A tour of the marvelous Madagascar great island

Great tour of the island of Madagascar.

Departure from Nosy Be to Antananarivo.
Visit the park host the rainforest of Ranomafana, the artisanal Ambatolampy and Antsirabe, to a tea plantation Sahambavy.
Overnight in Fianarantsoa. Visit the city of Ambalavao, typical for the processing of paper Antimoro.
Visit the park and of Anja 'Isalo.
A brief sojourn in the south of Madagascar in the province of Tulearm and visit the botanical garden of Baobab,
Return to Antananarivo for a panoramic tour of the city and the Lemurs Park.
Return to Nosy Be.

nights

Antananarivo: hotel "Le Palissandre"
Ranomafana Park: hotels "Domain natures"
Ranohira: hotel "Le Relais de la reine"

 

Arrival on the great island

We start from Nosy Be to Antananarivo, otherwise known as Tana, the capital of Madagascar. Tana airport ahead of the two guides who will accompany us along the way on the big island, and Ciprian Hery.
When we arrived the sun has gone down, here sets at 17:30 to 18:00, the temperature is lower than during the day. We are at the end of the winter season and there are about 18 ° C. We arrive at the hotel "The pallissandre", where we dine and spend the night. The next day to reach our goal, Ranomafana, we go well 430Km. The distances in Madagascar are not measured in miles but in journey times that dilate depending on road conditions and weather.

Towards the park of Ranomafana

We leave the park of Ranomafana, where we see the rainforest and the first encounters with lemurs, endemic animals of Madagascar.
Along the way we make several stops to visit local craft industries.
At the village of Ambatolampy, we visit a workshop where they produce manually aluminum saucepan. We assist in the preparation of one of them, according to tradition workmanship. Powder is prepared with a special mold, while the aluminum is melted at high temperatures outside. Preparation of the mold is still hot poured in, after a while the pot is removed.
Later we visit a shop, where they built small models using recycled rubber and tin. Typical cycling and "pusse pusse" Madagascar, toy cars, small buses and small Vespa. Besides, a workshop where they are beautiful hand-embroidered tablecloths, napkins, doilies and more.
We make one more step in the journey of Antsirabe, where we visit a shop where they worked the horns of zebu, the cattle bred in Madagascar.
The horn of a zebu is treated according to a special processing and produce various items perfect and shiny. We go to a nearby restaurant for lunch. The highlight of the meal is a mixture of rice and zebu meat, pork and duck, prepared according to traditional recipes malgasy. We taste the "Fresh", the typical drink malgasy, award recognized worldwide for its excellent quality. Panache made with the local beer of the three horses THB.
We visit the shop again the working of precious woods in the country to Ambositra.
We have a long afternoon to reach the park of Ranomafana. We enter the park after dark, under a light drizzle.
Our hotel is called "Domain Nature" and is located within the park. The bungalows, within walking distance, are situated around the main structure used as a reception restaurant. To achieve we must retrace our way back and climb a series of stone steps up the hill. Near a stream descends down the hill.

Visit of the Ranomafana park

We wake up in the rainforest of Ranomafana park. It 's true: where nature reigns supreme, an indescribable view around us.
Fortunately it does not rain. After the meal we reach the place at which it begins the path into the forest and search for lemurs.
A park guide accompanies us along the way by showing and explaining the characteristics of endemic fauna. In the forest there are many species of birds, butterflies, lizards and chameleons, lemurs and amphibians. As we can see some species, due to the presence of a few guys ahead of us for their sighting. The park is huge. Opened in 1991, is a national park, UNESCO world heritage site. Inside, there develops a very dense and lush rain forest, once practiced actively by the local population, now largely protected to preserve biodiversity. And 'situated in a very mountainous area, which reaches 600-1400 m. Inside are 12 living species of lemurs, some with habits such as daytime apalemure gold, and other clubs. And diurnal, live mainly in trees, where they build their nests. Some live on land.
The small long-lived mothers clinging to the body. They have a long tail for balance they need during long jumps from branch to branch. They eat fruit and leaves. The nocturnal lemurs, on a smaller scale, they also feed on small insects.
Finally, the first sightings. The vegetation is very dense and they are far apart, but we can glimpse multiple times, perched on branches distant, engaged in their habitual activities, jumping from branch to branch.
Leaving the park we stop to admire a beautiful waterfall and orchids that grow on the walls of the hill in the park, along the road.
We reach the village of Sahambavy stretches where the only tea plantation in Madagascar. The plant was imported from the nearby African continent, from Kenya. Most of the production is exported to this country. The plantation is very wide, to 'horizon the hills are full of tea plants.
We come to Fianarantsoa before dinner. We stop to admire a panoramic view of the city.

Along the road to Isalo

We leave to achieve Ambalavao Fianarantsoa, ??a town famous for its paper Antaimoro, commonly known as rice paper. Avoha obtained from the bark of a tree typical of the south of Madagascar, its work goes back to ancient times, when it was used for first-language transcripts malgasy sacred texts. In our day is used for the manufacture of decorative objects.
Along the way we stop in a village, whose main source of livelihood is the working of raffia. Similar to jute, this plant is used locally to produce various items such as bags, hats, baskets, carrying objects.
A young boy shows us how to be a stem of the plant produces the filaments, after drying are interwoven to produce various items.
We visit one of the houses of the village, built of clay and mud. We enter the front door and we are invited to go upstairs, where access is allowed through a wooden ladder rungs. The environment is more than Spartan.
Ambalavao come to visit a center where you make the processing of paper Antaimoro. The dried fibers of the plant are boiled for three to four hours and then reduced to a paste using a wooden pestle. The resulting paste is diluted with water, lying in special containers, where they are then dried flower decorations placing them over. The containers are exposed in the open air for drying. This yields a rough sheet that, once detached from the frames, can be bent and cut according to their intended use. You get various objects from simple marks book, album for photos. Notebooks, notepads, and also favors small squares.
Our next stop is a shop where it is processed silk. We are shown the basic raw materials. Since the bugs, the dried plant used for dying. Processing is done by hand by skilled women, who use very rudimentary frames. The end result is a rough fabric, very different from the silk that we usually see, but especially in very nice colors.
We continue our journey towards our next destination, the park Anja, where we see the species Catta lemurs.
Along the way we encounter several groups of zebu, bovine typical of Madagascar. It 'very important for an animal population malgasy. Its meat is the staple food of local, such as rice. Physically it is similar to the domestic ox, but is distinguished by a hump of fat on your back. Is bred for meat, milk, hides and horns do not throw anything. With their processing products are tools and objects of any kind. It 'very resistant to tropical diseases and pests, for this can live and be raised where the ox does not survive. Also has a fundamental importance in rural areas, as used for plowing the land, still done with animal power. It can be seen frequently along the road to pull the most widely used means of transport, carts. For his role in society malgasy, the zebu has some economic value, so there are organizations that steal this type of livestock. In addition, because of its value is brought as a dowry to the bride's family, from men, especially among ethnic Bara. In particular, for man is a form of demonstration of self-worth and masculinity a steal at least once in their lives, in particular to bring a dowry to his bride.
The appearance of this park is very different from that of Ranomafana. The climate is much drier, the lower vegetation, barren, less lush.
When entering the park, along the path we find the first climb of lemurs low plants. Are clearly visible too many puppies, jumping from branch to branch independently or clinging to their mothers staying.
We continue our journey to the beautiful view. Along the way we see the caves in which the lemurs take refuge during the night. The climb is an actual "climbing", the path is created between the rocks.

At the top we enjoy a breathtaking view. A flat expanse bordered by mountain heights. A variation of colors from the red earth, green vegetation, the bright green color of the water of rice fields alternate. Rice fields everywhere, carved in small spaces arranged in terraces.
Leaving the park we stop for a picnic lunch offered to the inhabitants of a village nearby. Then we continue the journey Versolato Ranohira city, where we visit the beautiful park of Isalo. Two short stops, a must for the replacement of the tire that has been drilled, one to admire the beautiful sunset. Everything is colored with a red hot, the earth, just as red, merging into one with the sky. The sun comes down faster and faster until it disappears.
We arrive at the hotel "Le Relais de la reine" in the dark of night.

The Isalo park

The hotel "Le Relais de la Reine" is a very particular structure, embedded in the rocks of the park. A series of streets trace the path between the rocks that come from the bungalows to the central structure. The vegetation, barren and lush at the same time, a small preview of what is the aspect of the park of Isalo.
A protected natural area located in the central-south of the country. It has a landscape unlike any other region of the island, with large rock formations shaped by wind, Isalo Massif, surrounded by a vegetation very similar to that of continental African savannah.
The park includes more than 80,000 acres of the Massif of Isalo, a set of rock formations are characterized by sandstone canyons, gorges and other spectacular shapes, and lush green oasis with waterfalls and natural pools, walking through particular pathways. The two main canyon, the canyon is the canyon of the rats and monkeys, inhabited by lemurs. We will have this last opportunity to visit the canyon of Namaz. The fauna of the park is very rich, you live many species of birds, reptiles, mammals and lemurs, which will show up very easily.
Special features of the park is to be on the land they traditionally fall within some ethnic coffin burials, whose members use to bury their dead in natural caves. For this reason the setting is perceived as a holy place and worship.
We arrive at the park when the sun is already high. Our goal is the natural pool, where many visitors are accustomed to cool off with a dip in its waters. We follow a path, guided by one of the guides, Dollar. At the beginning we can immediately see the tombs of the Bara. Some of them have been opened to move the remains of the dead, others are still closed and are recognizable by the presence of many stones accumulated in front of their entry.
In Madagascar is much felt the cult of the dead. The funerals are celebrated with special festivities. The ancestors have a very strong influence on people's lives. There are various beliefs. To occupy the territories in which the dead are buried, you need their consent. To make any kind of work that can somehow interfere with the traditions, the ancestors must agree. When strange events occur, the authors are the ancestors to express their disapproval. The Catholic religion is very strong, but despite this the population is strongly influenced by the impressions and beliefs related to ancestors and their spirits.
The trip is very long, it takes several hours to arrive at our first stop, an area used as a campground. The scenery is spectacular, the more we go up the track, the more visible rock formations more details. Behind a stunning view, a real canyon. We begin to see the first dwarf baobabs, embedded in the rocks, with pretty yellow flowers.
At the campsite, we met groups of lemurs, attracted by the presence of man and food, wander around. It 'obvious that they are accustomed to co-exist with humans. They get closer, take a picture. Many are on the floor, others climbed trees. A female walking near the plane of the rest camp, with her baby in the belly. Some climbed trees in pairs, and allow to approach and photograph up close. After a brief stop in the company of the lemurs, we resume our journey to the natural pool. It'll take a half hour's walk before we start to get closer to the watercourse than form. The vegetation becomes more lush and green. We follow the watercourse, with a series of waterfalls, ends to form a pond where the water looks really clear, around coves and inlets. Many members of the group, like other tourists already in place, are thrown into the water.
The place has a particular charm and a mystery. Ciprian Hery and tell us the story of a mysterious spirits, nymphs, people lost and then found, captured the spirit and then fled. We realize that the locals are really affected by these events and we really believe.
In the afternoon another challenging hike. We follow a route along the rivers, among rocks, in the gorges of the canyon. We reach the first waterfall of water lilies which, according to the beliefs, was once inhabited by them. Then retrace our steps back to take the detour to reach the other two lakes, Blue Lake and Black Lake. They are really very fascinating places.
We return to the exit of the park. The last step to the window of Isalo. A natural cavity in the rock open, inside of which you can observe the play of light at sunset.
The day was really busy and really tired a lot. Before dinner we allow ourselves a moment of rest and relaxation at the hotel spa.

Through the deep south and the sea

We leave very early to Tulear and Ifaty, in the deep south of Madagascar, 270 km away Leaving this area of ??Madagascar, known for the discovery of precious stones. Along the way we stop in the village of Sakaraha. We drive along the main road, along which we can see a glimpse of the lives of its inhabitants. The children are hidden behind the fence, a woman and a boy expose the tools of their own creation, which is working on the roadside. Other women are busy in the preparation of skewered meat and vegetables, some of them have their faces decorated according to tradition malgasy.
In this context we find a shop that sells technology accessories. After having browsed inside, look outside and look around as I am known and unusual sounds of the place where I am .. video games. I lean out to look at the structure next door and find a game room. An array of four television sets equipped with console and a large group of boys, young and old, intent on playing more widespread among our children.
Resuming the journey, the sides of the road in large expanses are beginning to see the first giant baobab trees. We stop again for a closer look at a typical tomb Betzileo ethnicity. Typical is the presence of "aloalo", small wooden totem poles on which are carved figures and special moments of life of the deceased. There are also plenty of zebu horns, considered a symbol of prestige and wealth. Most of them placed on the grave, the higher the number of zebu sacrificed, the more important the deceased.
The road conditions deteriorate more and more. We leave the paved road to travel, first deliberately left a road in conditions of
Along the way we see around us the houses of fishermen. Built with makeshift equipment, are often swept away by the weather and, particularly very curious, when the fishermen are moving house to move from one area to another, more fishy, ??the dismount and bring with them to reassemble at destination.
We arrive at your destination a few hours before sunset, after having traveled
all day, to reach the province of Toliara and Ifaty, the most interesting village on the coast. We visit a botanical garden of Baobab. Inside there are several examples of giant baobab trees. This is a type of plant that
has very deep roots, a trunk circumference that can reach up to 40 meters. Sometimes it has few branches, produces edible fruits.
There are several pieces that take their name from their shape. Baobab in love, usually paired with another copy that is intertwined with almost seem an act love. Baobab female and male, or hippopotamus, shaped like male and female reproductive organs. The baobab stool whose base of the trunk has the appearance of a small seat. The baobab coffee, the greatest example we can see, the form of coffee and a very broad trunk, the largest seen so far.

Ifaty and Tulear

On this day we allow ourselves a moment of relaxation. Some of the group decide to go out with the fishing boats to go and explore the reef, which they say is one of the most beautiful and inhabited. Instead, we decide to stay at rest after the long and busy days spent.
The hotel is located on the beach, enjoy a splendid sea view. And with an outdoor pool. Not too far from the fishing village.
In the afternoon we share to Tulear, where we find the flight that will bring us back to Antananarivo. Before embarking we still have time to do a walk to the market town. The stalls of fruit and vegetables are colorful and very inviting. On the streets of the city, in addition to the normal traffic of cars, bikes and there are numerous pusse pusse.
The pusse pusse wheelchairs are driven by men with bare feet. According to the beliefs of these men are reincarnations of deceased persons who have committed their lives just made ??lawful for which they were forced to flee their places of origin. They particularly fear of the sand, never to throw sand in their faces. In fact, during the periods of the year when the city cut down dust storms, these characters disappear from circulation.
We fly to Antananarivo, where we arrive in the evening.

Antananarivo, last day on the great island

During the morning we visit the city, very chaotic, colorful and very particular views, they reveal how architectural styles changed over time. We walk to the flower market. After the city tour we reach the Lemurs Park. Private park, host many types of lemurs that live in complete freedom. Here we finally meet the sifaka, lemur said dancer for his walk. In fact, this species does not walk normally, but hopping. We can make some really close encounters, some specimens down to the ground, a mother and her cub jumps down to our height. Another exemplary hopping along a fence, stopping to sunbathe or to pose for us, that we can resume his eyes shining.
Other varieties of lemurs are found in the park. They live in freedom but are fed by humans. We observe their moment of their meal.
We continue the flight to Nosy Be, where we spend the rest of the holiday relaxing.