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RAMSAR sites are wetlands of international importance with the aim to save and sensibly use wetlands and their resources. The [https://www.protectedplanet.net/complexe-des-lacs-de-manambolomaty-ramsar-site-wetland-of-international-importance Manambolomaty complex] is one of three RAMSAR sites in Madagascar, formed by three large separate lakes: Befotaka, Soamalipo (Andranobe) and Ankerika. The complex is surrounded by forest (Tsimembo).
The complex offers the possibility to go canoeing and to discover the serenity of the environment where birds such as grepe, Madagascar pond-heron and Knob-billed duck live in harmony with Nile crocodiles and the Madagascar fish eagle (Ankoay), a species with threatened status in Madagascar.
* '''Lac Antsamaka'''<br>
This lake is the most important bird watching spot in the region and a migration place of the wild pink flamingo (''Samaka'' means "flamingo" in Malagasy). Other species living in colonies are herons (Lombokoma),
egrets (Vano), Bernier's teals (Mireha) and White-backed ducks (Maheriloha).
* '''Tsimembo forest'''<br>
The Tsimembo forest covers an area of 30,000ha and borders the Andranobe lakeside complex. Visitors can discover the dry forest typical to the west with its 215 plant species and 80 bird species. With a bit of luck it is possible to see 8 eight species of lemurs and the famous Fossa (''Cryptoprocta ferox'') in their natural environment.
*'''Lac Bemamba'''<br>
Another lake offering the possibility of canoe trips along the coast passing beautiful wild beaches lined with traditional fishing villages, or through labyrinths of reeds, water lilies and hyacinths while observing many waterbirds. Another canoe trip takes visitors in the 34km long mangroves of the Masoarivo estuary, discovering the adaption of the plants (pneumatophores, stilt roots) to this environment while observing interesting unique birdlife.
*'''Soatana village'''<br>
Every Wednesday there is market day in Soatana, offering exotic fruits and vegetables as well as all kind kinds of useful things. A highlight of the market not to be missed is the ''[[Moraingy]]'' - a traditional Malagasy boxing event between neighbouring villages.
== Habits and customs in the region ==
According to oral spoken tradition, as a result of struggles for land in the central highlands, the Sakalava fled to the great desert plains of the mid-west.<br>
Ampelamana and his troop settled at the lakes of Bekopaka. They were named ''Vazimba an drano'' which can be translated as "Masters of the waters".<br>
Andrianavoavo and his people took refuge in the Tsingy, they are called ''Vazimba an-tanety'' ("Masters of the land").<br>
* ''Fiboahan-teraky'' - First release of a newborn. Ceremony that marks the first release of a newborn and its mother after the birth of the child. A celebration is organized for the occasion.
* ''Tapakanaky'' - Circumcision. This is the act of removing the foreskin of boys and sometimes adolescent. This custom is practiced practised almost throughout all over Madagascar. According to the Sakalava belief, tapakanaky is the threshold that separates the child from the man. One can not call an uncircumcised male a man.
* ''Lohavony'' - The lohavony is a ceremony to mark the first harvest. ''Lohavony'' means the first flowers/fruits. It is the time when agricultural products are tasted for the first time. But the peculiarity of the ''lohavony'' is that people also make an offer to the ''zanahary'' (god) and ancestors as well as to the water sources that feed the rice fields and to the mighty trees. These offerings are usually white rice and honey. Requests for blessings are also part of made during these times.
* ''Roba-trano'' - The final farewell to a deceased person. ''Roba-trano'' is a custom of the ''Vazimba an-drano'' (the Vazimba who live near a water -place) after following the death of a person from in their community. It is sort of the last farewell to a dead person. One year after the funeral a great ceremony takes place, which can last up to a week during which zebus are slaughtered to feed the guests, ''toaka gasy'' (locally distilled alcohol) flows combined with singing and dancing. The ceremony goes on throughout the day and night.
* ''[[Moraingy]]'' - Kind of martial art, favorite distraction of the Sakalava, without any distinction of age or sex. In all customary circumstances, celebrations or funeral, ''moraingy'' is always practicedpractised. It takes place in an arena, with spectators and musical instruments (especially percussiondrums) to animate the fight. Unlike the ''moraingy'' of other regions, that practiced the version practised in the Bemaraha prohibits the fighters to give a kick. After several exchanges of punches and dodges, the judges put an end to the fight, generally without announcing a winner or looser.
'''Holy places'''<br>
* ''The Tsingy'' - A sacred place to the Sakalava, were where they perform whorships and the ''tromba'' and ''tomb-fangatahana'' ceremony. According to local belief, the Tsingy are bursting with treasures, those of the first vazimbas.
== Accommodation in the park ==
The Manambolo campsite is managed by the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. It provides camping equipment and guides. Another campsite is set up in Masoarivo. In the surrounding surroundings of the park there are various hotels, going from the simplest basic to a certain comfortcomfortable. It is also possible to stay in a village, enjoying the traditional warm welcome by the locals.
== Map of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park ==