Madagascar

Splendid Madagascar

Madagascar is a country of many natural wows, but also brings out the adventure in you. It is the fourth-largest island in the world, though detached from Africa still has that African flair. Migrants make up the island, living with the world’s strangest animal species.

http://culinaryartist.co.za/recipes/poultry-amp-game/romazava/3/12 – Image 01 (Romazava)

Malagasy cuisine reflects the history of Indian, Chinese, African and European migrants. Seafood, rice and zebu (beef) are popular ingredients. Most meals are one pot delicacies, served over rice and are like a stew. The most popular dish of the Malagasy is romazava, a beef dish cooked with onions and tomatoes. A few hours away from the capital, Antananarivo is Antsirabe, located in this quieter region is Mad Zebu. Offering up dishes, like zebu stew and mi sao (stir fry). Further south is another restaurant serving Madagascan cuisine, Chez Maman. Try the romazava, freshly cooked with ingredients sourced locally. Try the sweet koba akondro, a strange looking desert made of mashed bananas, peanuts, honey and then steamed in banana leaves – left to set. You can find these on almost any street corner and they are sure to bring a smile to your face with the simplicity of this dessert.

https://blog.frontiersin.org/2016/07/14/antiphonal-singing-in-indris/ – Image 02 (Indris)

Four hours away from the capital, lies the Parc National Analamazaotra. Home to the rare breed of lemur, indri as well as other lemurs. But lemurs aren’t the only attraction of the park, several chameleons, exotic birds and amphibian species reside in the park. The park has walking trails, which you can pay to use to explore the park filled with exotic palms and orchids. Due to the size of the park, you can see most of it. There are also beautiful lakes, you can stop by for a short break – Lake Vert and Lac Rouge. Consider leaving the capital early enough to catch the elusive indris as morning breaks. The wailing sounds of the indris are something to marvel at too.

http://encounter-mada.com/tours/lemuria-land/ – Image 03 (Lemuria Land)

Far North, is the interesting Lemuria Land. A distillery that processes ylang-ylang oil. It is a fascinating process to understand how flowers produce such an essential oil.     There is also a small zoo and park, confining lemurs mostly. You can see an array of stunning flora and fauna ranging from succulents, bamboo to the ylang-ylang itself. Though these majestic animals deserve to be seen in their own habitats. Book accommodation in Nosy Be, as you can explore the island after your distillery tour.

http://berrys-africa.blogspot.co.za/2011_02_01_archive.html – Image 04 (Sabotsy Market)

While in Antisirabe, shop your way through Sabotsy Market. Coined as almost an Arab Souk, you can find fine jewellery, clothing, crafts and food here. Look for a lamba, a two-piece garment where one cloth is tied around the waist and another around head or shoulders. It is not uncommon to see men using a lamba as well, draped around their hips to look like a sarong. Women use it more and although it’s rare to see in cities, you can occasionally spot one. Often worn over clothes, most women also wear hats due to the strong sun rays. Muslim women can be seen wearing a lamba as well as the shawl as a hijab.

https://za.pinterest.com/pin/250512797997123505/ – Image 05 (Lamba)

Whether you snorkel through the reefs around Madagascar, hike through dense rainforests or dive in the temperamental waters. Madagascar is an island nation, to appreciate the natural wonders and understand the fascination of this lemur kingdom.