On the road to Ranohira (Isalo NP)

  Ranohira, Madagascar
Monday, August 28, 2006

GPS Coordinates:
S 22°33'50.7"
E 045°24'28.7"

Temperature: 19.5°C
Humidity: 51.1 %
Pressure: 92.3 kPa
Altitude: 832 m


Drive to Ranohira:

I have to make these entries shorter cause I won't have time to complete my trip and it will cost millions of dollars (Ariary's that is... 10000 Ar = 4 Euros = 6 CAN$) in Internet cafe fees...!




The drive to Ranohira showed a definite transition from the sub-tropical jungles to the semi-desert, arid plains of the Isalo Massif (Somewhat similar to the African plains I've been told!). 




While driving at around 110 km/h around a sharp bend we encoutered a herd of zebu (their beef) coming towards us. I didn't know they also had a "running of the bulls" in Madagascar! I guess that's what the John Deere (wink to those who knows the significance of this...) type signs with a zebu painted on are for...!
By the way, they are no real speed limits in Madagascar, not that my driver would mind because the speedometer in the car was not functionning anyways...GEEZE!




Stopped at Ambalavoa for zebu / cattle market and a crafty / artsy paper manufacturing place making the paper substitute (In second world war shortages...) called "Antemoro paper". It is made from fibers of a special tree bark and decorated with fresh flowers of various colors picked on the spot.





Isalo National Park:

Day of trekking (~10 km, 5 hours) in the arid plains of Isalo canyon. The trail is somewhat easier this time because it is dry and most of the time more leveled, it is however probably 35 degrees C in the sun. 





Saw oasis type pools in the bottom of the canyon where I actually swimmed in one (i.e. Piscine Naturelle).







Saw unique flora and fauna, and rock formations. Once again we find ancient resting places of the Bara people nestled in small mountain alcoves in the middle of freakin' nowhere...?!











Misaotra ("Misaoutch" = Thank you!)