The South - Madagascar - page 367

Tombs The most spectacular tombs within easy reach of the town are those of the
Masikoro, a subgroup of the Sakalava. This small tribe is probably of African origin, and
there is speculation that the name comes from mashokora which, in parts of Tanzania,
means 'scrub forest'. There are also Mahafaly and Bara tombs here.
The tombs are off RN7, a little over an hour from Toliara, and are clearly visible on the
right. There are several large, rectangular tombs, flamboyantly painted with scenes from
thedistinguishedmilitarylifeofthedeceased,withafewmermaidsandRambosthrownin
for good measure. Oh, and a scene from the film Titanic . These are known as the Tombs
of Andranovory .
Another, on the outskirts of town beyond the university, is King Baba's Tomb . This is
set in a grove of Didierea trees and is interesting more for the somewhat bizarre funerary
objects(anurnandahuge,crackedbell)displayedthereanditsspiritualsignificancetothe
local people (you may only approach barefoot) than for aesthetic value. This King Baba,
who seems to have died a century or so ago, was presumably a descendant of one of the
Masikoro kings of Baba mentioned in British naval accounts of the 18th century. These
kings used to trade with English ships calling at St Augustine's Bay and gave their family
and courtiers English names such as the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cumberland. On
thewaytoKingBaba'sTombyoumayvisitalittlefenced-offparkofbanyantrees,alldes-
cending from one 'parent', known as 'the sacred grove'.
Watersports For many people the main reason to visit the Toliara region is for the coral
reefs. Most of the dive centres are attached to beach hotels in Ifaty to the north of Toliara,
and there are a couple more in Anakao to the south. These are listed in their respective
sections. Dead or dying coral is disturbingly evident but some diving and snorkelling sites
can still be rewarding. See boxes on Click Here and Click Here for information on marine
conservation.
Sailingandpiroguetrips,typicallylastingalldaywithapicniclunchonabeachorsmall
island,offeranalternativeandrelaxingwaytoenjoythesea.Fishermenwithsailboatswho
are willing to take tourists out for around 15,000Ar per person are easily found in Anakao
and Ifaty.
WARNING! Sea urchins are a problem in the shallows off many of the beaches (see
box on Click Here ). Be careful not to touch them and wear some form of foot protection
when swimming or snorkelling.