Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
Places near me Random place
All Madagascar Marovoay Ambalabongo Canyon

Ambalabongo Canyon

The runoff from these fiery cliffs sends red water flowing into the sea.

Marovoay, Madagascar

Added By
Kacey Tait
Email
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list
CAPTION
Ambalabongo Canyon.   ap-photo/Alamy
Ambalabongo Canyon.   kaceytait630 / Atlas Obscura User
Ambalabongo Canyon.   kaceytait630 / Atlas Obscura User
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

About

This canyon stretches across the earth like a great red scar. The sandstone’s hues are so fiery, you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for Mars or some other martian landscape.

This gorgeous gorge is found in Ankarafantsika Nature Reserve, a national park in northwestern Madagascar. Unlike the rainforests of the east and spiny dry forests of the south, Ankarafantsika is more of a dry tropical forest with some savannah.

Although beautiful, this canyon has witnessed dark times thanks to heavy deforestation. Losing so many trees has left the land prone to erosion, which has caused the soil to crumble and move. The erosion is to the point that the red waters running into the sea can be seen from space. The canyon is a sight to behold, yet also a reminder to value and protect the plants that hold together such a wonderful place.

Inside this reserve, animals like chameleons (the largest in the world), vanga birds, and speckled butterflies are plentiful to the point of distraction. Primates like sifakas lazily lounge outside villager houses waiting for handouts while mongoose lemurs forage in pairs far above in the tree canopy.

Related Tags

Intriguing Environs Nature Nature Preserves Landscapes Martian Landscapes Ecosystems

Know Before You Go

There are various hiking trails throughout the national park. The one that leads to the canyon is fairly strenuous, so take caution and wear appropriate hiking clothes.

Community Contributors

Added By

kaceytait630

Edited By

Kerry Wolfe

  • Kerry Wolfe

Published

November 28, 2018

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
Sources
  • https://www.madamagazine.com/en/ankarafantsika-national-park/
Ambalabongo Canyon
Marovoay
Madagascar
-16.259226, 46.761257

Nearby Places

Ambohimanga Main Gate

Mampikony, Madagascar

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Madagascar

Madagascar

Africa

Places 7
Stories 15

Nearby Places

Ambohimanga Main Gate

Mampikony, Madagascar

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Madagascar

Madagascar

Africa

Places 7
Stories 15

Related Places

  • The limestone landscape.

    Borgholm N, Sweden

    Neptuni Åkrar

    An otherworldly, fossil-rich cobble beach holds Viking graves, cairns, and other remains.

  • The salt lake becomes colorful in warm temperatures because of algae growth

    Yuncheng, China

    Yuncheng Salt Lake

    Rainbow-hued in the summer and crystalline in the winter, this salty lake has inspired battles, temples, and plenty of awe.

  • Yangykala Canyon

    Balkanabat, Turkmenistan

    Yangykala Canyon

    Few people have ever heard of, let alone visited, one of Turkmenistan’s most impressive natural attractions.

  • Green arch in Fragas do Eume.

    Cabanas, Spain

    Fragas do Eume

    This enchanting natural park is a magical example of a temperate rainforest in Europe.

  • RV tracks

    Wadi Rum Village, Jordan

    Wadi Rum

    Known as the "Valley of the Moon," this Jordanian wadi is one of the most amazing desertscapes on Earth.

  • Baobabs at Kubu Island.

    Mmatshumo, Botswana

    Kubu Island

    An enchanting rocky island of scraggly baobabs surrounded by an ancient sea and sprawling salt pans.

  • Heard Island.

    Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Australia

    Heard and McDonald Islands

    Australia's only active volcanoes and highest peak are located on these remote islands thousands of miles away from the mainland.

  • Sunset sky reflected in the water.

    Ottawa, Ontario

    Mer Bleue Bog

    A boardwalk winds above this beautiful bog full of wildlife and a rare type of turtle.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.