Annular Eclipse 2016 in Madagascar

This is not a joke or a buzz but real, an Annual Solar Eclipse will pass through the big island this year. 

This won’t be a total eclipse, but an Annular one. A total Eclipse is when the moon hides completely the sun and leaves the world in a total darkness. Whereas the annular eclipse is when the moon is not far enough from the sun and doesn’t cover the whole surface of that latter and leaves a sparkling ring shining around, which actually provides a stunning show.

Where exactly in Madagascar the eclipse passes though? Tamatave or Majunga?

Madagascar is pretty big. You must be wondering where exactly this passes for a better view? The NASA has shared the following photo some days ago, showing its itinerary. It shall visible in Reunion Island, in Madagascar and in some part of Africa.

If you’ll be already on a Holiday in Madagascar that period, the following picture shows you the perfect line where the Eclipse is clearly and perfectly observable. 

More you get closer the red line, longer you’d find the alignment.

Don’t want to be late? What time exactly?

We remind you that that eclipse passes by Madagascar the 01st of September and the moon will start hiding the sun at 08.00 am.

Should we protect our eyes?

Obviously!  Eclipses must be observed with special glasses. And since this won’t be a Total eclipse, we should wear them during the whole integrality of the show.

On this occasion, Lulu Tours, an inbound tour operator in Madagascar, organizes special tours in Majunga and its outskirts. The tour will enable visitors to discover that western part of the island, like the Caves of Anjohibe, the National Park of Ankarafantsika and the unique cultures of the Sakalava tribe. So if you feel interested, just feel free to contact us.

CLASSIC TOUR IN THE SOUTH OF MADAGASCAR, Guaranteed departure.

For you who are looking for good deals, LTM offers visitors and travellers guaranteed departure tour from Tuléar to the capital. An inverted tour which enables travellers to discover that common itinerary from the other side, with a new perception instead of starting from Antananarivo, they will begin from the last destination and make the Trip up side.

The tour will last 7 days and 6 nights from the 19th to the 25th of March and pass through all the interesting points along the national: national parks, traditional villages, traditional art crafts workshops etc… More information about the prices will be found at the page "Inverted classic Tour of the South of Madagascar".

The inscription has already started and will only end in February 28th  2016. Book your tour in Madagascar with us at madagascar@lulu-tours.com

Madagascar Creates Nation’s First Community-Led Marine Protected Areas

· New marine parks are three out of 27 new protected areas
· Marine protected areas safeguard corals, sea turtles, sharks, and whales
· Local communities central to protected area creation and  management

NEW YORK (April 22, 2015)—The Government of Madagascar commemorates Earth Day with the formal creation of three community-led marine protected areas that will double the surface of the country’s marine protected area network, according to WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society).

On April 21, the Malagasy Government granted permanent protection to 27 protected areas, including the country’s first three community-led marine protected areas: Soariake Marine Park in the island nation’s southwest, and Ankarea and Ankivonjy Marine Parks in the northwest. The three marine parks are located along the west coast of Madagascar in what is known as the Mozambique Channel, home to the world’s second-most diverse coral population. Together with the government and local communities, WCS has worked in these three sites over the last five years to develop and establish a new model for marine protected areas in Madagascar using a community-driven, science-based approach.

“As the fifth largest island in the world, Madagascar is home to vast marine ecosystems,” said Mr. Liva Ramiandrarivo, Director of Conservation, Biodiversity and Madagascar’s protected area network in the Ministry for Environment, Ecology, Oceans and Forests. “Thanks to the leadership of the Ministry for Environment, Ecology, Oceans and Forests, and after significant efforts in the field with our partners, WCS, and the Ministry of Aquatic Resources and Fisheries, we are very proud to announce today the permanent protection of the first three marine protected areas in the country that were developed with, and which will be managed in collaboration with, the local community.” 

Said Dr. Cristián Samper, WCS President and CEO: “We commend the Malagasy Government for creating these three newest marine protected areas and for supporting the United Nations Aichi Targets to protect 10 percent of the world’s marine habitats. I can think of no better way to celebrate Earth Day than protecting the world’s irreplaceable wildlife heritage.” 

Madagascar’s marine biodiversity supports 10 million people in some of the poorest communities in the world, including over 100,000 artisanal fishers who live near the coast and rely on healthy marine and coastal ecosystems for food, revenue, and livelihoods. With their threefold objective of biodiversity conservation, poverty alleviation, and enhancement of the sustainability of the fisheries, these three new marine protected areas place local communities at the center of decision-making and management processes. 

“With this model, we have evidence that protected areas benefit not only biodiversity but also local communities by ensuring their food security, bringing much needed additional revenues to local fishermen as well as by empowering them,” said his Excellency Hery Rajaonarimampianina, President of Madagascar, at the 2014 IUCN World Parks Congress in Sydney. 

“Madagascar is known for its incredible terrestrial wildlife, especially its iconic lemur species found nowhere else on earth.  However, with a total marine area twice the size of its terrestrial area, its diverse marine resources are equally impressive,” said Alison Clausen, Country Director of WCS’s Madagascar Program. “The government’s decision to safeguard these vital resources with an expanded marine protected area network that includes a new model of community-led marine protected areas is good news for both the people of Madagascar and the world. WCS looks forward to working with the Government of Madagascar to facilitate the rapid uptake of this model to the growing Madagascar marine protected areas network.”

Ankarea, Ankivonjy, and Soariake Marine Parks together total some 1,210 square miles in size, an area slightly smaller than Long Island Sound, representing a two-fold increase in total marine protected area coverage in Madagascar.

These marine parks protect some of the most diverse coral populations of the planet, and Soariake Marine Park contains one of the biggest reef systems in the world. The parks protect important nesting sites for marine turtles and critical habitats for diverse, abundant, and endangered cetacean populations (including humpback whales, blue whales, sperm whales, and beaked whales). Ankivonjy and Ankarea Marine Parks represent some of the few remaining refuges in the Western Indian Ocean for dugongs, whale sharks, and the Critically Endangered sawfish and Madagascar fish eagle.

In these marine parks, coral reefs, mangrove habitats, and megafauna species such as marine mammals, sea turtles, whale sharks and manta rays are protected, marine resources can be sustainably harvested by local communities, and large-scale fishing operations are prohibited to avoid depletion of resources and secure local livelihoods. In addition, biodiversity hotspots and important cultural areas are protected through more than 100 square miles of no-take zones.

In addition to conserving biodiversity, the marine parks protect cultural heritage and promote sustainable socioeconomic development to contribute to poverty reduction. “Strategies to achieve these objectives include the empowerment of local people, enhancement of locally existing natural resource management systems, increased environmental awareness, the implementation of relevant monitoring and law enforcement systems, and alternative or improved livelihoods activities to reduce poverty while reducing both fishing effort and people’s dependency on fisheries,” said DrAmbroiseBrenier, Marine Technical Director of WCS’s Madagascar Program. “This is precisely what we have been doing for the past few years with local communities, government, and private and NGO partners such as GRET (Professionals for Fair Development) in Ankivonjy and Ankarea Marine Parks and WWF in Soariake Marine Park.”

“We applaud Madagascar for taking a leadership role in the conservation of the Western Indian Ocean, a global hotspot for marine biodiversity,” said Dr. Caleb McClennen, Executive Director of WCS’s Marine Program. “Increased marine protected areas like these that provide no-take zones with adjacent sustainable fisheries management are essential for the long term health of our oceans.”

  

The Wildlife Conservation Society has been helping the world discover and conserve our oceans for over a century. WCS engages in ocean protection, sustainable fisheries, and marine species conservation across the waters of 23 countries and all 5 oceans.

On Thursday, June 11, 2015, WCS will host its annual black tie Gala reception and dinner at the Central Park Zoo. The evening will celebrate WCS's vital role in protecting vulnerable marine species off the coast of New York and around the globe and provide critical support for WCS's parks, education, global health, and global conservation programs. For more information or to purchase tables and tickets, visit  wcs.org/Gala<http://wcs.org/Gala>.

About the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

MISSION: WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. VISION: WCS envisions a world where wildlife thrives in healthy lands and seas, valued by societies that embrace and benefit from the diversity and integrity of life on earth. To achieve our mission, WCS, based at the Bronx Zoo, harnesses the power of its Global Conservation Program in more than 60 nations and in all the world’s oceans and its five wildlife parks in New York City, visited by 4 million people annually. WCS combines its expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve its conservation mission. Visit: www.wcs.org;http://www.facebook.com/TheWCS; http://www.youtube.com/user/WCSMedia Follow: @thewcs.

Madagascar in a Luxury way

You want to travel to Madagascar but you think there won't be any infrastructures that can satisfy your needs.
Lulu Tours Madagascar proposes travellers a Tour in the big island in a luxury way. Apart from being organized in a luxury way, this tour enables travellers to discover the most interesting spot in Madagascar such as the great Baobabs at the "Alley of Baobabz" in Morondava, the World wonder "the Tsingy of Bemaraha" and of course the famous Lemurs.
For much information, you're invited to get in touch with us at madagascar@lulu-tours.com.

SAFARIS IN MADAGASCAR: Lemurs & Whales ...

This coming July with the occasion of the “Whale Festival” that will be held between the 4th and the 12th of July in Sainte-Marie island Madagascar, Tour Operators in Madagascar are organizing some special tours to provide travelers from the whole planet to discover the beauty and the richness of Madagascar .

As for Lulu Tours Madagascar, we are planning to offer special promotion combining discovery tour in the inland of Madagascar with a couple of days in Sainte-Marie. As a matter of fact this special tour will be emphasized and performed the eastern coast of island.

From Antananarivo, the Capital, travelers will taken through the nice road N°2 to reach for the Special Reserve of Analamazaotra famous for its rainforest rich in biodiversity; the Lemurs are stars in there especially the “Indri Indri” ones which are the biggest lemurs in the world that are cognizable by their lamenting cries that spread all over the whole forest hearable at some 3 kilometers around. Apart from Lemurs there are also Amphibians, reptiles, Birds but also orchids etc …

In the second part, travelers will be transferred to Nosy Boraha (Sainte-Marie island) also called “Island of the Pirates” to enjoy the “Whale Festival”. Indeed Humpback whales are arriving in that part of the Indian Ocean that period and offer amazing spectacle of Acrobats during 3 months. In addition of the Whale observation, travelers can enjoy the seascapes and the warm beach of the island.
So if you’re amongst those people who cannot find out new destination yet for the coming holidays, just Keep Calm and go to Madagascar!

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.