Last Day at the Sanctuary
Leaving the sanctuary was bittersweet. I love it there and it really feels like home. Over the two weeks you begin to feel like the people and animals are your family. Saying goodbye to them for now though with plans to return in the not so distant future. But the other half of me was super excited and overjoyed to be heading to Madagascar. Not many people I know get the chance to go there so this was going to be special. And special it was.
The last day at the Sanctuary was a lot of fun. An early morning to feed and clean. As we did a lot of cleaning already on Friday during deticking there was only one enclosure to do so we had enough time to feed both the north and South enclosures in the morning and clear out dead grass and leaves from the electric fence of some enclosures. The animals get so excited for feeding and become different cats altogether. They become big scary lions. Haha. Bobcat, Suja and Tau in particular and holding the gate shut while we put food in their night pens safely can be a thrilling experience with the lion hating on you so much. Let me in! Let me in!
In the afternoon Drew arrived ready to take us to the airport. We had the chance to show her and her daughter around the enclosures and introduce them to the lions, leopards and hyenas. Kind of felt weird doing that to be honest being an Aussie showing the South Africans around but also a privilege. We then headed off to the airport. A bite to eat before boarding our plane.
We arrived safely on the Saturday night very late in Madagascar after being delayed by half an hour. It took an hour and a half to get through passport control and get a visa. We then had to wait another 20 mins for our bags. At this stage it was 1am already. Unfortunately my bag was misplaced. Either taken or left somewhere. Either way. No bag for me. One very upset and frustrated girl. Lucky for me we had left all our valuables with Drew and had on us my camera so in the bag is only clothes, shoes and toiletries. All replaceable. I'm trying to stay positive.
We headed to our first hotel which was just to shower and sleep before our flight in the morning. We only got 2 hrs sleep before heading to airport to get flight to Diego Suarez.
We were met at the airport by our guide Bruno and our driver Gabby and headed to the first hotel to settle in. A beautiful place with friendly people. Then straight off to Amber Mountain National Park for a walk through the rainforest. We were joined by Bev and Mary. An elderly British couple who we ended up running into for the rest of our trip as they had the same itinerary as us. We spotted 5 different species of chameleon and the walk was really lovely. Waterfalls, luscious green trees and even the worlds smallest chameleon measuring just 1 cm!!
We had a late lunch at a cute little restaurant before going back to the hotel to rest. It's been lucky our itinerary is so jammed packed I haven't had too much time to think about my lost bag. Dinner was lovely and we had the chance to chat to another couple from Australia, Dallas and Adrian. Their itinerary is the reverse of ours so they were able to give us tips for Nosy Be when we get there.
Monday - An early morning to try to beat the heat with walking we headed to see the Red Tsingy. Again passing Bev and Mary. :) These rock formations can not be found anywhere else in the world and were spectacular. Here are some photos for you.
We then stopped and had lunch with Bev and Mary and shared some great fellowship with new friends. They have done a lot of travelling and are now just spending their children's inheritance. The way it should be. Mary reminds me a little of my Nan. So adventurous.
Then a long drive to our next hotel. Passing many villages and that all familiar smell of burning charcoal. The people are very happy here despite not having much and they have fulfilled lives. Something we should remind ourselves of often.
Finally reaching Relais de Ankarana Hotel we settled in and relaxed for a bit. Dinner was delicious with fresh pineapple for dessert.
A good nights sleep before a full on day on Tuesday.
To be continued...
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