<p class="MsoNormal"><br> Climber John “Razor Sharp” Benson plans his next move during a traverse of the ultrasharp tsingy pinnacles in the 600-square-mile Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park and Preserve on Madagascar. The imposing limestone spires form a veritable citadel for flora and fauna, allowing them to thrive while much of the rest of the island is ravaged by human settlement, livestock, and deforestation. But this kind of protection comes with a price for the few brave scientists and explorers that manage to make the five-day haul to the park's edge. The expedition was painstakingly slowgoing—the team managed to pierce their boot soles and writer Nick Shea's knee before clearing the tsingy.</p>

Climbing Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park and Preserve, Madagascar


Climber John “Razor Sharp” Benson plans his next move during a traverse of the ultrasharp tsingy pinnacles in the 600-square-mile Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park and Preserve on Madagascar. The imposing limestone spires form a veritable citadel for flora and fauna, allowing them to thrive while much of the rest of the island is ravaged by human settlement, livestock, and deforestation. But this kind of protection comes with a price for the few brave scientists and explorers that manage to make the five-day haul to the park's edge. The expedition was painstakingly slowgoing—the team managed to pierce their boot soles and writer Nick Shea's knee before clearing the tsingy.

Photograph by Stephen Alvarez, National Geographic

Great Adventure and Exploration Photos

Climb an active volcano, traverse limestone spiresr, and submerge into the crystal caves with these expedition photos.

Read This Next

SeaWorld violated the Animal Welfare Act. Why is it still open?
'World’s worst shipwreck' was bloodier than we thought
World’s first ultrasounds of wild manta rays reveal a troubling truth

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet