AYE AYE OF MADAGASCAR: FIFTH SINGULAR ANIMAL IN THE WORLD

The nocturnal lemur « Aye Aye » is endemic in Madagascar and to its eastern part, in the rainforests. It’s classified as the Fifth most singular and unusual animal in the world. It holds the fifth rank after the Alpaca, the Tarsier, the Angora rabbit and the Axolotl. After the Aye Aye come the Blobfish, the comondor dog, leafy hippocampus, Yeti Crab, the ouassou, Physalie, the weedy sea dragon, the Flepi, the Marine Lamproi and The star-nosed mole.

Indeed the Aye Aye is a very peculiar lemur; it has the incisor of rodents, ears of bats and a queue of a squirrel. It dislodges larva of insects that have been detected by the patting of the tronc of woods with its specialized finger, to which it can get to by widening the orifices and by shredding the superior layer with its incisor and that it take easily with its big clawed-finger.

The Aye Aye is difficult to find out. Not only they are nocturnal but they are also in extinction.

A COMPLETE SAFARI IN MADAGASCAR

Have you ever heard about Madagascar? Certainly yes! DreamWorks Animation has created 3D movies in which 4 animals have escaped from the United States to the big island where they encountered other animals of other species and quiet different; indeed the King Julian and company. 

For the new coming year Lulu Tours Madagascar, an inbound tour operator in the continent-Island will organize for travellers and tourists from all whole word, special Complete Safari in Madagascar in the periods of July, August and September.

Indeed that Safari will be different from the ones you are used to performing in the big continent of Africa since the animals you’ll discover are completely different. Lions, Giraffes, Zebra, and Hippopotamus leave the scene to small ones such as Lemurs, Chameleons, Geckoes, Birds and other smaller species. 

At first plan, for 9 days travellers will discover some of the highlights of parks in the big island, privates and national parks which enable to discover the fauna and the flora of Madagascar; for instance the Private park of Vakona which enables people to see closer what makes Madagascar known, the famous Lemurs of Madagascar; then the national reserve of Andasibe which is reputed for its biodiversity, indeed thousand of orchids is classified with the several species of Birds and lemurs in which the biggest lemurs in the world and in Madagascar: “the Indri Indri” cognisable by their lamenting cries that can be heard about some kilometres around. Then there is the National park of Ranomafana nick-named as a real Sanctuary of Nature and considered by UNESCO as a world natural Heritage. The rainforest of Ranomafana presents a biodiversity quiet unique by the presence of the diversity of the fauna: reptiles (Uroplatus), amphibians (Mantela of Madagascar) and the numerous species of birds…

In second part of that safari, which make this safari complete and unique, a couple of days of Whale Safari in the Pirate’s Island of Sainte-Marie. Indeed these couples of days in Sainte-Marie will make travellers discover the big Cetaceans that are used to travelling in that warm part of the Indian Ocean every year to give birth. The spectacle given by these tremendous mammals are just unique; the mothers teach their babies to jump over the sea and hunt.

 

Last but not least, in continuation of the second part, Sainte-Marie has one of the most beautiful seascapes and beaches in Madagascar if not in the whole world which can provide to travellers some peaceful and wonderful days of relax before leaving the 8th continent.

MADAGASCAR : A PIECE OF CONTINENT...

Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world after Greenland, New Guinea and Borneo. Its area is 592,000 square kilometers, slightly larger than France and the Benelux countries combined. Its length, Cape Amber in the North and Cape St. Mary in the south, is 1580 km. Its greatest width, found between Mahavelona and Tambohorano is 580 Km.

The Continent-Island has almost 5,500 km of coastline. Its western edge is one of the shores of the Mozambique Channel, which is 400 km wide. In the East, the Indian Ocean flows on the beaches of Madagascar. The long haul flight Paris-Antananarivo is about 10 000 km, or 11 flight hours. For regional services, Mauritius is at 1:40 and Reunion at 1:20. Madagascar has an offset of + 1h ahead only during the summer schedule practiced in France, and + 2h at time of winter. Little malagasy islets surround the Big Island: the two main of them are inhabited and tourist vocation: Nosy Boraha known as Sainte-Marie (200 km²) and Nosy-Be (320 km²). Madagascar surrounded by other islands and archipelagos: Mauritius and Réunion to the east, Comoros northwest and Seychelles north. The culmination of Madagascar is Tsaratanàna Mountain that reaches 2880 m altitude. The tops of the Highlands and very pronounced reliefs by erosions divide the island into two different worlds: the West, the large sedimentary basins and vast limestone or sandstone plateaux; to the east, overhanging cliffs a coastline covered tropical forests. The average altitude in Madagascar is about 1600m.

The main cities in Madagascar are Antananarivo (Capital), Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa the central highlands; Toamasina, Moramanga, St. Mary in the East; Majunga, Morondava in the west; Antsiranana, Nosy Be in the north, the south, Tulear, Madagascar Fort-Dauphin. There are about 21.000.000 populations. The average population density is 22.8 inhabitants per km². The geographical distribution is very unbalanced since 80% of the population live in rural areas and 20% in cities. Madagascar is a young country marked by a high birth rate. 60% of the population is under 20 years.
Multiple origins, the Malagasy population is composed of eighteen tribes mostly from the ancient kingdoms. The peoples of the highlands have in Indonesian and Malay dominant traits, other peoples are marked by the African heritage and Arabic. Despite some ethnic similarities, each tribe has its own tradition and group identity. Traditional leaders still have prestige, or power.

Malagasy community of Afro-Asian origin represents 98% of the population. Comorian integrate and based among the Malagasy. The European community is large and French majority. It is formed by several zanatany (native), businessmen and investors, technical assistants. The Chinese community of Cantonese origin settled in cities and on the East Coast. It engages in the retail trade. The Indian community of Pakistani origin is formed from great grandchildren of immigrants in the late nineteenth century. They are traders or industriels. The official language of Madagascar is the Malagasy (Madagascar). It is the same family as the Indonesian and Malay. French is a second language widely practiced, especially in professional circles, administrative and media. It is also the unofficial language of communication and culture. Number of Malagasy naturally caters to any vazaha (white man) in French.

VIRTUOUS MADAGASCAR | GEYSER OF AMPEFY

For a private tour in Madagascar, there is a destination that many tourists and native people love to be. This is Ampefy, let us bring you to this place in some words even though there is an unspeakable beauty.

Ampefy is a typical small town on the edge of the Lake Itasy. This place is for those who would like to have a little  stay in a quiet place, those who would like to breathe clean air far from gases and fumes. A private tour in Ampefy will bring many thnigs to you: relaxation, cheerfulness, new discovery, …

In fact, Ampefy is located in 100 km in the west part of Tanà, the capital city. It will take only 2 hours’ trip by car.It offers magnificent volcanic landscapes, very hilly and different from the usual image of the Big Island. Because of its altitude, Ampefy offers stunning panoramic views of all the surrounding volcanic landscapes.

To contemplate all the marvels of the village of Ampefy, you need to reach for the “waterfall of Lily”. See the volcanic hills with small villages largely composed by houses in red mud and thatch roof, typical of the Central High land. The waterfall called in French “chutte de la Lily”. This waterfall offers a beautiful landscape.

Another place to visit is the geyser at Analavory. Located in twenty kilometers from Ampefy, it can be reached by 4x4, mountain biking or hiking.Geyser is a gushing spring in a hot water spray and steam.This phenomenon is caused by the gushing water contact with the volcanic rocks that are still hot. A tour in this place and its surrounding will please anyone who loves nature.

FESTIVAL OF THE WHALES IN SAINTE-MARIE, MADAGASCAR 2015

Whales, in Sainte-Marie or Nosy Boraha in malagasy, are real chances for the local population. A population that hasn’t actually been aware of. A whole week of feast will attract media, partners, advertisers and of course tourists which the habitants of Sainte-Marie can fully get advantages of, by job creation, better life conditions through economic development of the villages. It’s just impossible to carry out that event without the implication of the autochthones:

This Whale event will animate all year long community actions and environmental education to the young population as well as to the art craft’s profit and the health assistance. That event will be a “safer” lever to lead the humanitarians helps which are often baffled by the disorganization on field. An active and transparent commission within the festival will be at disposal. Whales show us every year the way, if they come to breed in Sainte-Marie it’s that they just feel well and in harmony with the local population.

What’s in program?

SATURDAY 4th JULY 2015
Opening ceremony – show & carnaval – Opening night party

Each village or municipality have to creat their own Chariot for the defile. There are 17 municipalities in Sainte-Marie called Fokontany in Malagasy. A commission will be charged of conveying to them every different form of implications, advising them about the materials and techniques to use and to accompany them during the whole year until the starting day. A theme and a manager will be assigned to each Fokontany (possible theme: Pirate, Queen, Lemurs, Ravinala, Coconut, Pirogue, Turtle, etc…). They all will be financially supported to get the furniture such as paper, scrap, wood, char door, Fabric, etc… A judge will select 3 winners that will be rewarded by what the village really need (water adduction, first product of necessity like rice, salt, sugar…)

SUNDAY 5th JULY 2015
SHOW – Whale’s output

The show part will occur in the centre of the town at the Avenue La Bigorne in front of the feast’s room. The shops and kiosks will be made of Ravimpotsy and similar to the architectural form of the local habitation.

MONDAY 6th JULY 2015
Games and Activities

The population will be invited to take part in several sport competitions and games like:
-    Semi marathon
-    Petanque competiton
-    Moto cross national tournament
-    joust in canoe/pirogue
-    Lots of local sport are now getting prepared

TUESDAY 7th JULY 2015
Concerts

4 Concerts are planned with 2 stars of Madagascar who are already booked WAWA & JERY MARCOS – On the podium in first part local artistes can give show.
Planned dates for Concerts: satuday 5th, Tuesday 7th, Thursday 9th and 12th of July.
These concerts will occur on the islet of Madame that will be for the occasion privatised.

WEDNESDAY 8th JULY 2015

Sainte-Marie, its legendary name Nosy Boraha is related, in the French and English archives, to a man’s story who had his life saved by a big fish that took him on its back till the shore of the island. An island which was populated by only women and a big fish which could have been a whale, that were the beginnings of our beautiful island. That legend, that saves the adventurer’s life Jonas Boragny, fisherman, gave birth, naturally, to the construction of the island. Without these whales, Sainte-Marie would have remained virgin… Women, whales, fate chose to unit them. That festival will be built by women in honour of the whales who brought them lives… It’s been done, we can’t change story that wins.  They come from different regions; some of them were born there, other from Eastern coast of the “big island”.

This event is just the perfect time to observe the Cetaceans and enjoy a good Whale Safari.

FLAGSHIP OF MADAGASCAR: THE TRAVELLER'S TREE "RAVINALA"

Madagascar is often called “the red island”, yet there are still many places where you can find green landscapes, especially the eastern part of the island. For christmas holidays, or just a private tour in Madagascar at any other time, it is great to discover new things you may have never seen. One of these discoveries is the “Ravinala”, the palm that is also called “the traveller’s tree”. “Ravinala” is its malagasy name meaning “leaves in the forest”. Despite its aspect, this is not a palm tree, but rather closer to banana tree.

Actually, the name given to this plant by the Western is that the leaf sheaths of the plant can retain water, which in an emergency could come to the rescue of a traveler dying of thirst. Despite of that, the water from the Ravinala is not advised to drink, without prior purification. The Ravinala will not be the only thing to discover in  this east part of Madagascar. It reserves many surprises and wonders regarding landscape. Your holiday photos will be more than nice, just good memories!

Even if the Ravinala can be found in some part of the world like in Mayotte, Guyana, or Martinique, come to Madagascar to see the malagasy “traveller’s tree” and also get the pleasure to explore this country, especially its east part. Your tour in Madagascar will be a great and unforgettable adventure.

AVENUE OF BAOBABS

Madagascar is a beautiful country, those who came here even just once can affirm that. Incredible places in this “red island” are to be visited absolutely, such as the Aisle of Baobabs. For a private tour or a memorable holiday, this place is the right one for nature lovers.The Aisle of Baobabs or Avenue of Baobabs is located in the west part of Madagascar, on the road from Belon'i Tsiribihina to Morondava. many tourists come there just to admire the beauty and wonders of this spot.

On the edge of the road, stands a dozen of the most majestic baobabs. These “bottle trees” offer a very spectacular view to visitors at dawn and dusk. From the top of their 30 meters, these giants dominate grass prairie.This beautiful landscape has been classified "national heritage" by the island authorities.The most beautiful species of Baobab are seen on this Aisle of Baobabs. By the way, the island has got 6 endemic species of Baobab.

These 8 centuries old trees are the subject of a cult in Madagascar.On the down side of National Highway No. 35 , is "the sacred baobab."  You may see some people regularly come to lay at her feet offerings in honor of their ancestors. In the alley of baobabs are a series of Baobab  entwined which the inhabitants of the island give the name of "lover Baobab”. Many people believe that they bring luck to couples who come to rest at their feet.

Holidays spent in madagascar will be a new discovery, an unforgetable tour that you have never had. Come whenever! Discover the Aisle of Baobabs during your safari in this island.

BILL GATES IN MADAGASCAR

Many famous people have already come to Madagascar, for private tours may be, or for other reason, but for sure, they must have made a little safari before leaving the island. That what happened in november.

The news come go fast as thunder in the famous town of Fort-dauphin in the afternoon of 21 november. The  private jet of the well-known business man Bill Gates landed at the airport. The billionaire was with members of his family in this jet. Nobody could believe it in the capital of Madagascar. It seems so incredible that the Microsoft giant, one of the richest and most influential man in the world would ever set foot in Madagascar.

Actually, he was really in Fort-dauphin, even though just for a while. The famous Bill gates planned to visit Berenty, a site located at 86 km west of Fort-dauphin.It is natural reserve that covers 250 ha in order to discover fauna and flora typical of southern Madagascar.

On the road leading to the reserve, a discovery trail to enjoy the scenery and lush vegetation of Anosy  aws offered to the Gates family.

After admiring the river Mandrare and lemurs in Berenty, Bill Gates and his entourage did not stay in the area. They then flew to join another tourist site, one of the most beautiful areas of the country: Anjajavy. Away from prying eyes, Bill Gates and his family have therefore used the idyllic landscape of the peninsula Anjajavy. Located 120km north of Mahajanga, this unique site in the world is only accessible by air. This site is the botanists’ favorite and these botanists are from the 4 corners of the world, just because there are 1,800 plant species protected in a nature reserve of 450ha in this site.

November is the most favorable months to see wildlife, including the Sifaka and birds on the peninsula, and this visit seemed to be planned by Bill Gates in order to discover Madagascar in its most beautiful state.

The Microsoft boss was conquered by the beauty of what he has seen, come for a private tour in Madagascar; you will not be disappointed at all! It is an island of wonders.