Madagascar Landscape
Landscape of Madagascar is amazing. You will find valleys with rice pads, savannahs with termite-hills, baobabs, spiny forest, rain-forests with lemurs and splendid Indian ocean, which is paradise for divers. But beware of sharks. Exempt of reefs near Tuleár on the south-west, you will find them everywhere, or better they will find you. The biggest predator on the land is a man, followed by fossa-fossana. This is stripe civet, no bigger than a small dog. So trekking seems to be safe, as there are no poisonous snakes, too. Hotels are available at various rates, starting from one dollar per night per person, which however offers very low quality. But for 4 USD you get tolerable shelter, provided you do not expect western standard. This is hard to find. One of a few top establishments is hotel Plazza in Tuleár, owned by Mrs. Janette Rivert, charming lady born in Nairobi of Czech descent. She still speaks very well Czech and her hotel is a cosy place, which I highly recommend for your stay. Tuleár itself nice town, which seems to be a capital of pousse-pousse. They offer a lift in two wheeled man powered vehicle and various souvenirs, especially typical Malagasy bracelets. Be tough in negotiation, and bring a few extra T-shirts
There are familiar double prices. You are often asked to pay one and half dollar for a meal, which is offered for fifty cents on the menu, or you would see that entrance fee to national park for foreigners is 20 times higher, than that for locals. On the other hand, you can talk about the price almost everywhere. When talking on meals, do try local stuff. It is always rice with sometning. Make sure this “something” is well boiled or fried. Do not miss “Three Horses Beer”, it is fine and reminds of some Czech beers.
If you decide to travel to Madagascar, you have a fair chance to take break from civilisation on this island, and you also would see your own life in different measures. To enjoy your stay well, you need a month of your life. As our time is precious and we have to work for living, it is possible to reduce the stay to at least ten days as I did. Lifetime experience is guaranted.
More:
- Transportation in MadagascarTo leave Tana, you can use your feet (rather slow), railway (very slow), plane (just about fine) or a car (most common). Air tickets are available worldwide, but be sure to reconfirm all flights the very instant you arrive, not...
- Madagascar Travel InformationOfficial language is Malagasy and French. You have very little chance to make yourself understand with English, especially in rural areas. Time has different value there, so do not haste to arrange anything in half an hour. No way. Do...
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