MADAGASCAR-WHERE THE SEA IS THE KING
Madagascar located in the Indian Ocean is the fourth largest island in the world barely qualifying as part of Africa as it is separated by distant sea. It is a unique island 165 million years old being home to 5% of the world’s flora and fauna of which more than 80% are prevalent only to Madagascar and found nowhere else on earth. Madagascar’s plants and animals have evolved into some of the rarest forms on the planet consisting of the world’s biggest and smallest chameleons, more than 70 varieties of lemur and the stomping of the largest bird that ever survived the elephant bird.
Madagascar is also often referred as the ‘Red Island’ due to the presence of red laterite soil exposed by erosion and covering majority of the island. The climate is hot and subtropical having rains from November to March and a cooler dry season from May to October. The island often experiences storms and cyclones caused by south eastern trade winds from December to March. It is hence advisable for tourists to carry light wear clothing throughout the year though warmer clothes are required in the mountainous areas.
HISTORY
Madagascar was first inhabited by a race of white pygmies called Vazimba as per a local legend some 2000 years ago. Madagascar got split from Africa and the Indian sub continent almost 100 million years ago as stated in the written history as early as 7th century. Madagascar became a crucial trading power in the western Indian Ocean in the 9th century. Bantu settlers crossed the Mozambique Channel and later settled on the west coast of the island. Also the ancient ruins specify a widespread Arab presence in the previous years on the island.
ECONOMY
Madagascar is an agricultural based country having fishing and forestry as the main occupation. It is the largest producer and exporter of vanilla in the world. Other major exports include cocoa, beans, banana, sugarcane and coffee. The island is aggressive encouraging foreign investments and trying to curb problems of corruption, reforming land ownership laws and seeking study of American and European business styles. Madagascar also has lot of mining potential leading to development of coal at Sakoa and nickel near Tamatave. The oil and gas sectors are also giving significant boost to the island’s economy.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
The Madagascar people are very interesting known for their politeness and friendliness all over. They consist of mixed origin of South-east Asia and Africa possessing a great blend of both the cultures known as Autronesian. Almost half of the population is Christian and the other half of the population practice traditional religion emphasizing links between the living and dead. This faith has given rise to the tradition of tomb building and the famadihana, a practice where the dead body of the deceased is rewrapped in silk shrouds prior to replacing in the tomb. There is also a small population of Muslims and Hindus speaking Hindi and Gujarati.
The construction in Madagascar is similar to one Southeast Asia consisting of four sided houses with a peaked roof unlike the circular style of hut structure normally found in East Africa. The music of this island is also distinctive with the blend of many cultures. In certain drumming and singing styles, the African influence is evident whereas the minor chords along the coasts reflect an Arabic musical influence. The European pirates have also contributed to Malagasy music by introducing musical instruments like guitar, violin, piano and trumpet. One of the most interesting part of the traditional Malagasy culture is the zebu or humped cattle which holds sacred importance and represent the wealth of the owner. The Arab immigrants have also left a lasting impression on this island as their traditions of circumcision, the communal grain pool along with the naming for months, days, seasons and coins are all Arabic in nature.
ATTRACTIONS
Madagascar offers diverse and splendid scenery consisting of mountains, deserts, beaches, wildlife, dense rain forests and island archipelagos linked by coral reefs and clear blue water.
• Tourists can explore Nossi Be along with other islands situated nearby like Nossi Mitsio, Nossi Radama and Tanikely. These islands are home to exotic fragrance plants such as lemongrass, vanilla, ylang-ylang and patchouli which are found in abundance here. Water sport lovers can also try snorkelling from this reef-ringed, marine reserve island. There are roosting sites for fruit bats in a small patch of the forest.
• The small beautiful town of Ankify is the main hub for boats and ferries between Nossi Be and the Malagasy coast. The place has good bungalows with all facilities and picturesque beauty. The taxi ride through the northern mainland is another joyful experience.
• Another popular destination not to miss is Ampefy which is a volcanic region with stunning waterfalls and hot geysers. A nature reserve, Perinet is home of a tail less lemur called indri and many varieties of orchid.
• The Andilana beach on Nossi Be Island is the most accessible beach popular for its amazing sunset and chill. Visitors can go diving and scuba diving on this beautiful white sand beach and coral reef.
• Ifaty is the most popular destination having beautiful white beaches ideal for snorkelling and diving especially for sharks and whales migrating from Mozambique Channel. The spiny forest here attracts birders from all over to explore the rare endemics of this spiny forest in a good morning walk. Fascinating flora consisting of pachypodiums, hildergardias, baobabs, moringas and thorny, drought resistant trees are found in this magnificent zone.
• Tourists can also enjoy the brilliant arts and crafts in Fianarantsoa which is a significant centre for wine and rice production and an excellent starting point for exploring the southern highlands.
ANTANANARIVO
Antananarivo also known as ‘Tana’ is the capital city of Madagascar bustling with activity on every corner. Visitors can take pleasure in a bath or massage at the spa at Antsirabe, a small town also famous for its art and craft centre. Tana gives a distinctively a French flavour having the road and shop signs in French and locals speaking French everywhere. Tourists can shop from the colourful markets selling electronics, fresh produce, and leather goods and handicrafts; visit the Parc de Tsimbazaza zoo, museum, botanical gardens and enjoy the night life of the city. The Queen’s Palace along with Royal Village or Rova is the historical site depicting the rich culture and heritage of Madagascar. It also serves as the main administrative and economic centre.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
The delicious food of Madagascar is famous all round the world for its hot spicy dishes served with hot peppers. The staple diet consists of a large serving of rice with a dressing of sauces, meat, vegetables and spicy seasonings. The island’s deserts are mostly flavoured with vanilla which is the most reputed ingredient among the locals. The tourists can try lot of national specialities of meat like Ro, Ravitoto and Ramazava which are made of beef and pork. Three Horses lager, Toaka gasy (from sugarcane and rice) and litchel (made from lychees) are the main national drinks.
There is a widespread network of hotels in all major tourist cities in Madagascar. Hotels with moderate furnishings are also available for travellers who want to go low on staying budget. The larger towns have luxurious European style living facilities whereas the remote areas offer the cultural but comfortable style of living. Guest houses and youth lodgings are also available for travellers not travelling with families at reasonable prices.
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Going by air is most convenient within and outside the country as Air Madagascar, the national carrier offers 50% discount on all domestic flights flying to many locations throughout the island. The international airport is located outside Antananarivo, the capital catering flights like Air France, Air Mauritius and Air Austral. Nairobi and Johannesburg are other main hubs for flights to Madagascar. Transportation by water is also possible though travel by boat takes lot of time and patience. Cargo boats from Kenya and Tanzania carry passengers or sailing holidays can be arranged by the tourist board. Travel by road is quite accessible with a good network of buses, taxis, rickshaws and stagecoach charging a flat fare irrespective of the distance covered. Cars, bicycles and motorbike can also be hired from main tourist towns in Madagascar though the roads become difficult to drive during rainy days.
There is good internet and mobile telephone coverage in all major cities and post to Europe takes at least a week. The island does not have any English language newspapers and the TV and Radio stations are state owned. Visitors can also purchase telephone cards from post office and most hotels which is a cheap way of making a call from the telephone booth.
Going to Madagascar is a thrilling journey on its own giving a great opportunity to explore the rich wildlife found no where else on earth. This island offers such a wide range of tourist cities and attractions that a traveller will find it very difficult to cover all the places in one trip. It is thus truly a ‘King in the Sea’.
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