Tsaranoro

Tsaranoro circumscribes the Tsaranoro Massif and Tsaranoro Valley, located at the outskirts of Andringitra National Park in southern Madagascar. The spectacular rock walls of the massif and the mindblowing beautiful valley offer countless climbing routes and hiking trails. The more adventurous can participate in paragliding or even base jumping.

The rough granite walls of the Tsaranoro Massif are up to 800 metres high. Climbers from all over the world come to Tsaranoro to practise free climbing (nails are not allowed). Although the vertical cliffs were discovered by Di Taylor and Tony Howard already in 1981, it took until 1995 that the first route (Rain Boto) was climbed by Kurt Albert and Berndt Arnold. The massif is divided into Karambony (500m) and Tsaranoro Be (800m).

The Tsaranoro Valley is a walkers paradise, far away from any industrial facilites, an ideal location for individual day treks or guided multi-day expeditions with overnight camping. The treks lead through open savanna and tropical humid or dry forest. Tsaranoro is the primary habitat for Ring-tailed lemurs. Various species of falcon, snakes, lizards, chameleons and plenty of orchids can also be observed. The best period for climbing and visiting the valley is from March to December.

The Tsaranoro Massif and Andringidra Massif form the natural border between the territories of the Bara and Betsileo people. It is believed that the name Tsaranoro originates at around 1820, a time when the Betsileo people where fighting the Merina people who wanted to overthrow the neighbouring kingdoms. Therefore, the Betsileo King Sahanambo was hiding together with his closest followers in a cave in the nearby highlands. The cave entrance was barricaded for several months, until food ran short and new provision had to be obtained in the valley. The king ordered his two sisters, Ratsara and Ranoro, to walk down in the valley to organise food. After the sisters left, the cave entrance was carefully closed again. As Ratsara and Ranoro faced no problems in organising new provisions they returned earlier as expected and found the cave still closed. Even by making noises through shouting and knocking nobody opened. The sisters had enough to eat but no fresh water and therefore became weaker and weaker as the days went by until they finally died of thirst.

When King Sahanombo ordered the cave to be opened, he found his two sisters dead. In honour of them he named the highest rock Tsaranoro. The three rocks on the left were named Vatovoarindrina, meaning "closed stone gates". Since those days it is fady (not allowed) to speak about the Merina people or even with a Merina accent in the sacred forest at the foot of the mountain. It is said, if one breaks the fady, the person will walk in circles and gets lost.

Accommodation in the valley

Camp Catta
Bungalows and camp site
Tel: +261 (0)20 7592358 or +261 (0)33 1534719 (mobile)
Email: camp.catta@campcatta.com
Website: www.campcatta.com

Tsara Camp
Camp site with 15 tents
Tel: +261 (0)20 2224837 or +261 (0)33 1553073 (mobile)
Email: tsaracamp@boogiepilgrim-madagascar.com
Website: www.tsaracamp-madagascar.com

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