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Around the world in 2000,
via Asia and Madagascar.
MADAGASCAR (South)
Bec2004-09-18 18:40:43
Displayed times (last time: )
Toliara (Tulear)
Flying here from Tana took only two hours but it took three days to get back. The first leg was the longest, I left the Toliara bus station at 7:00 am and arrived in Fianarantsoa at 6:00 pm (11 hours for less than 500 kms).
Sakaraha
Sakaraha, also known as Sapphire town, has been the gem trading center of the country for many years but its predominance is now being challenged by Ilakaka further north since the discovery of precious stones in that area.
Ranohira
The small town of Ranohira has a few places like this Hôtel Les Joyeux Lémuriens catering to tourists attracted by the unique flora and fauna of the nearby Isalo National Park.
Countryside
Everything but aluminum silicates and ferric oxides has been leached out of this red laterite earth which is as sterile here as everywhere else where it is encountered. This is the worst stretch of the road between Toliara and Tana.
Ihosy
Ihosy, the next town on the way to Fianarantsoa is a three way crossroads leading to Toliara (Tuléar) to the west, to Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin) to the south and to Fianarantsoa to the north.
Fianarantsoa
Fianarantsoa's name meaning "the place where good is learned" comes from the presence of a high concentration of Catholic missionaries in colonial times. It is still considered the principal academic and intellectual center of the country. This is the main building of the Fianarantsoa University.
Fianarantsoa, in the center of a rich agricultural region, is also an important commercial center for the southern provinces. Its colourful market is definitely worth a visit.
Fresh zebu is found in the butcher's street of course.
Copyright Bernard Cloutier
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See photographs from:
Madagascar Gallery
