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Where is Madagascar located?
Madagascar’s separation from the Gondwanna continent 160 million
years ago allowed the developement of rare plants and animals. The
island itself is situated at about 400 km off the eastern coast
of Africa.
Madagascar is the fourth biggest island in the world, covering an
area of 590, 000 km². The climate varies greatly from a region to
another :
 warm
and rainy in the eastern parts
temperate
in the Highlands
warm
and dry in the West
very hot in the South
Who are the malagasy people?
The Malagasy people are of Arabian, African and Malayo- Indonesian origin. They are
composed of 18 tribes; that is the reason why the culture is different for each region.
While the highlanders practise the exhumation, the inhabitants of the Southwest celebrate
the « Fitampoha » or bath of the royal relics.
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The
Highlands
The capital city of Madagascar
Antananarivo, fondly known as Tana is the capital city of
Madagascar; resort for visitors and the main traffic. All
flights depart from Tana. Historically Antananarivo means
the city of the thousand warriors who helped the King Andrianjaka
to conquer Tana.
Handicraft markets offer souvenir items of first quality.
It is possible to walk around all day long, visiting and watching
these market places and why not chatting with the friendly
sellers.
In the week-end you can go and attend a Malagasy folklore
performance, known as the « Hira gasy ». Long time ago the
folk music purported to give an education to people since
during the show the performers tell stories taken from the
daily life. At the end they give some advice and lessons for
good behaviors. The favourite themes are: love and religion.
The cock-fighting is also an appreciated traditional game
in Madagascar; normally it takes place in some little villages.
After the game the bettors can lose one month salaries or
their cars.
The Nature-lovers can go and visit the sacred hills. The marvelous
view from this high place gives you a feeling of peace which
is very important before beginning the tour. You can also
walk in the surrounding forest. |
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Antsirabe
Antsirabe is located 170 km south of Tana. It is the town of the precious and the
semi-precious stones, thermal springs and rickshaws. Antsirabe is of a volcanic origin, so
walking around the crater lakes in Andraikiba and Tritriva is possible. |
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Ambositra
The next town is Ambositra, 80 km south of Antsirabe. It is the capital of the Zafimaniry
region. You can have a look at the little craftsman factories where sculpture and marquetery
are produced with simple tools. |
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The
South
The southern region of Madagascar includes the following renowned
places: Tuléar, Fort-Dauphin, Isalo, Morondava.
As opposed to the Highlands, the South has a hot climate. The
inhabitants are accustomed to this heat because they are invaders
from the eastern coast of Africa. |
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The
East
Marozevo
The famous exotic farming centre of Mr. Pereyiras in Marozevo is to
be found at 72 Km from Tana. You can see almost all the species of
chameleons in Madagascar, butterflies, geckos, bats as well as many
other endemic animal species.
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Périnet
In the Perinet Reserve, 70 km north of Marozevo, you will have the opportunity to take
pictures of the biggest lemurs to be seen in Madagascar. The Indri differ from the
other lemur varieties by their loud communication calls that can be heard even from a
distance of 4 km.
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Toamasina
The harbour town of Tamatave is 220 km north of Perinet. It
is a wonderful place with its palm-alley. |
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