Africa Safari Blog

Dear Rebecca
Absolutely fantastic trip. Most enjoyed.

Air Madagascar managed to lose my fishing rods and Evan’s stands and tripod, but otherwise the flights were fine – empty and comfortable. The hotel in Tanna was classic – very comfortable (hot water etc.). The father and son blues guitarists were world class.

The road trip was a blast – the park was brilliant and the guide very talkative and informative with a dedication to personal service.

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Madagascar the world’s oldest and fourth largest island is as diverse as the heavens are infinite and geographically diverse as it is biologically, creating a treasure haven of spectacular scenery of emerald rainforests, mountains, deserts, mangrove swamps, and dazzling beaches skirting the Indian Ocean and island archipelagos.

Catherine Burmester, with camera and notebook in hand went scouting for creatures.
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Source: Sea Rescue Autumn 2010

Wendy Maritz finds out what made Riaan Manser give up the life he knew in exchange for solo adventures into unknown territory, first on bike then a kayak.

On 8 July 2009, Riaan Manser paddled into Tamatave harbour, 11 months after setting out from the same spot on an epic journey to circumnavigate Madagascar alone and unaided on his kayak. Riaan made history that day, achieving the second of two world firsts, and completing another major personal challenge. (The first was cycling around Africa.)

It takes a great deal of tenacity to give up the life you know and embark on an expedition that will take you into a completely unfamiliar world. But, as Riaan will readily admit, it was a life he wasn’t particularly satisfied with – long-time girlfriend Vast and beloved pet aside, of course.
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Being fascinated in all things related to Madagascar, our Madagascar Product Manager at Jenman Safaris spent her holiday reading a book by British author Christina Dodwell.

Entitled “Madagascar Travels”, the author describes in detail her four month journey through this incredible country on foot and by zebu cart.  She stays sometimes with local friends and much of the time in villages, and exposes herself to traditional ways of life, truly seeing the way Malagasy live their life by their beliefs in fady and the spirits.
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24 February 2010 will go down as a great day in our books. You will ask yourself “Why’s that? What’s so special about that particular day?”

Well, that’s the day on which we hosted our very first workshop right here at No 7 Lancaster Road. In conjunction with The Madagascar Consulate, Air Madagascar, Legacy Hotels and an awesome team we pulled off a hugely successful Madagascar workshop. No mean feat, as agents are constantly inundated with invitations to attend presentations, workshops, etc. etc…
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Source: Leila Samodien, Weekend Argus, 23rd of January 2010

You’re alone in the middle of a vast expanse of dark blue ocean. The sea is calm; the sky is clear, but you know that at any moment, a rogue wave could come up behind you, knocking you right out of your kayak.
From above, the 40°C heat is merciless, burning every inch of exposed skin. And it’s even worse below – there’s no knowing what lies in the depth of the water. Read the rest of this entry »

By Mark Kinver : Science and environment reporter, BBC News
The ancestors of the current mammals found on the island of Madagascar could have been transported on floating vegetation from Africa, a study says.
Researchers modelled ancient ocean currents and found that favourable conditions existed in the same period as when mammals arrived on the island.  The idea of “rafting” first emerged in 1940, but some argued that a “land bridge” allowed animals to walk there.  The findings have been published online on the Nature website.
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Source: National Geographic, November 09

The lizard moved in frightened rhythms across the sun-blasted stone. A few quick steps, a turn of its boxy head. Then the stillness, the absolute zero, of a creature that sensed it was being hunted. All around, jagged spires and flutes rose like the towers of some Gothic cathedral, silent and empty. From the canyons below, a parrot flew squawking, breaking the trance. The lizard launched. Hery Rakotondravony’s arm fired out. Moments later the young herpetologist uncurled his fingers.
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