The past few days have been all about the Lemurs. I went across the private reserve of the Vakôna lodge and Ankanin’ny Nofy – the dream nest – a small island made into a beautiful reserve. So I’ve made lots of new friends: Propithecus diadema (Diademed Sifaka), Varecia Variegata (the Vari), Propithecus verreauxi coquereli, Eulemur Coronatus, Eulemur Macaco (the black lemur), Indri (the Babakoto), more Fulvus and a rare hybrid endemic to this island. They are such a riot!

I’ve also seen crocodiles, snakes, turtles, lots of rare trees, plants and orchids and even the legendary Fossa. That last one was in captivity unfortunately, as they are very hard to observe in their natural habitat and – if released – they would eat all the surrounding lemurs.

After that I traveled by boat down the “canal des Pangalanes” to reach Tamatave where I am now posting. Tomorrow, I will be flying to Nosy Boraha otherwise known as Sainte-Marie island. See you there!

Also went trekking and had a swim in the natural pools (of cold water!). Caught some beautiful shots coming back down at sunset. The pics are up on Flickr.

I am now in Ifaty a small village by the seaside after an epic drive where we got stuck in the sand twice! Thankfully the local villagers helped us out and we made it safely, late in the evening yesterday.