Blogs from Madagascar, Africa - page 10

Geo: -18.9427, 48.4085Sad to be leaving the wonderful camping at Mitsinjo but we decided to leave our tent there and see what we wanted to do after a week at Feon'ny ala. There were preparations underway for another meeting of the research team and some of the members of the association. Because of this, the Feon'ny ala vehicle came to pick us up because the Mitsinjo vehicle was in use for the event.Our room was on the third level, 90 steps up and 90 steps down to the bottom! Great exercise and a wonderful view when you got to our room. We had picked it out because you could see the water from the front porch. Got ourselves settled in and set the last of our clothes from the earlier washing out in the sun on ... read more

Geo: -18.9427, 48.4085Our first night walk and we were not sure what to expect. Both of us had our torch/flashlight to enable us to see as we walked along. Robert had suggested bringing a hiking pole since it had been raining off and on the paths would be slick. Was glad for the suggestion before the night was over!It was misting as took off and had turned to a light rain as the walk continued. We got to see one of the smallest of the chameleon's. It looked like a piece of bark when you first saw it and then were told it was a chameleon!We were walking pretty much the same trail as we had on the morning walk. Being night, it was more treacherous since you had to useis your light to see where ... read more

Geo: -18.9427, 48.4085Vahimantsina Walk - the four to five hour circuit Loved the Malagasy names for the various walks so had to share them!First a word about the nature walks we went on while here. They were all great and we enjoyed them immensely. That being said, we did not have books to show us the correct spelling of what we were being shown so some of what is written here is what "We heard" when something was told us. Another thing we found out when we were paying bill was that if you are staying at Mitsinjo once you have paid for your first entry into the park you do not have to pay again until you leave and then you must pay each time you enter the reserve. Very nice!!!!For our first trip, we ... read more

Geo: -18.9495, 48.2301Why Mitsinjo? One of the things we have realized works for us in our travels is to go somewhere and stay there instead of moving all over the place. When doing research on Madagascar, Robert mainly, it seemed the area around Andasibe fit what we would enjoy. There were several places to explore, and Mitsinjo besides being a place we could camp also had a awesome environmental philosophy. If google Mitsinjo you will find many projects they have going on. From their website, nature bad tourism, conservation and research. One of their big projects is reforestation of the area clearcut around Andisabe and Madagascar. From their webpage, "Mitsinjo has therefore embraced reforestation and rainforest restoration since our early days of existence. Small rainforest fragments are being linked up by the planting of corridors, which ... read more

Geo: -18.9154, 47.52Had a short wait before it was time to load the plane. Not sure if meal is served so share a fried rice dish. When we had checked in they asked if we wanted to change our seats so we were sitting in a two seat section of the aircraft. Very nice, no one stepping over you or you have to step over someone else! The ride was fine and the landing fairly smooth.Disembark from plane and walk into the airport and as we enter the arrivals hall, we are scanned by a lady with a thermometer. Guess checking to see if anyone has a fever. The questionnaire you fill out does ask if you have been sick with a fever or cough. Guess do not want any outbreaks. Stand in long line to ... read more