Friday, October 23, 2020

Virtual Madagascar: Beaches


Finally back to (virtual)  Madagascar...after a hectic real-world week.

I'll elaborate on this during tomorrow's update...but for now...

 

I think we all deserve a beach!

And WHAT a break it is...

Since  Madagascar is an island...beaches are plentiful...and beautiful. 

A huge part of the tourism here.

 Without further adieu...here are the 6 beaches deemed THE BEST Madagascar has to offer!

 

#1 Sainte-Marie

 


A small islet off the mainland coastline, Sainte Marie is known for its clear turquoise water, sugar white sand, palm trees...oh and PIRATES

A genuine Pirate Cemetery is nearby.

Pirate Cemetery

https://youtu.be/M9RWRs3aZpc


This island was a pirate base on the trip back from the Indies during the 16th and 17th Century.  Many well known pirates came here. Some even stayed and made the beautiful island with still waters and abundant fruit and other food,home.

Part of Captain Kidd's treasure was reportedly found off the coast of this island.


A 121 pound silver ingot.


#2 Nosy Be

 https://youtu.be/jaRWXKAYofI

 

The name means "Big Island" in the Malagasy language.

This is the most popular touristy beach in Madagascar...so if you aren't into crowds...you might want to skip this one.

This area also has a history of murder and crime as recently as 2013 when mobs were attacking tourists...robbing and killing them.

Yeah...I'll pass.

Also kidnappings as recently as 2015.

Known for mob violence and lynching of ex-pats.


 Beautiful...but no...

Hard Pass.

 

#3 Tsarabanjina

 https://youtu.be/IdmevRKQTIo

 


This small coastal island beside Madagascar is one of the few private islands for RENT.

 Yes, you can rent the entire island! 

(...which seems kind of neat...)

There are accommodations...and it is all inclusive.

Perfect for long walks or basks on powdery tropical beaches.

This seems like more MY kind of place.

 

#4 Manafiafy


Home of  Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge.

 https://youtu.be/lpfBZ1nv_Gc

Where you can enjoy not only the sand-colored beach and clear waters...but also an amazing Lodge.


They also offer scuba diving tours and whale watching.

Expensive, but exclusive. A private romantic getaway!


#5 Mitsio Archipelago


Just off the coastline of the mainland..Mitsio is actually a chain of islets made up from the remnants of ancient volcanic ruins.

Perhaps its most interesting feature is the number of sea caves to explore.

 


 Carved out through the ash-piles turned to stone through the centuries.

Diving is also a well-loved past-time in these waters.

 Diving  Mitsio

 https://youtu.be/xHLjm4GbiyA

 There are also several hotels and many hiking trails.


#6 Anakao Beach

https://youtu.be/4NLiSdst-X4


Once again a bit touristy for my tastes, but a Safari Hotel on the beach itself.

There are also traditional fishing boats to be seen here or go out on.

 

Zebu-Carts

 


This is a Zebu.

 


And red starfish to be found.



 These are just a few beaches you can explore in Madagascar!


Hope you've enjoyed today's adventure.

 More anon...