Kirindy

Morning in Kirindy

After an outdoor breakfast in the heart of the forest, we quickly reached the Kirindy Reserve to see the first lemurs and other typical Malagasy wildlife. We manage to capture several animals with our cameras, but luck isn't on our side when it comes to spotting the fossa, an ancient feline, the only predator present on the island, which in this reserve appears to be more easily spotted than elsewhere. Two hours are enough for a good visit and

We continue to Morondava, where we have already enjoyed the excellent restaurants. At the entrance of each city or village, you encounter a police checkpoint with spiked barriers on one of the lanes. They always let us pass, but they stop taxis and private vehicles for checks, often in search of a tip. We take possession of the room and head straight to see the local market: here we find fresh fish meticulously aligned, alternating with other buckets, in a scent that we would have only recognized as unpleasant if we had smelled it in Italy. Characteristic are the kiosks selling SIM cards or mobile phone refills, practically everywhere. We return from the beach, in a mixture of trash and real tropical sand. Some rafts They are returning, and the women approach to take possession of the catch and process it accordingly. The best quality is delivered to restaurants, after which they use it or sell any surplus at the market in the hope of making a little money; unsold items are dried. Many places can be found around the city rice paddies from the typical shimmering green. When there is less than half an hour left before sunset, we set off towards the Allée des Baobabs for one of the moments that will remain etched in our memories for years to come. Perhaps it is the most significant highlight of Madagascar, certainly the most publicized and famous. The enormous orange sphere descends slowly, illuminating the land more and more horizontally. I baobab they appear one by one, majestic against the group of observers set up to film them. The immense, ancient giants They are becoming increasingly dark, their form takes on a nearly artificial, mystical character, yet at the same time is absolutely and completely natural. They seem to have always been there, precursors of another way of life. They appear dry but are incredibly alive, with their deep roots sucking water from the earth's depths and storing it in their grey bellies, so they can cope with unexpectedly dry periods.
Among the people standing in front and behind the many cameras are also Chinese: their presence will be rare on this trip, almost unique. Wealthy individuals from China usually prefer the comfort offered by resorts, which feature easily accessible locations and "Instagrammable" spots. In fact, Madagascar can only offer the Allée des Baobabs, which is why we find them here. Speaking of the snake and ant parable, how should we consider them? Perhaps we are facing a dual case. 

Sunset at Kirindy

The Baobab Avenue Visited at sunset, it's an unforgettable experience, with spectacular light and shadow. The profile of these trees, which appear to be overturned with their roots in the air, is remarkable. They seem to have been planted specifically to allow us to pass through the road in a time when people in this area had not yet set foot here. Recently, one was discovered that is over 1400 years old. There are three types, all present on the island. Underneath the trees grow bushes that reach about two and a half meters in height. Their trunk can hold up to 100,000 liters of water, making them capable of withstanding long periods of drought. 

Dinner, unsurprisingly, is enjoyed at a restaurant in Morondava. A short walk to see the sunset along the increasingly deserted road, and then back to our accommodation, where we can sleep amidst a garden decorated with bougainvillea.