We went to deck 13 forward at 10:30 pm last night. They did have the lights off up there. It was a black night. The cloud cover was so thick that not even the moon was visible. Too bad.
We were still up early this morning and Madagascar was visible in a hazy distance. It was clear, sunny and cloudless ashore. But coming and going, it was enshrouded in a mist or haze. Curious.
We docked at the new Rio Tinto port facility outside the town of Taolanaro. Crystal provided a shuttle bus to the port gate. There were taxis and tuk-tuks there for transportation into town. We had 2 tours booked today so never got into town.
Madagascar is the world's 4th largest island. It is likely the poorest country we've ever visited. It has the greatest bio-diversity on Earth. Most species are endangered. This is at least the 2nd or 3rd cruise we've booked with a stop here, but the first time we ever made it so it feels long overdue.
A description of our morning tour is pasted below. It was complimentary. If it sounds like a lot in 2 hours, it was and the had to cut out all but the tree planting and the garden walk with refreshments. More than half the group didn't do that either as it meant a walk down a hill and back up. That many people were unfit for a 20 minute uneven walk which was mystifying given they'd volunteered to do manual labor. Anyway, it was a surprisingly beautiful location. On our departure we happened upon a traditional Malagasy agricultural practice of trampling a rice paddy before new planting by chasing zebus (humped cattle) through the field.
EXCURSION
CRYSTAL VOLUNTOURISM ADVENTURES: TREE PLANTING AT DOMAINE DE
LA CASCADE
As part of Crystal’s “You Care. We Care.” program, we are
pleased to offer this complimentary, volunteer-focused excursion to Domaine de
la Cascade, a natural park area where you will assist in the planting of
endemic trees. As fit reward for your efforts, you will enjoy a respite in the
garden and the entertainment of a folkloric performance.
COMPLIMENTARY
DURATION
APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS
Your approximately 30-minute transfer from the pier brings
you to Domaine de la Cascade, a natural wonderland of streams and forests
rooted in an important mission: to protect the primary forest and its wildlife.
Gain an appreciation of the Domaine’s efforts as you get an
inside look at the hard work that goes into forest preservation. The Domaine
educates the local population about the value of endemic habitat and promotes
alternatives to deforestation. Advancing the cause are programs focusing on
reforestation, nursery management, forest fire intervention and the reintroduction
of protected animal species, including parrots and lemurs.
You will be invited to roll up your sleeves and help plant
such endemic trees as rosewood and merbau wood. Your visit also affords an
opportunity to experience the vanilla plantation, relax at the garden, be
entertained by a local folkloric group and enjoy refreshments of fresh fruit
and juice from the gardens.
Return to your Crystal ship with the satisfaction of having
planted not only trees but also the seeds of appreciation for Madagascar’s
precious forest.
Important Notes:
This is a no-frills excursion intended for guests seeking
personal growth and a chance to volunteer in local communities. This excursion
will require hands-on physical activity and the possibility of getting dirty.
It is recommended that guests dress in casual clothing and wear a hat and flat,
comfortable shoes. This excursion will operate in all weather conditions.
After a quick lunch onboard Serenity, it was time for our afternoon tour to find lemurs. Pasted below is the description. We paid $119 each for it. We had an excellent guide, Alain, in the morning. We made sure we had him again this afternoon. We wound up with only a group of 6 and 2 of them were our Signature TA hosts.
EXCURSION
NAHAMPOANA PRIVATE RESERVE
To encounter some of Madagascar’s most remarkable and flora
and fauna, including indigenous trees and the adorable ring-tailed lemurs, join
this visit to the private Nahampoana Reserve.
DURATION
APPROXIMATELY 4 HOURS
Anticipating a memorable outing, depart the pier aboard your
non-air-conditioned transportation for the approximately 30-minute journey to
the Nahampoana Reserve.
This small, private park boasts a variety of exotic plants,
including ravenala palm, pitcher plants, oil palm, canela cinnamon, lemon
eucalyptus and young baobab trees, the national tree of Madagascar. Also found
here is the triangle palm, a tree that is indigenous to Madagascar and rarely
achieves the kind of robust health or height (of up to 50 feet) elsewhere in
the world.
While the flora certainly is fascinating, what is even more
delightful is the reserve’s animal life, most notably the lemurs. Every lemur
species native to the south of Madagascar lives in the park, including
ring-tailed, red-fronted brown, bamboo and sifakas, the latter of which is
known for its wide, black face trimmed in white fur. You are likely to observe
individuals or entire clans roaming in the trees or playing on the ground near
the park’s old colonial house. Be sure to keep an eye out for the other
creatures of Nahampoana such as chameleons, tortoises, crocodiles and birds.
Following your walk along the reserve’s nature trails, you
will be entertained by a group of talented villagers. Then bid farewell to this
Madagascar treasure and its unique wildlife and return to your Crystal ship.
Motor coaches used for this excursion are not equipped with
air conditioning. This excursion involves travel along rough and bumpy roads.
Although our tour operator has engaged the best available guides, please be
aware there may be times when their French-accented English may not be fully
comprehensible. It is recommended that guests wear a hat, sunscreen and flat,
comfortable shoes.
We found all 4 species of lemurs with the help of an informed spotter network. The leaping sifakas were amazing. It was a great day but man is it hot here! Madagascar, country #89!
We sailed a little early as required by the port according to the captain. Fortunately all were aboard. We had dinner reservations in Silk at 6:30 pm. We were seated just as the sun set behind the peaks of Madagascar as lightening flashed. Clay wanted to do laundry after dinner, but as I predicted after such a sweaty day the machines were all in use. Tomorrow night is black tie optional so we'll try again then. Two sea days ahead. We need them!
