Cirque Rouge

Top choice in Western Madagascar


Dramatic Cirque Rouge is one of western Madagascar’s most famous sights. This amphitheatre of eroded rock is tinted in a rainbow hue of colours, including red, pink, ochre and white – for the full effect, arrive late afternoon and stay until sunset. A stream runs along the bottom of the valley and through a small ravine down to the sea (a lovely 10-minute walk).

Cirque Rouge is just 12km north of Majunga. A charter taxi will cost around Ar60,000 for the return trip, including waiting time.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Western Madagascar attractions

1. Baobab Tree

4.97 MILES

At the T-junction with Ave de France, there is an enormous baobab tree (circumference, 21m!) thought to be well over 700 years old. It is considered fady …

2. La Corniche

4.99 MILES

Majunga is all about the Corniche, the palm-lined promenade bordering the sea made up of Blvd Poincarré and Blvd Marcoz. In the evening residents come…

3. Lighthouse

5.42 MILES

Guides ships in from Pointe de Sable. It's an icon of Majunga's coastal skyline.

4. Katsepy’s Lighthouse

11.96 MILES

About 8km southwest of Katsepy, Katsepy’s Lighthouse has sweeping views of Bombetoka Bay and Mozambique Channel. It’s a hot, two-hour walk to get here…