Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, this integral nature reserve features an expansive and rare collection of razor-sharp limestone needles, earning it the nickname Tsingy Stone Forest. Its otherworldly formations, both gigantic and towering, contribute to its surreal and dramatic landscape.

In the remote landscapes of Madagascar’s Antsalova district, hidden within the Andrefana Dry Forests, lies one of the world’s most extraordinary and challenging-to-reach UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Tsingy de Bemaraha, also called the Forest of Knives.This mesmerizing terrain is often described as a place where one cannot walk barefoot, and seems like an enigmatic stone labyrinth, with razor-sharp limestone pinnacles reaching heights of up to 70 m.Tsingy de Bemaraha, meaning “the place where one cannot walk barefoot,” is a geological marvel shaped over millions of years by the forces of nature.Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, this integral nature reserve features an expansive and rare collection of razor-sharp limestone needles, earning it the nickname Tsingy Stone Forest. Its otherworldly formations, both gigantic and towering, contribute to its surreal and dramatic landscape.What’s specialCredit: iStockDespite its inhospitable appearance, Tsingy de Bemaraha is not just a geological wonder but also a biodiversity hotspot. The intricate limestone formations have created microclimates and diverse ecosystems, fostering the evolution of unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. White sifakas, red-fronted brown lemurs, and an array of bird and reptile species thrive in this distinctive environment, showcasing the resilience of life against the menacing backdrop of the stone forest.Guided by park rangers along dedicated trails, visitors to Tsingy de Bemaraha can explore not only the limestone towers, but also venture into caves and canyons, such as the renowned Anjohibe Cave. This colossal underground chamber with towering formations adds an extra layer of allure to this already enchanting destination, attracting adventurers and nature enthusiasts from around the globe.Covering approximately 595 sq km, this natural reserve stands as a challenging destination, both in its remarkable beauty and the arduous journey required to reach it. The undisturbed forests, lakes, and mangrove swamps surrounding the stone forest provide a pristine and adventurous setting, ripe for exploration. The summit, slope, and base of the limestone needles form distinct ecosystems, creating a haven for a variety of species that have adapted to the remarkably steep slopes.Though shaped by tropical rain erosion over 200 million years, Tsingy de Bemaraha appears as a dangerous yet captivating cathedral of limestone needles. The land, seemingly unforgiving, invites intrepid travelers into a world where beauty thrives amid the menacing looks of this stone forest.How to reach?Credit: iStockSituated in Madagascar’s Antsalova district, the Tsingy de Bemaraha is one of the world’s most difficult-to-reach UNESCO World Heritage sites. Accessible by a combination of flights, car journeys, and possibly river crossings, reaching this extraordinary destination requires careful planning and a spirit of adventure.Visitors typically fly into Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, and then embark on a journey to Morondava, the nearest town to the Tsingy de Bemaraha. From Morondava, the final leg of the journey involves a challenging drive and, in some cases, a river crossing, ultimately leading to the captivating stone forest.