Isalo NP to Ambavalao

We had a drive of some 250 Kms today, but on good bitumen it was a breeze. We started off climbing to the high plateau at 1200 m. This was now golden deforested grasslands, however as we continued north there was a very pronounced change as we left Bara ethnic group region and entered Betsilao ethnic group area. The topography, house style and general affluence of the people also changed. We concluded that a lot of this had to do with the fact that the area was volcanic in nature with more rivers and suitable agricultural land.

There was lots of smoke haze from grassland burning. This was unfortunate as the granite mountains were quite imposing.

We saw a new Betsilao house being built....

...and passed numerous villages.

We had a scheduled stop at Anja Reserve for a guided walk. This is a community run project, showing how sustaining forest and wildlife can bring economic benefit.

We left the community via their farming area....

...were quickly back in ring tailed lemur territory...

..saw some big chameleons..

..and a colourful smaller lizard...

..an ancestral tomb...

..and some amazing plants. A spiney pachypodium....

..interesting euphorbia...

...and a flowering cactus like plant.

The boys also got a great view of the valley after some rock scrambling.

We then drove on the Ambalavo..

...visiting a paper making factory where they incorporated real flower petals into the paper...

...we also visited an artisan needlework shop..

..and a silk factory where the wild silk was handspun.

Late in the day we had a walk around the town. There was plenty of faded character in the buildings.

Then it was off to the local market.