utah. The formations, sculpted by natural forces, are fragile and constantly reshaped, with new structures emerging and others eroding away due to deforestation and environmental degradation, a process locally called “lavaka.”
Visitors describe the Red Tsingy as a serene, often uncrowded spectacle, offering stunning views of red sculptures against green forests and canyons. However, its beauty has a tragic origin: it’s a result of severe deforestation, with 80% of Madagascar’s original forests lost, exposing the laterite to erosion. Visiting supports conservation through park fees, which fund rangers and infrastructure. Nearby attractions include Amber National Park and Ankarana’s grey tsingy.
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