An incredible year for the Botings with trips to Madagascar and Rwanda. Sam turned 25 and started a fantastic new job in Hermanus. Matt left home, graduated from university and went backpacking to Vietnam.
Day 1
Welcome to Nosy Be, Madagascar. First day has been an explosion on the senses. We have a beautiful lodge overlooking the ocean. Falling asleep under the mosquito net with the sound of the locals partying on the beach. It is a Sunday tradition of families coming down and enjoying themselves. I loved walking walking the beach. So much to see and photograph. The water was gloriously warm. Look forward to spending the next 7 nights here with Antony, Sam and Matt!
Day 2
I’ll never forget. Walking through the village at Nosy Komba and then having the most delightful encounter with the Lemurs. Another short boat ride away was Nosy Tankinely, a protected marine reserve with its crystal clear water and coral reef We had a lovely few hours there eating a seafood lunch and snorkeling. We were even lucky enough to see turtles which swam with Antony and Sam for a few minutes!
Day 3
Today’s excursion was to Lokobe Park. After an hours drive, we rowed our authentic fishermen canoes for about 45 minutes to the island. Lokobe Park is home to an incredible diversity of endemic species. We encounter more lemurs, colorful tiny chameleons, geckos and even a boa constrictor on a tree above us! The forest walk through the towering tree was lovely (and hot and sticky😂) I love meandering through the villages on the way and meeting the locals. The Malagasy are so friendly. Some super cute kids and of course dogs, chicken and cats make it so vibrant. The paths are lined with items for sale from sarongs to table cloths, vanilla pods, tee shirts and lots of wooden trinkets of lemurs and chameleon. Luckily for us, after a delicious seafood lunch, a motor boat towed our canoes back to the start!!
Day 4
Our excursion today was to Nosy Iranja, a small paradise island located in the heart of the Mozambique Channel. Nosy Iranja is famous for its sandbank that connects two islands at low tide. It has pristine white sandy beaches and turquoise waters and is just breathtaking! It was a 90 minute boat trip away from our hotel. We were dropped off on one side and walked across the sandbank to the bigger island. The water is crystal clear and so warm. After a dip and some beach time, we walked through the local village of 200 inhabitants up to the view point, passing the displays of sarongs tablecloths and Malagasy trinkets. Thursday is Independence Day so lots of the local ladies were getting their hair braided in preparation! We had one of our best meals ever - Antony even did a Facebook post about it. Delicious salad, braaied fish, prawns, 2 plates of lobster and Zebu kebabs (zebu is a type of cattle on the Island. They have massive humped backs) We took another boat back and had to drop other people off at a hotel far up north so were about an hour later than expected getting back to our hotel but the bonus was that we got to see the 5.30pm sunset from the boat.
Day 5
Today was a rest and recovery day. We did walk over to the next village along the beach 3 times though during the course of the day and then took the tuk tuk back to our hotel. Such a fun way to travel. It was Independence Day in Madagascar so lots of places closed but the street were vibey and all the ladies had their hair braided with beautiful beads. Such a lovely culture and I feel completely safe.
Day 6
We got to swim with giant green turtles at Nosey Sakatia! What a privilege. A day I’ll never forget
Island tour
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