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DISCOVER
MADAGASCAR - A UNIQUE ECO-SYSTEM PARADISE Madagascar is an island nation with some truly mythical creatures that according to most tourists crosses the boundary between fantasy and reality. For instance, the "Great Roc" of Sinbad's legends was based on Madagascar's Aepyornis - once the world's largest bird. To the Malagasy people, these exotic species are considered as much a part of daily life as the ubiquitous chameleons. The scientific world is still far from completing an inventory of this "evolutionary laboratory" and if you would enjoy visiting a truly spectacular ecosystem environment, then Madagascar is the destination of choice. I have founded a company in Madagascar to encourage tourism specific to the amazing gemstone industry present there. I am based in Michigan in the States and Antananarivo, Madagascar with full time staff. We will host at least 4 tours in 2006 April and August. James Fieri http://www.gemstonetrips.com.
The Republic of Madagascar gained its independence on June 26th, 1960. Antananarivo, situated in the center of the island is the capital of Madagascar and is home to almost one million inhabitants reflecting French influences from its colonial past. The largest African island by far, Madagascar is separated from the African continent by the Mozambique Channel. Madagascar's economy is essentially agro-pastoral and the origins of the island's population are highly diverse, although African and Asian origins predominate. Though the vast majority of the Malagasy population is of Malay and Polynesian descent, there is a substantial African minority as well as Chinese, Indian and Pakistani groups. Official languages of Madagascar are Malagasy and French although a majority of the people also speaks English. Madagascar is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The world's fourth largest island, Madagascar, is emerging from several years of neglect and beginning to attract the attention of investors with its ample supply of natural resources, labor, and a unique ecosystem with great potential for tourism. Madagascar's long coastline and geographic isolation have resulted in high biodiversity, with numerous endemic species. Nearly twice the size of the state of Arizona, in recent years, foreign investors have been taking a closer look at this unique Indian Ocean island, said by experts to have formed part of the main African continent in prehistoric times. I Majunga is usually the first destination of many tourists visiting Madagascar. Benefiting from a good network of paved roads and connected with the exterior, this former capital of the kingdom of Sakalava of Bonia is one of the cities that is more cosmopolitan in Madagascar. Points of Interest include: Katsepy, a fishermen village with a panoramic view of the bay; The Grotte d'Anjohibe which has a forests of stalactites and stalagmites as well as a natural swimming pool; the Forest Statio of Ampijoroa and the National Park of Ankarafantsika, a high place full of wildlife; and Majunga of the Tsingy of Bemaraha, a limestone plateau which is registered as a world heritage site by UNESCO. In the city, you can explore the remnants of Arabic houses and sculptured doors of Indian artwork, and see baobab trees over 700 years old which are the symbol of the city. Fianarantsoa -Affectionately known as the "Land of Traditions" it is the historic center of the Betsileo, built on the Antananarivo model occupying the southern region of the high Malagasy terrain. The Betsileo's are excellent rice growers and have developed major rice culture terraces. Points of Interest include: The city of Fianarantsoa is considered as the center of the Malagasy culture thanks to the action of the Christian Missionaries that inculcated the population to the pleasures of art, literature and photography. Visit the Ambozontany Cathedral built in 1871 with a beautiful view of the Anosy Lake; Anatirova, the historic center with several royal palaces of the Betsileos; Kianjasoa, another former palace with a beautiful panoramic view of the city and Maromby, an old monastery and winery. Here you can also visit theÝAmbositra Region and explore: the Royal House, residence of the last king Betsileo; the Cascade of Andriamamovoka, a place of worshipÝand purification; Antoetra, a region of the Zafimaniry renowned for their culture; Andohariana, a forest of tapirs, medicinal plants and orchids; Soatanana, a Christian community of silk-weavers;the Massive of Itremo, an industrial rocks and mountainous area with endemic plants; and the National Park of Andringitra, which has the largest number of different lemurs and endemic animals to include several types of exotic mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Diego Suarez - Where the Sea is Emerald. Situated to the northern point of the "Big Island", is Diego Suarez. This city is full of immemorial seafaring history where the reality and legend blend together. Its beautiful bay is often compared to that of Rio de Janeiro or San Francisco. Points of Interest include: Windsor Castle, for a panoramic view of the Amber Cape to the north, the Amber Mountain to the south, the Bay of the Mail and the Mozambique Channel to the west. Towards the east, the beautiful beaches of Ramena and Orangea are alongside a road following the Bay of French. Towards the south, Rousettes Station in the National Park of the Amber Mountain, the Anivorano and Ambilobe Lakes as well as the Massif of Ankarana with a cave full of traditions and legends. In Diego Suarez, you can find traces of the colonial past in the architecture and the naval work sites. Nosy Be - "The Scented Island" is situated in the northeast of Madagascar in the Mozambique Channel. Upon departure from the airplane at Fascene Airport, you will be greeted with wonderful balmy fragrances such as ylang ylang, frangipani tree, coffee, cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar cane.Ý Nosy Be is protected from the very strong northeast winds by the Tsaratanana Massif which makes it a tropical paradise that benefits from an exceptional climate, flora and fauna. In addition, Nosy Be is a departure point for the surrounding islands in the Mozambique Channel. Points of Interest include: Nosy Sakatia, which offers big game fishing; Nosy Tanikely, which features Submarine National Park; Nosy Komba, which features a natural reserve for lemurs; Baie Des Russies, a splendid bay that was named after the Russian soldiers that resided there in 1904; Nosy Iranja also known as the island of the tortoises, which is really two islands linked by a sandy lagoon; and Nosy Mitsio, a town of fishermen and birds. In addition, there is the Oceanographic Museum of CNRO, the Complete Nature Reserve of Lokobe, the Cascade near Ambatolaoka, Mount Passot where you experience a panoramic view of eleven lakes of craters and a visit to the sugar factory of Dzamandzar where you can purchase a bottle of island rum. How To Get To Madagascar: It is highly recommended that you consult with your travel agency about reliable airline schedules to ensure that your visit to Madagascar will be most enjoyable. South African Airways does offer a reliable roundtrip schedule from Johannesburg. About the author: Helen C. Broadus is the President of Venue International Professionals, Inc. (VIP) a full-service travel and tourism consulting company based in the Washington Metropolitan Area that specializes in Africa. She is also the Secretary of the International Board of Directors of the Africa Travel Association (ATA) and has visited twenty-five countries in Africa at least once over the past ten years. She may be contacted at mailto:vipinc@erols.com
If this may be a possibility, please allow me to submit a piece for your perusal. We would be happy to keep you updated on our progress whilst in the field and to provide a conclusive article upon our return. Of course, we would be delighted to advertise your association with us on our project equipment, on our website, in a documentary being made, and in the wider media. I hope that you will be keen to help us in our worthy cause! If you would like any further information, our publicity pamphlet or a copy of our proposal, please don't hesitate to contact me. Dominic Jones Edinburgh EH9 1HN. email: mailto: dom@eucarenet.com tel: +44 (0)7786621715
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Basic
Facts and Figures:
interesting
Places to Visit in Madagascar:
Tamatave
- Affectionately known as "The Perfume of Spices" and also
"Harbor of the Plums" it served as a major port for
seafaring freighters to on-load exotic spices grown on the
island. The scents of these spices that permeate the
warehouses around the harbor contribute a melody of
fragrances. Today, Tamatave is positioning itself as a haven
for tourists with a beautiful coastline sprinkled with
sparkling beaches, spectacular landscapes,and lush
vegetation. Points of Interests include: The Pangalanes
which is full of a rich and varied degree of flora and fauna
in many lakes, canals, and sandy beaches. There is also the
Coastal North which possesses botanical gardens and
zoological parks, plantations and a piratesí
cemetery. Also to be seen is the River Harbor of
Manangereza, the terminus of the many loaded pirogues of
wood, fabrics, fishes, fruitsÝand vegetables for
trading at the two markets Bazar-Be and Bazar Kely as well
as a visit to the Palmeraie in order to explore several
plantations. The Canal of Pangalanes is navigable to
Mananjary and one can cruise this waterway by tourist
charter boat.
SPECIAL
REQUEST: