Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
skullsleftoverfromthefuneralfeast;averyrichmanmayhaveoverahundred.Theyusu-
ally have 'male and female' standing stones (or more recently cement towers) at each side.
Modern tombs may be brightly painted, though unlike those of the Mahafaly the paintings
do not necessarily represent scenes from the life of the deceased.
In Antandroy country, burial sometimes takes place several months after the day of
death, which will be commemorated by the sacrifice of cattle and ritual mourning or wail-
ing.Afewdayslaterthebodyisplacedinthecoffin-andmorezebuaresacrificed.Mean-
while finishing touches will be made to the tomb, before the internment ceremony, which
takesplaceovertwodaysormore.Thetombisfinallyfilledinwithstonesandtoppedwith
thehornsofthesacrificed zebu.Thenthehouseofthedeceased isburnttotheground.The
burial ceremonies over, the family will not go near the tomb again.
The Antanosy have upright stones, cement obelisks or beautifully carved wooden me-
morials.These,however,arenotoverthegravesthemselvesbutinasacredandsecretplace
elsewhere.
GETTING AROUND
Road travel in the south can be a challenging affair, but all of RN7
to Toliara is now paved. Cyclists and motorists alike will find the deep sand a problem on
many of the unmade roads, so many visitors prefer to fly.
IHOSY (PK 611)
Pronounced 'ee
oosh
', this small town is the capital of the Bara tribe. It is about five hours
fromFianarby
taxi-brousse
andlies15kmnorthofthejunctionforToliaraandTaolagnaro.
The road to the former is good; to the latter, bad. An almost impassable road also runs to
Farafangana on the east coast (see
Click Here
).
Ihosy is a medium-sized town whose role is to feed and accommodate those travelling
south on RN7. There is a post office, a small hospital and a branch of BOA bank (but no
ATM). Try opposite Evah for internet. In town there is a nice little square of open-sided
hotelys
serving good Malagasy food.
WHERE TO STAY AND EAT
Zaha
75 740 83. Pleasant, comfortable bungalows with en-suite bathrooms 1km
from centre (towards Toliara). €€€€
RelaisBara
(16rooms) 7580017.Oppositepostoffice.Dblrooms,mostlyensuite,
some with hot water. €€€
