Travel blog: Madagascar

Sara LeHoullier in Madagascar
Sara LeHoullier in Madagascar

Wednesday, 09, Sep 2009 01:21

Why should you go to Madagascar? Sara LeHoullier is itching to tell you. Armed with a love of rice with ambiguous meat chunks, a stomach of steel, a firm grasp on multiple dialects of the Malagasy language, and lots of mosquito repellent, Sara is going exploring both on and off the beaten path on the world's 4th largest island for the next three months.

She'll be searching for the nature that makes this island famous, lots of rich cultural heritage, and, of course, all manner of street food (or 'fried deliciousness').

Join her as she makes friends with the lemurs and chameleons while trekking through the national parks, tries to decide which beach is the prettiest (not an easy task), and most importantly, talks to as many people as possible, collecting proverbs, stories, and hopefully friends.

Travel blog: Madagascar

Sara LeHoullier in Madagascar
Sara LeHoullier in Madagascar

Wednesday, 09, Sep 2009 01:21

Why should you go to Madagascar? Sara LeHoullier is itching to tell you. Armed with a love of rice with ambiguous meat chunks, a stomach of steel, a firm grasp on multiple dialects of the Malagasy language, and lots of mosquito repellent, Sara is going exploring both on and off the beaten path on the world's 4th largest island for the next three months.

She'll be searching for the nature that makes this island famous, lots of rich cultural heritage, and, of course, all manner of street food (or 'fried deliciousness').

Join her as she makes friends with the lemurs and chameleons while trekking through the national parks, tries to decide which beach is the prettiest (not an easy task), and most importantly, talks to as many people as possible, collecting proverbs, stories, and hopefully friends.

What do you think?

Name 

Location 

Email 

Comment 

Enter the text shown to the right
  • "What's going on with this blog, is Sara lost? It's not been updated in AGES yet I know she is getting around because she and her pansy friends have been through my forest...."

    King Julien of Madagascar (The Wild) Posted: 13/10/2009 19:06:01

  • "Ah! This is really touching, would like to read more stuff like this."

    globester (US) Posted: 31/10/2009 07:29:33

Blog Archive

Travel blog: Home again

Saying goodbye to Madagascar (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: A day around Antananarivo

I spent my Saturday in bed, with the curtains drawn (after I summoned up enough energy to close them).

Made from recycled cans! (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: Ankarana National Park

I almost tacked this on to the Diego post, but decided that it should get its own space.

The Red Tsingy (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: By the sea in Diego

After the horrendous, tremendously awful taxibrousse trip, we got in a taxi and came to a hotel recommended by a friend, the Kartiffa.

Architecture in Diego (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: Hell or Taxibrousse?

This story is not intended to discourage people from taking the taxibrousse, which can actually be a somewhat pleasant experience.

Taxibroussing in Madagascar (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: Sambava

We flew to Sambava yesterday - it's the financial capital of the SAVA region, which is made up of 4 cities: Sambava, Antalaha, Vohimar, and Andapa.

Crowd at Fety Park (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: Masoala and Maroansetra

I have had a couple of days to think about our trip to Masoala, and I still haven't found a good way to write about it.

Lakuna/canoe on the Masoala peninsular (photo: Sara Lehoullier)

Travel blog: Island of the Unexpected

Two nights ago, as I was swimming for about the 12th time, attempting to navigate around the weird dark patches, I felt something mildly stinging my leg.

Romeo the boatman (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: Arrival in Paradise

I'm having a hard time concentrating on blog posts here in paradise, partly because of the stunning scenery and my constant desire to go swimming (I'm going to wear my bathing suite forever!), and partly because of this crazy lemur.

Holiday ideas in Madagascar (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: Adventures in and around Tamatave

I asked An Bollen, the director of Parc Ivoloina, if we could go and spend a night in the dormitories used for training sessions, and walk around the zoo for a day or so.

Holiday ideas in Madagascar (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: Tamatave

My nightmare has come to life. I have been in Madagascar for one month with practically no problems at all, barring the expected Air Madagascar mishaps, late taxibrousses, and clusters of mosquito bites, but today I opened my computer to find that the screen has partially shattered.

Avenue d'Independence in Tamatave

Travel blog: Fort Dauphin

I don't have nearly enough time for Fort Dauphin (also called Tolagnaro).

Libanona Beach, Fort Dauphin

Travel blog: Isalo

When I arrived in Ranohira after one of the most uncomfortable brousse rides of my life (I should just cut off a few inches of leg next time), I heard a lot of noise and music and talking through extremely loud speakers.

Ringtailed Lemur in Madagascar (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: Andavadoaka

I can't stop taking pictures of the damn goats in this town. I have taken about 10 already and I just want to snap more and more shots of their picturesque little beards and funny horns and tiny cutie cute babies.

Madagascar travel blog (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: The longest road

Nick, the man who generously gave me a space in his 4X4 car headed for the NGO Blue Ventures, said we should be ready to go by 05:45.

Turquoise sea of Madagascar (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: Ranomafana National Park

I learned something about myself today. I am not in shape.

Dauphin and the snake! (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: the taxibrousse

The taxibrousse (or 'bush taxi' in English) is one of the most amazing things in the world.

Madagascar travel blog (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: Return to Madagascar

The electricity here sparks up around 11 or 12, depending on the day. All you can hear until then is the thumping of the huge mortar and pestles they use to smash the chaff from the rice, or make cornmeal - thump, thump, thump, like a giant's footfalls.

Zo's shop (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

More blog entries

Travel blog: Home again

Sara LeHoullier is going exploring both on and off the beaten path on the world's fourth-largest island for three months.

Saying goodbye to Madagascar (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: A day around Antananarivo

I spent my Saturday in bed, with the curtains drawn (after I summoned up enough energy to close them).

Made from recycled cans! (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: Ankarana National Park

I almost tacked this on to the Diego post, but decided that it should get its own space.

The Red Tsingy (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: By the sea in Diego

After the horrendous, tremendously awful taxibrousse trip, we got in a taxi and came to a hotel recommended by a friend, the Kartiffa.

Architecture in Diego (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: Hell or Taxibrousse?

This story is not intended to discourage people from taking the taxibrousse, which can actually be a somewhat pleasant experience.

Taxibroussing in Madagascar (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: Sambava

We flew to Sambava yesterday - it's the financial capital of the SAVA region, which is made up of 4 cities: Sambava, Antalaha, Vohimar, and Andapa.

Crowd at Fety Park (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: Masoala and Maroansetra

I have had a couple of days to think about our trip to Masoala, and I still haven't found a good way to write about it.

Lakuna/canoe on the Masoala peninsular (photo: Sara Lehoullier)

Travel blog: Island of the Unexpected

Two nights ago, as I was swimming for about the 12th time, attempting to navigate around the weird dark patches, I felt something mildly stinging my leg.

Romeo the boatman (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: Arrival in Paradise

I'm having a hard time concentrating on blog posts here in paradise, partly because of the stunning scenery and my constant desire to go swimming (I'm going to wear my bathing suite forever!), and partly because of this crazy lemur.

Holiday ideas in Madagascar (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: Adventures in and around Tamatave

I asked An Bollen, the director of Parc Ivoloina, if we could go and spend a night in the dormitories used for training sessions, and walk around the zoo for a day or so.

Holiday ideas in Madagascar (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: Tamatave

My nightmare has come to life. I have been in Madagascar for one month with practically no problems at all, barring the expected Air Madagascar mishaps, late taxibrousses, and clusters of mosquito bites, but today I opened my computer to find that the screen has partially shattered.

Avenue d'Independence in Tamatave

Travel blog: Fort Dauphin

I don't have nearly enough time for Fort Dauphin (also called Tolagnaro).

Libanona Beach, Fort Dauphin

Travel blog: Isalo

When I arrived in Ranohira after one of the most uncomfortable brousse rides of my life (I should just cut off a few inches of leg next time), I heard a lot of noise and music and talking through extremely loud speakers.

Ringtailed Lemur in Madagascar (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: Andavadoaka

I can't stop taking pictures of the damn goats in this town. I have taken about 10 already and I just want to snap more and more shots of their picturesque little beards and funny horns and tiny cutie cute babies.

Madagascar travel blog (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: The longest road

Nick, the man who generously gave me a space in his 4X4 car headed for the NGO Blue Ventures, said we should be ready to go by 05:45.

Turquoise sea of Madagascar (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: Ranomafana National Park

I learned something about myself today. I am not in shape.

Dauphin and the snake! (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: the taxibrousse

The taxibrousse (or 'bush taxi' in English) is one of the most amazing things in the world.

Madagascar travel blog (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel blog: Return to Madagascar

The electricity here sparks up around 11 or 12, depending on the day. All you can hear until then is the thumping of the huge mortar and pestles they use to smash the chaff from the rice, or make cornmeal - thump, thump, thump, like a giant's footfalls.

Zo's shop (photo: Sara LeHoullier)

Travel Partners

AirWorld Tours

Airworld Tours one of the finest independent tour operators. Their aim is to provide a superb collection of affordable luxury package holidays worldwide. AirWorld Tours

Best Cruise Deal

BestCruiseDeal.co.uk brings you the best cruise deals available direct from the cruise lines and leading cruise retailers, along with destination reviews, cruise line information & more. Best Cruise Deal

Bon Voyage

Bon Voyage have been providing tailor-made USA holidays and Canada holidays for over 30 years and can help you book every part of your North American getaway and ensure that you get to see and experience everything America has to offer. Bon Voyage

Coastal Cottages

Coastal Cottages offer a fantastic array of holiday cottages in Wales, holiday apartments on the beaches of Pembrokeshire and some really unique and one off cottages in stunning locations. Coastal Cottages

Cornish Traditional Cottages

There are plenty of Cornwall cottages from Cornish Traditional Cottages to choose from, ranging from rustic abodes for those who love all things quaint to more contemporary apartments, bungalows and houses that can accommodate various numbers of people. Cornish Traditional Cottages

Eurocamp

Eurocamp is one of the leading holiday camping providers in Europe - offering a tremendous range of camping sites across some of the most stunning locations in Europe including France, Italy, Spain and more. Eurocamp

First Festival Travel

Festival tours can be great if you're looking for an organised and fun way to experience new cultures across Europe - and there are plenty of options on offer from First Festival Travel. First Festival Travel

Frontier Canada

Welcome to Frontier Canada - the greatest choice of tailor-made holidays to Canada. Frontier Canada can help you get the most out of your trip to Canada by offering a wide range of holidays to ensure you find the perfect break. Frontier Canada

Great Rail

Great Rail Journeys are one of the leading providers of holidays by rail and have a wide range of tours available to suit every taste and budget. Great Rail

Haven

The British holiday park experience has been transformed dramatically in the last few years to compete with foreign destinations with massive investment by companies like Haven offering first class accommodation and entertainment. Haven

Holiday Hypermarket

Holiday Hypermarket - Cheap last minute holidays, late deals on flights and accommodation - Book online today Holiday Hypermarket

Holiday-Rentals

Holiday-Rentals - The UK's No 1 self-catering accommodation website, with 130,000+ places to relax, laugh and play with friends and family. Holiday-Rentals

Hostelbookers

HostelBookers.com - launched in March 2004 - is a leading UK-based budget accommodation website. It offers a range of hostels and budget accommodation including hotels, B&Bs and apartments in over 2,500 destinations worldwide. Hostelbookers

Hotelopia

Finding the best deals on hotel rooms can be a long and confusing process - but not if you use Hotelopia. The service specialises in helping holidaymakers and business travellers to find cheap hotels. Hotelopia

Iglu.com

Iglu.com is a specialist online travel agency offering ski holidays, cruises, villa rentals and family trips to Disneyland Paris and Lapland. Iglu.com

Interhome

With Interhome, you can search from 46,000 villas and apartments in 26 different countries based on your specific needs. Whether it's relaxing by the beach, the hustle and bustle of the city or a get away into the mountains or countryside, Interhome has the rental property for you. Interhome

Jetline Cruise

Jetline Cruise are one of the leading cruise agencies in the UK and have unrivalled experience in booking cruise holidays for new and experienced travellers on worldwide holidays. Jetline Cruise

Keycamp

Keycamp, the UK's leading mobile home provider, run campsites and holiday parks right across Europe including France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and more. Keycamp

Le Boat

Le Boat is the biggest boating holiday company in Europe and offers a wide range of boating holiday activities and boating holiday offers in a variety of destinations between March and October. Le Boat

Luxury Scotland

Visit Luxury Scotland for luxury hotels, golf resorts, luxury spa hotels, country house hotels and other destinations that we believe reflect Luxury Scotland and experience the very best of Scotland. Luxury Scotland

Mallorca Farmhouses

For a long time now, Mallorca has been a popular holiday destination and Mallorca Farmhouses offers an array of places to stay, providing a wide choice of Mallorca villas for the perfect holiday getaway. Mallorca Farmhouses

Quality Villas

Quality Villas offers a wide range of unique luxury villas, farmhouses and chateaux with private pools throughout France, Italy, Morocco and Mauritius. Check out Quality Villas, the holiday rental specialist for fantastic holiday accommodation. Quality Villas

Release Travel

Release Travel is a leading organiser of hen weekends & stag weekends to destinations throughout the UK and Worldwide including Budapest, Prague, Madrid, Amsterdam and Las Vegas, guaranteeing a weekend to remember including excellent activities and vibrant nightlife! Release Travel

STS Travel

STS School Travel Service provide school trips to a huge range of destinations in Europe and worldwide for a variety of educational institutions, from primary and secondary schools to further education colleges. STS Travel

Scotts Castles

If you're hunting for the perfect self catering accommodation for your next holiday in Scotland, Scotts Castle Holidays is likely to have just the solution for you with a fantastic choice of unique castle accommodation throughout Scotland. Scotts Castles

Sunvil

Sunvil offer an alternative to most travel operators by offering unique tailor made travel options to destinations across Europe and worldwide. For tailor made specialist holidays that offer a once in a lifetime experience head over to Sunvil. Sunvil

TrekAmerica

Adventure holidays provide a platform for fitting lots of things into a short space of time. If you want to experience diverse landscapes, electric city life or breathtaking sights, you can find it all on USA trips with leading adventure tour specialists TrekAmerica. TrekAmerica

Visit Wales

If you are planning a short break in Wales then head over to Visit Wales for advice and information on holidays in Wales including, things to do, attractions and accommodation for family breaks and active holidays. Visit Wales

lowcostholidays.com

Dreaming of your next holiday? Make all your dreams a reality with lowcostholidays.com. From researching your holiday to booking your flights, hotels and transfers, the travel experts at lowcostholidays.com can help you plan your perfect holiday. lowcostholidays.com

Free Newsletter

Brighten up your inbox with the latest holiday ideas, features and travel deals from travelbite.co.uk.

breifcase

Accident & Illness Abroad

Irwin Mitchell

Irwin Mitchell’s (IM) award-winning International Travel Litigation Group (ITLG) has been successful in recovering compensation for thousands of British holidaymakers. Click here for more information.