Introduction
This travel starts in Antananarivo, the capital, and goes down the only road to Tulear, then returns to its starting point.
Madagascar is a paradisiacal island, but really very poor. It is better to have an adventurous spirit when travelling here. My father lived there for 10 years. It was a unique opportunity to go and see him again, as well as to visit this extraordinary island.
Antananarivo
Antananarivo is a big city of more than one million inhabitants, built around the lake “Anosy”. It is warm all year round. Malagasy people speak French and the local language. The territory of the center of the island is mountainous and the city is located at about 1280m of altitude.
The rice fields around Tanarive
Rice is the main food of the Malagasy cuisine. It is strongly cultivated in the suburbs of Antananarivo. The contrast between the green fields and the red earth is surprising.
Chameleon hunting
The trees and the different plants are covered with a small chameleon that plays with colors according to the danger.
Antsirabe
Antsirabe is located at 170km from Tananarive. It is the 3rd largest city of the island. Its population is about 200’000 inhabitants (in 2000). Antsirabe and its region has many thermal springs. It is also the city of the rickshaw.
Fianarantsoa
Fianarantsoa is located 240km from Antsirabe. The region abounds in vineyards. It has a high city as well as a cathedral.
Ranomafana
In the region of Fianarantsoa is the natural reserve of Ranomafana. Many research centers of big European and American companies have established their base camp. The flora is very abundant and varied.
On the track between Fianarantsoa and Ihosy
The track is the only practicable road. Not tarred, it is in relatively good condition, but the vehicles take big shocks, as well as the passengers.
Ihosy
Ihosy is located 200km from Fianarantsoa. The city has about 30’000 inhabitants (in 2000). It is a crossroads where all the main roads intersect. It is also the inevitable passage for the national park of Isalo.
Isalo National Park
Ranohira is the starting point of treks in the jungle towards the Isalo National Park. To be done on foot preferably to preserve nature and to marvel at the contact of the fauna, in particular the numerous lemurs which settle down when the silence returns.
The way back to Ranohira
To reach Ranohira on foot, it’s about 2 hours of walking (9km) through breathtaking landscapes, rivers to cross and children met on the paths.
Tulear
Tulear is located 320km from Ihosy and 930km from Tananarive. Tulear is a commercial and cultural city. It has its own university dating from 1971. The region is well known by tourists for its beach of “Ifaty”, located a little further north.
