Bekopaka, the perfect base for exploration
Nestled at the edge of Bemaraha National Park, Orchidée Hotel places you at the heart of an exceptional territory. Beyond the Tsingy, the region offers adventures for all levels: pirogue descent, rare lemur watching, and a grand river journey.
Small Tsingy
Just 5 minutes on foot from Hôtel Orchidée, the Small Tsingy are the ideal introduction to Bemaraha’s limestone world. Unlike the Big Tsingy, this circuit requires no special equipment or particular fitness — it welcomes everyone, from children aged 5 to travellers seeking a peaceful exploration.
The trail weaves between stone needles rising up to 20 metres, carved over millions of years by tropical rains. Two waymarked routes cross this mineral maze: Andadadoany-Ankeligoa and Anjohimanintsy, each revealing different perspectives on the dry forest and rock formations.
Wildlife is extraordinary: 6 lemur species — including the Decken’s sifaka, often spotted at close range — 53 recorded bird species, and the elusive endemic chameleon Brookesia Perarmata, one of the smallest reptiles on earth.
- Duration — 2 to 3 hours at your own pace
- Level — Easy — from age 5, no special equipment needed
- Guide — Mandatory on site — invaluable for spotting wildlife
- Departure — 5 min walk from the hotel, at the park entrance
Big Tsingy
The Big Tsingy rank among Madagascar’s most breathtaking experiences. Formed 200 million years ago as vast limestone plateaus were carved away by rain, their razor-sharp needles soar to 60 metres high — an otherworldly landscape listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Exploring this mineral maze blends several adventures: crossing vertiginous suspension bridges 60 m above the void, scrambling through canyons via ferrata, squeezing through stalactite-draped caves, and paddling an underground pirogue through flooded galleries.
Wildlife makes the heights equally spectacular: lemurs perched atop the spires, endemic birds nesting in cliff faces, and the unique flora of the Tsingy, adapted to a world of pure rock.
- Duration — 4 to 6 hours depending on route
- Level — Sporty — via ferrata, suspension bridges, climbing — ages 12+
- Guide — Mandatory — harness provided on site
- Tip — Depart early morning to avoid midday heat
Manambolo River Descent
The Manambolo River runs alongside part of Bemaraha Park, carving isolated cliffs and steep slopes up to 80 metres high. Departing from the entrance of the Small Tsingy circuit — a few minutes’ walk from the hotel — a 90-minute traditional pirogue ride leads to underground wonders.
The river stretches 40 to 100 metres wide. Limestone formations alternate humid and dry vegetation, stalactites and stalagmites. Rock shelters house bat colonies and rupestrian inscriptions depicting zebu.
- Swallows’ Cave — roots of a century-old tree descending 30 m from above
- Glotte Cave — former dwelling of the Vazimba ancestors
- Access — departs from the Small Tsingy entrance, walkable from the hotel
Lemur Watching
Bemaraha National Park is home to 15 lemur species, from the diurnal Decken’s Sifaka to the nocturnal Tilitilivahy. An exceptional natural sanctuary, preserved by the extreme isolation of the karst massif.
Tsiribihina River Descent
A highlight of the western Madagascar grand circuit, the Tsiribihina River descent over more than 150 kilometres reveals alternately lush and desert landscapes. In a traditional pirogue or chaland over 3 days and 2 nights, the journey takes you back in time.
From Miandrivazo, the river winds through baobab forests, traditional villages, granite cliffs and wild gorges, ending at Belo sur Tsiribihina. The journey then continues naturally to Bekopaka and the Tsingy, making Orchidée Hotel the perfect arrival and rest point after this river odyssey.
- Baobab forests by pirogue
- Crocodiles on the banks
- Traditional Sakalava villages
- Gorges and waterfalls
- Lemurs and chameleons
- Sunsets over the river
This excursion is organised by your travel agency or local operator. Orchidée Hotel welcomes you as your arrival base and resting place.
Orchidée, your base camp
All these excursions depart from Bekopaka. Contact us for logistics, guide recommendations or room reservations.