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Hello all those following me. It has taken three days to find some sort of reliable wifi on this island!
To bring you all up to date......
29th Sept arrived in Madagascar after a VERY long journey. There is a small group of 11 people on this tour, and a really lovely local guide called Mika who is tending to our every need!
First stop was in the capital city of Antananarivo where we spent the first night. Set on the edge of a lake, but didn't have any time to explore as we were on the road the next morning at 8am heading for Antsirabe, stopping in Ambatolamy for lunch. On arrival in Antisirabe we went to local workshops to see craftsmen creating the most beautiful jewellery from the local gemstones. I was very tempted, and then gave in to buying a Labradorite necklace, a stone local to Madagascar.
The people here are so lovely and friendly, although they have very little in the way of material comforts being that there is very little work for them other than tourism and farming.
From Antsirabe we drove yesterday most of the day to reach Ranomafana National Park. We are staying in a lodge on the edge of the park with lovely panoramic views from my balcony. Have had quite a long trek through the forest today and saw some fabulous wildlife. I was thrilled to see 3 different type of lemur......I have photos but will send them later on when I get good wifi. This place is a diversity hotspot with over 90% of the wildlife found nowhere else in the world.
We are here for tonight and then journey back to the capital tomorrow, which will be another long day. Then to Analamazaotra Reserve for more lemurs, chameleons etc.
On Monday we head to the airport for the flight to Reunion........and hopefully some decent wine!!
Wifi should be ok there so I can send some photos hopefully.