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Tsimiroro Oil Field

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Tsimiroro Oil Field (Madagascar)

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The Tsimiroro oil field is one of Madagascar's most significant onshore hydrocarbon deposits, located within the Morondava Basin in the western part of the island. It is characterized by vast reserves of heavy oil, estimated at approximately 1.7 billion barrels, making it a strategic asset for the nation. The field is operated by Madagascar Oil, which has conducted extensive drilling tests and pilot projects for thermal recovery for several years. Due to the high viscosity of the oil, the Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS) method is employed, involving the injection of hot steam into the reservoir to enable flow. Developing Tsimiroro is a key step toward national energy independence, as the extracted heavy oil can be utilized directly in local power plants for electricity generation. Despite the logistical challenges of the remote Melaky region, the field remains a cornerstone for Madagascar's future industrial and energy landscape.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252525242221212326272727
Rain mm3842802018623111261455115232

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Tsimiroro Oil Field is a major onshore heavy oil development in Madagascar, utilizing steam injection to extract viscous crude. It represents a significant industrial investment and potential energy source for the island.
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Visiting
The oil field is a restricted industrial area with security fencing. Public access is not permitted, but views of the well pads and steam generators can be seen from the RN8 road.
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Where to view it
The RN8 highway between Morondava and Tsimiroro provides distant views of the steam plumes and drilling rigs. A stop near the village of Bemolanga has a clear sightline.
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Local products
The field produces heavy crude oil, rarely seen directly by visitors. Nearby villages may have artisanal salt or small-scale agriculture products.
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Active season
Operations are continuous, but steam injection peaks during the cooler dry season (May to October). Maintenance periods may reduce visible activity.
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Nearby
Combine with a visit to the Avenue of the Baobabs near Morondava, the Kirindy Forest Reserve, or the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. The coastal town of Morondava gives beaches and whale watching.

Geography

Coordinates
-18.41670, 44.91670

Facts

  • Located in the Morondava Basin of western Madagascar
  • Estimated reserves of 1.7 billion barrels of heavy oil
  • Operated by the company Madagascar Oil
  • Uses thermal recovery through steam injection (CSS)
  • Strategic resource for national power generation
  • First commercial test sales commenced in 2014

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Bemolanga Tar SandsBemolanga Tar Sands22 km · NWExplore →
Bemaraha National ParkBemaraha National Park29 km · SWExplore →
Bemaraha PlateauBemaraha Plateau32 km · SWExplore →
Tsingy de BemarahaTsingy de Bemaraha33 km · SWExplore →
AntsalovaAntsalova39 km · SWExplore →
Antsingy River PortAntsingy River Port57 km · SEExplore →
BekopakaBekopaka70 km · SWExplore →
Tsiribihina RiverTsiribihina River97 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Tsimiroro oil field?
It is a significant heavy oil deposit that could be important for future energy independence.
Is the oil field accessible to tourists?
No, it is an industrial high-security area.
What region is this?
It is located in a remote western region of Madagascar.
What is the economic outlook?
The field aims to help reduce the import of fossil fuels.
Are there natural sights nearby?
The western region of Madagascar is very remote but gives pristine nature for explorers.
Tsimiroro Oil Field: where is it located?
Tsimiroro Oil Field is located in Madagascar.
Tsimiroro Oil Field: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Tsimiroro Oil Field: why is it worth visiting?
The Tsimiroro oil field is one of Madagascar's most significant onshore hydrocarbon deposits, located within the Morondava Basin in the western part of the island.
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Nearby cities

Mahajanga — Tsimiroro Oil Field (Madagascar)
Mahajanga
Port city on the Mozambique Channel in Madagascar.
Antsalova — Tsimiroro Oil Field (Madagascar)
Antsalova
Near the Bemaraha Park in Madagascar.
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Ambatoboeny
Trading town in the west in Madagascar.
Maevatanana — Tsimiroro Oil Field (Madagascar)
Maevatanana
Hot gold-mining town in Madagascar.
Befandriana-Avaratra — Tsimiroro Oil Field (Madagascar)
Befandriana-Avaratra
Rural trading center in Madagascar.
Bekopaka — Tsimiroro Oil Field (Madagascar)
Bekopaka
The remote gateway to Tsingy de Bemaraha, famous for its razor-sharp limestone formations.
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Kandreho
Isolated settlement in Madagascar.
Amborovy — Tsimiroro Oil Field (Madagascar)
Amborovy
Amborovy is a beautiful coastal resort near Mahajanga in Madagascar, famous for its grand beaches and relaxing environment.
Anjajavy — Tsimiroro Oil Field (Madagascar)
Anjajavy
An exclusive nature reserve on the northwest coast, famous for Coquerel's sifakas, tsingy formations, and secluded coves.
Port-Bergé — Tsimiroro Oil Field (Madagascar)
Port-Bergé
Agricultural hub in Madagascar.

History & landmarks

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Mahajanga City Hall
An administrative building in the center of the coastal city of Mahajanga, known for its colonial-style architecture.
Kamoro Suspension Bridge — Tsimiroro Oil Field (Madagascar)
Kamoro Suspension Bridge
A historic suspension bridge over the Kamoro River on National Road 4, designed in the Eiffel era.
Betsiboka Bridge — Tsimiroro Oil Field (Madagascar)
Betsiboka Bridge
An important road bridge in Maevatanana crossing the red Betsiboka River, connecting Antananarivo with Mahajanga.

Nature

Tsiribihina River — Tsimiroro Oil Field (Madagascar)
Tsiribihina River
A river in the west, popular for canoe tours through the gorges.
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Tsiribihina Delta
The river delta where the Tsiribihina flows into the ocean.

More places

Bemolanga Tar Sands — Tsimiroro Oil Field (Madagascar)
Bemolanga Tar Sands
A massive deposit of bituminous sands seen as a future source of hydrocarbons for the region.
Bemaraha National Park — Tsimiroro Oil Field (Madagascar)
Bemaraha National Park
Unique karst formations and habitat for rare lemurs.
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Bemaraha Plateau
A rugged limestone plateau in the west.
Tsingy de Bemaraha — Tsimiroro Oil Field (Madagascar)
Tsingy de Bemaraha
A spectacular limestone karst landscape in western Madagascar.
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Antsingy River Port
A small inland landing stage that allows the transport of agricultural goods via the waterways.
Port of Maintirano — Tsimiroro Oil Field (Madagascar)
Port of Maintirano
This coastal point mainly serves small merchant ships and fishermen in the west of the island.
Kirindy Forest — Tsimiroro Oil Field (Madagascar)
Kirindy Forest
A dry forest where the Fossa predator is found.
Tsingy of Namoroka Park — Tsimiroro Oil Field (Madagascar)
Tsingy of Namoroka Park
A less known park with spectacular rock formations and animals.